Products
Waxes for medical and pharmaceutical use are available in pharmacies and drugstores as pure substances in pharmacopoeia quality.
Structure and properties
Waxes are semisolid to solid, lipophilic and purified mixtures of substances, typically consisting mainly of esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain and aliphatic alcohols. They belong to the lipids. Rarely, they are liquid at room temperature (jojoba wax). They may also contain other components such as steroids, free fatty acids and free alcohols. Waxes have a plant or animal origin or are produced synthetically. A broader definition includes various other groups of substances such as hydrocarbons (e.g., microcrystalline wax).
Effects
Waxes have skin-protecting, skin-conditioning, and skin-regenerating properties. They are generally not intended for ingestion; some can be ingested.
Indications for use
Waxes are mainly used in pharmacy and medicine for the production of medicines and cosmetics, for example, ointments (ointment base) and lip balms. As pharmaceutical excipients, they are used as coating agents, polishing agents and brighteners, among other things. Other applications (selection):
- Beeswax dressings for colds
- Waxes for hair removal
- For the preparation of processed foods, as separating and coating agents.
- Technical applications, for example, for material care (wood, car, shoes).
Examples
Natural waxes:
- Beeswax
- Candelilla wax
- Carnauba wax
- China wax
- Japan wax
- Jojoba wax
- Lanolin
- Shellac
- Wool wax
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions.
