Comparing E902 - Candelilla wax vs E909 - Spermaceti
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 142 products
Found in 0 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Awareness data is not available.
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 spermaceti used for?
E909 is a whale-derived wax that was formerly used as a glazing/release (anti-sticking) agent on confectionery and some fruits.
Is spermaceti still used?
No—its use in foods is not authorized in the EU or US, and trade in whale products is widely prohibited; manufacturers use alternatives like carnauba or microcrystalline waxes.
What does spermaceti look like?
It is a hard, white, crystalline wax that is nearly odorless and tasteless, with a slightly oily feel.
What was spermaceti used for?
In foods it served as a glazing/anti-sticking agent (E909); outside food it was used for high-quality candles, ointments, and polishes.
How much spermaceti is in a sperm whale?
The spermaceti organ of a large sperm whale can contain up to about 1,900 liters (roughly 500 U.S. gallons) of spermaceti.