1. Bees wax: This is secreted by honeybees to from honeycomb. This chief ingredient is myricyl palmitate.
2. Chinese wax: This is secretion of an insect.
3. Carnauba wax: This is found on the leaves of Carnauba palm of Brazil. They are of value in the manufacture of shoe polish, floor waxes, varnishes, and candles.
4. Lanoline: This is also known as wool wax. It is obtained from wool and is used in making ointments. The common wax in human body is found in the blood plasma and suprarenal and sebaceous glands. They are all esters of cholesterol, that is, cholesterol palmitate.

Significance: The importance of waxes in plants and animals is that they serve as protective agents. The waxy coating on the surface of plants prevents excessive loss of moisture. The waxy coating over fruits like apple and citrus fruits prevents them from drying and from being infected with fungi and bacteria. In birds, the presence of wax on the surface of feathers and hairs help to keep them soft and pliable. The waxes prevent the aquatic animals from becoming wet.