Candelilla is a natural wax obtained by processing the leaves and stems of candelilla plant. The wax has a diverse composition, but its main components are hydrocarbons, esters and resins. It is insoluble in water.
Candelilla wax has a high melting point, it is hard and brittle. It can be mixed with other waxes to increase the hardness of mixtures. It is also often used as a substitute for carnauba wax and beeswax.