Waxes are a mixture of hydrophobic organic substances of medium-chain length. Waxes will melt at temperatures in the range of 40°C up to 140°C without decomposition and will re-solidify unchanged. Solubility and consistency of waxes is strongly temperature-dependent. Waxes are classified into animal, vegetable and mineral types depending on their source.

Source: Cosmetic Formulation Principles and Practice - Heather A.E. Benson, Michael S. Roberts, Vânia Rodrigues Leite-Silva, Kenneth A. Walters