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candelilla
Candelilla shrub (Euphorbia antisyphilitica).
candelilla wax
candelilla wax, hard, yellowish tan to brown wax found as a coating on candelilla shrubs, Euphorbia antisyphilitica or Euphorbia cerifera, which grow wild in northern Mexico and Texas. Candelilla wax resembles carnauba wax but is less hard. Because it blends with other waxes and is less costly, candelilla wax is used chiefly as an extender in formulas containing carnauba, paraffin, and other waxes. It has been used in polishes, paints, inks, waterproofing, and carbon paper.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
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