Comparing E902 - Candelilla wax vs E905A - mineral oil
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 142 products
Found in 1,401 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is candelilla wax an emulsifier?
In foods, E902 is primarily a glazing/coating wax and structuring/thickening agent; it isn’t a true emulsifier, though it can help stabilize texture in some formulations.
What is candelilla wax made of?
A plant-derived wax from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub (Euphorbia cerifera/antisyphilitica), composed mainly of long‑chain hydrocarbons, wax esters, fatty acids, and resins.
Does candelilla wax clog pores?
It’s generally considered low‑comedogenic and unlikely to clog pores for most people, though any waxy, occlusive ingredient can bother some acne‑prone skin.
What is candelilla wax used for?
In foods (E902) it’s used mainly as a glazing/surface‑coating agent and as a texturizer. It gives shine and a moisture barrier to confectionery, fruits, and chewing gum, and helps firm or thicken products.
What is euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax?
It’s the plant wax obtained from the leaves of the Candelilla shrub (Euphorbia cerifera), approved in foods as E902 chiefly for glazing/coating and thickening functions.
What is mineral oil used for?
E905a mineral oil serves as a glazing and release agent in foods, keeps processing equipment lubricated, and appears in personal-care, pharmaceutical, and industrial products as a moisture-sealing or friction-reducing ingredient.
Is mineral oil safe for skin?
Refined cosmetic- or pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil is considered non-comedogenic and generally safe for most skin types, acting as an occlusive to reduce transepidermal water loss, though sensitive users can experience clogged pores or folliculitis.
Is mineral oil edible?
Food-grade mineral oil is approved for limited ingestion—such as functioning as a laxative or as the glazing agent E905a—provided intake stays within regulatory limits; industrial grades without purification are not safe to consume.
Is mineral oil a laxative?
Yes—oral and enema forms of mineral oil act as lubricant laxatives that soften stool and ease passage, though they are typically recommended only for short-term relief because long-term use can interfere with nutrient absorption and bowel function.