This Vegan Wax Comes from Tea Leaves


Here's an ingredient that was introduced at InCosmetics this year, and even though I didn't attend, invites from various ingredients manufacturers popped into my inbox prior to the event.

This one caught my attention: 'stop by and experience our latest product: tea wax'.

Included was a link to sign up for a test sample. Yes please.

Tea wax is so new to the market, there is only a preliminary INCI name (to date): Camellia Sinensis Leaf Cera.

How it's Made

The wax is obtained by an eco-friendly Co2 extraction of the tea leaves, and according to the manufacturer, is very sustainable because it is a "byproduct of the manufacturing process of decaffeinated tea".

That's the wax up there.

Dark, rich, and with an unmistakeable scent of tea leaves.

Feel

As you have probably already gathered from the pic, it's a pretty soft wax or it would have been packaged as pellets or sheets.

And you are absolutely right. Tea wax has a lower melting point than other waxes: 60º – 66ºC  /  140º  – 151º F

I tried some straight up on the back of my hand and it smoothed out like a balm quite quickly, leaving a lovely feel.

The dark color may seem like it would discolor everything, but nope, it doesn't seem to.

Ready to Play

The manufacturer recommends using tea wax to "add creaminess to emulsions" and "not to expect too much in the way of hardness".

I haven't had a chance to play around with this ingredient in earnest yet, but the skin feel makes me think I definitely need to try adding it to a few products I am working on.

Updates to follow!


Do Tell

Would you be willing to formulate with tea wax? What would you use it in?

Comments

Anonymous said…
Sounds lovely! Do you know if it contains caffeine?
Ilhem said…
Oh yes, I would be! At the top of my head: hand/foot cream, mask, body lotion.
E.A. Hennessy said…
I'm intrigued! I can't use bees wax so I'm always interested in other types of wax. I'm also curious to know if it contains caffeine?
LisaLise said…
@Anon - Great question. I can't seem to find this info in the manufacturers info sheet. If you stay tuned I will update as soon as I know.

@Ilhem - You and I both!

@E.A.Hennessy - This wax won't be able to replace beeswax at all (far too soft), but combined with other vegan waxes I can see it providing a lovely consistency. I can't answer you on about the caffeine (yet) but will update when I have that info.
Alana said…
I am not the manufacturer, but in the post, it states that the wax is a byproduct of decaffeinated tea.
LisaLise said…
Hi Alana — yes— it states this wax is a byproduct of producing decaffinated tea — but not if the wax retains caffeine.
Anonymous said…
oh this sounds exciting. i love tea! where can i purchase some to play with?
Thank you Lise for sharing your wonderful knowledge and from everything I've read so far on your blog, your inspiring support of everyone that wants to create their own skin nourishment. Such a delight to visit your site. Thank You ! :)
LisaLise said…
HI Anon - Thanks so much for your kind comment. The tea wax I am using is a sample and I am not sure how many suppliers carry this wax yet. I think there is a UK supplier who carries it, but couldn't be sure. Sorry i wasn't more help!
Anonymous said…
I love the idea of using a wax derived from tea leaves. Where can I purchase some of this? Thanks Lisa. I love your blog, and how you stimulate so many ideas with encouragment. Thank You so much :)
LisaLise said…
Hey there Anon - Thanks so much for your compliment. Truly appreciated! I'm loving this wax bigtime! As for purchasing-- the manufacturer is Kählwax. :)
Unknown said…
who manufactures this one in your hand ;)? where can we find it ? (UK, Europe)
LisaLise said…
Hi Unknown - the manufacturer is a German company called Kählwax.