Things that are usually made of wax include:
- Candles, which can be made from various waxes such as beeswax, paraffin, soy, and vegetable waxes
- Shoe polishes and wood polishes, which often use wax for coating and protection
- Automotive polishes and surfboard wax, which use waxes like carnauba wax for a protective finish
- Crayons and colored pencils, which contain wax as a binding and coloring agent
- Cosmetics such as lipstick, mascara, lip balm, hand creams, and hair wax, often made with beeswax or other natural waxes
- Adhesives and flexible packaging materials that incorporate wax for their malleable and protective properties
- Food coatings, including cheese wax that protects cheese from mold and moisture, typically made from a combination of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes
- Coatings and additives in inks, polishes, and paper products
Waxes used come from various sources:
- Animal waxes like beeswax and lanolin
- Plant waxes such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and jojoba oil
- Petroleum-based waxes including paraffin, microcrystalline, and synthetic waxes
Thus, wax is a versatile material used in many everyday products ranging from candles and polishes to cosmetics and food coatings
