Description

Cananga odorata flower wax is derived from the flowers of the Cananga odorata plant, commonly known as ylang-ylang. This wax is obtained through a process of solvent extraction and is used in various cosmetic and personal care products for its emollient properties and distinctive aroma.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Components:
Fatty Acids: Includes long-chain fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid.
Waxes: The primary component is a blend of natural wax esters.
Terpenes: Contains minor amounts of terpenes, including linalool and geraniol, which contribute to the fragrance.
Sterols: May contain plant sterols, which contribute to its skin-conditioning properties.
Structure: The wax is composed of esters of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. It has a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and esters that form a solid, waxy substance at room temperature.

Physical Properties

Color: Typically pale yellow to light amber, reflecting the natural color of the ylang-ylang flowers.
Odor: Floral, sweet, and slightly exotic, characteristic of ylang-ylang.
Texture: Solid at room temperature, with a smooth, waxy texture that can be melted to a liquid state.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents.

Production Process

Collection of Flowers: Fresh ylang-ylang flowers are collected, usually at the peak of their fragrance.
Extraction: The flowers undergo solvent extraction to obtain essential oils, which are then processed to separate the waxy components.
Purification: The wax is purified to remove any residual impurities and to concentrate the beneficial components.
Formulation: The purified wax is incorporated into cosmetic and personal care formulations.

Applications

Cananga odorata flower wax is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products:

Skincare Products: Added to creams, lotions, and balms for its emollient and moisturizing properties.
Hair Care Products: Used in conditioners and hair masks to provide shine and manageability.
Cosmetic Formulations: Employed as a thickening agent in lipsticks, lip balms, and other products requiring a waxy consistency.

Safety

Cananga odorata flower wax is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It is important to ensure that the wax is free from contaminants and meets quality standards. Individuals with known allergies to ylang-ylang or related plants should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Sustainable Sourcing: The production of Cananga odorata flower wax should adhere to sustainable harvesting practices to minimize environmental impact.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the wax complies with cosmetic regulations and safety standards is essential for consumer safety.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality control measures should be in place to ensure the wax's purity and effectiveness in formulations.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.
Synonyms:

CAS: 83863-30-3 EC number 281-092-1