Candelilla wax

Why You Need It

• Vegan Protective Barrier: Replaces beeswax to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
• Natural Gloss & Structure: Gives shape to supplements and cosmetics without synthetic polymers.
• Rich in Nutrients: Contains high levels of long-chain fatty acids (mostly paraffins) and resins that soothe irritation.

Deep Dive

Candelilla wax is a hard, brittle wax derived from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. While it is often used as a food additive or supplement coating agent, its primary bio-action is topical. It is composed of approximately 50% resins and 50% wax esters.

For you, this translates to a highly effective emollient that creates a breathable barrier on the skin or a protective coating on a pill. Because it is harder than beeswax, it helps supplements resist melting and protects sensitive ingredients (like Omega-3s) from oxidation before they enter your body.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike vitamins found in leafy greens, Candelilla wax is an exudate from a specific plant. You cannot 'eat your way' to a dose of it via standard fruits and veggies. However, the shrub itself is the natural source.

Top Natural Sources (The Plant):

Supplementation

• Usage: You will rarely take this as a standalone supplement. It is primarily used as a coating agent for softgels and gummies, or as a thickener in topical creams.
• Dosage: There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). As a food additive (E902), it is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in small quantities.
• Who Should Take It: Those looking for vegan alternatives to beeswax in their skincare or supplement coatings.