Wax obtained from the insect Dactylopius coccus Costa, study for its application in natural cosmetic products

Abstract

The insect Dactylopius coccus Costa produces a white wax that serves to protect itself from the environment, at the time of harvesting the insect, the wax is separated by sifting, in intensive production of the insect a large amount of wax is discarded. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a physicochemical analysis of three samples from different producers obtained by the same method, to determine if it meets the characteristics to be used in any natural product. The methodology consisted of determining the organoleptic characteristics, as well as the color by means of a colorimeter, determination of pH, melting point, and percentage of humidity. The results obtained were compared with a synthetic (microcrystalline) wax used in a cosmetic product, to see if it could be substituted by the analyzed wax. It was found that it was possible to substitute the synthetic wax for the natural wax due to its conflicting characteristics. Therefore, it is concluded that this wax can be used in the elaboration of natural products. Although it would be necessary to carry out a series of tests of the final product obtained with and without the wax. To determine if the substitution is favorable or not.