Waxes are pliable substances related to fats, but less greasy, and generally with a more firm consistency. They may be of plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic origin and generally contain high molecular weight fatty acids and alcohols, or saturated hydrocarbons. They tend to melt at moderate temperatures between 95°-212° F (35°-100°C). Waxes that form a hard film and can be polished to a high gloss are often used as polishes. Waxes of plant and animal origin are formed from fatty acids and alcohols or sterols (e.g., cholesterol). The fatty acids are almost always saturated with no double bonded carbon to carbon links. They may vary in length from C₁₂ to C₃₈. The alcohols are generally straight chain, and saturated with lengths from C₁₂ to C₃₆.

Secreted by glands on the abdomen of the bee, beeswax is the most widely used animal wax...