Waxes Esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols. Spermaceti is found in the head of the sperm whale and is probably used to control buoyancy. Most natural waxes are protective coats for plants'leaves,insects'exoskeletons, mammals'fur,and birds'feathers. Waxes ◼Esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols. ◼Spermaceti is found in the head of the sperm whale and is probably used to control buoyancy. ◼Most natural waxes are protective coats for plants’ leaves, insects’ exoskeletons, mammals’ fur, and birds’ feathers