Candelilla - a beauty product from the Mexican desert

The candelilla shrub grows mainly in Mexico and has been used for generations for the versatile wax that can be obtained from it. The wax is harvested from the shrub by specially trained workers called candelilleros, because it is a strictly controlled sustainable process. The wax is always obtained from the wild and is therefore a super environmentally friendly product.

Candelilla wax is a wonderful ingredient in homemade creams and balms and is a great vegan alternative to beeswax. It retains moisture and intensively nourishes your skin. It also provides the necessary firmness so that your DIY product doesn't become too soft; especially very handy in deodorant and lip balm. An ingredient you can't miss as a DIY-er!

How do you use candelilla wax?

Depending on what your DIY recipe is, you determine the amount and melt the desired amount of candelilla wax in a bain-marie. The melting point is slightly higher than that of beeswax (around 70°C), so it may take a while. Once it has melted, you add your other ingredients and heat them together briefly so you can mix them well.

Then pour your mixture into a glass bottle or jar and let it cool before using it.