Ear wax is natural and in most cases does not need to be removed as it normally works its way out of the ear. The movement of the wax is caused by the movement of the jaw and by the skin of the ear as it grows outward from the ear drum to the outside of the ear (Epithelial Migration) The ear wax that comes out of our ears has several natural components. A secretion called cerumen, dead skin cells and ear hairs. The ear has evolved to be self cleaning when functioning normally and left to do its job. The secretion cerumen is formed in modified sweat glands in the outer third of the ear canal not deep within the ear (stimulation in this area ie your finger or cotton wool buds, will actually stimulate extra wax production). The cerumen then drains into the ear hair roots (folicles). From here it moves into the ear canal to coat, lubricate and protect both the ear hairs and the skin of the ear canal. On its journey it will collect and move any foreign bodies, dead skin cells and hairs and carry them out of the ear. The colour and texture of ear wax can vary from brown to orange through to red and yellow. The texture can vary from wet to dry.  Ear wax also provides protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water.