A systematic chemical profile of natural waxes has been updated, using HPLC–ELSD and GC–MS.
The correlation between chemical composition in waxes and their gelling properties has been established.
Order of importance for oil gelation: hydrocarbons > fatty acids > wax esters > fatty alcohols.
Hydrocarbons and fatty acids play a key role contribute to the consistency and stability of wax-based oleogels.
H-bonding in very long-chain fatty alcohols (>30 carbons) compromises the oil gelation.