What is Sunflower wax?
Sunflower wax is a hard, vegetable wax extracted from the oil of sunflower seeds. It is a byproduct of the sunflower oil refining process and is obtained mechanically or by filtration. This vegan wax is odorless, has a high melting point and is ideal for enhancing the consistency of cosmetic products.
Benefits of Sunflower Wax
Sunflower wax provides excellent structure and stability to products. It increases the melting temperature of formulations, helps thicken oil blends and provides a non-sticky, protective barrier on the skin. In addition, it is mild and suitable for sensitive skin, and is a good alternative to beeswax in vegan formulations.
Applications in Cosmetics
This wax is often used in lip balms, lipsticks, lotions, deodorants, ointments, solid perfumes and hair styling products. Sunflower wax helps improve stability, prevents oil efflorescence and gives a firm, smooth texture to finished products.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Hard vegetable wax from sunflower seed oil |
| Usage rate in soap | 1-5%, for extra hardness |
| Usage amount in skin care | 1-10% |
| Usage rate in hair care | 1-5% |
| Used in well-known products | Lip balms, lipsticks, solid perfumes, styling waxes |
| Advantages in formulations | Structure, increases melting temperature, vegan alternative |
| Amount of free radicals | No |
| Amount of antioxidants | Low, traces of vitamin E (naturally present in sunflower oil) |
| Amount of anti-inflammatories | Limited, gentle on the skin |
| Quantity of fatty acids | Rich in long-chain fatty acids and esters |
| INCI | Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax |
| Saponification value (NaOH). | Approximately 0.10 |
| Saponification value (KOH). | Approximately 0.14 |
| CAS number | 8001-21-6 (derived from sunflower oil) |
| EINECS number | 232-273-9 |
| Customs tariff HS code | 1521.90 |
| How is it harvested? | Sunflower seeds are pressed for oil; wax is obtained from the residue |
| Production method | Fractionation and filtration of sunflower oil |
| What is the production process? | Degumming of oil followed by cooling filtration for wax extraction |
| Color | White to light yellow |
| Viscosity | Hard, solid wax at room temperature |
| Origin | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Fragrance | Odorless or very mild vegetable |
| Absorption rate | Slow, forms protective layer |
| Estimated melting temperature | 75°C – 80°C |
| Similar oils/fats | Candelilla wax, carnauba wax, rice husk wax |
| Storage and shelf life | Store cool, dry and dark; keep for up to 2 years |
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