Wax is a simple form of lipid
molecule. It consists of a long-chain of alcohol and a fatty acid. Many of the
natural occurring wax found in nature are used as ingredients for products
found in stores like ointments, hand cream, and cosmetics.
Plants have
naturally occurring wax on their leaves and stems; these serve as coatings to
prevent them from losing excess water. Other forms of wax found in nature are beeswax,
used by bees to make their cones for honey and eggs; sperm whales have
spermaceti wax found in their blubber; and carnuba wax, is an ingredient
commonly used for car waxes, commonly found in Brazilian palm trees.
