Beeswax
Cera alba
What is Beeswax?
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. They use it to build the honeycomb structure that makes up their hives. Beeswax is made of esters, which are fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. The main fatty acids are palmitic acid and oleic acid (like in olive oil). These are similar to what is found in candelilla wax.
Beeswax is firm but pliable, with a melting point around 145°F (63°C). This makes it useful in formulations like salves and lotions where texture and stability are important. Beeswax naturally repels water and is usually a golden yellow color. It can also be filtered to produce white beeswax, which is more neutral in appearance for skincare and cosmetic applications and has the propolis filtered out. It retains a natural, subtle honey fragrance.
We have been using beeswax throughout history. It has been used for candles, mummy preservation in Egypt, medicinal use in ointments/balms, sealing and preserving food, and more! The oldest beeswax samples were found at a neolithic site, estimated to be dated around the 7th millennium BC!
Benefits of Beeswax
- Waterproof
- Antimicrobial: The natural flavonoids, antioxidants, and acids in beeswax help prevent the growth of microbes and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, making it helpful with skin conditions.
- Protective: Beeswax provides a natural, protective barrier for skin.
- Moisturizing: Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe.
- Soothing: Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help soothe irritated skin and promote healing, making it ideal for use in balms and healing salves.
- Vitamin A: Beeswax naturally contains vitamin A, which supports skin health by stimulating cell regeneration.
- Sustainable and Renewable: Beeswax is a renewable resource as it is produced by bees in the normal course of hive activity. When sourced responsibly from ethical beekeepers, it promotes sustainable agriculture and helps support healthy bee populations.
- Natural Preservative: With its antimicrobial properties, helping to protect products from spoilage. It can extend the shelf life of natural formulations without the need for synthetic preservatives.
Common ways to use beeswax
Skincare uses: Beeswax is used in lotions, creams, and lip balms.
Cosmetic uses: Beeswax can be found in lipsticks, eyeliners, and mascaras.
Medicinal uses: Beeswax is used in creams, ointments, and balms to help support skin health. Even modern pharmaceuticals use it for pill coatings and creams.
Candle making
Food preservative uses: It is used for cheese wrapping and a beeswax-soaked cloth (a natural alternative to plastic wrap).
Furniture polishes and lubricants
Safety Concerns
Filtered beeswax generally poses a low risk of allergic reactions.
Drug Interaction: None that is noted, but it may interfere with topical medications. Consult your medical professional if you are concerned.
Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: Safe for use.
Other Concerns:
Bee Sting Allergy: Some are concerned about using beeswax if they are allergic to bee stings, but there is a difference between beeswax and beestings. A bee sting can trigger an allergic reaction because the venom injected into the skin by the bee contains proteins that affect skin cells and the immune system. When someone is allergic to bee stings, their immune system overreacts to the proteins in the venom, leading to a range of allergic responses that can vary in severity. So the allergy to bee stings comes from bee venom, which is not in beeswax.
Pollen and Propolis Allergy: Propolis, similar to pollen, is a resinous substance that bees collect from tree buds, sap, and other botanical sources. Bees use it to seal gaps in their hives and protect against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In beeswax, propolis can sometimes be a contaminant, especially in less purified forms of beeswax. Beeswax itself has a low risk of causing allergic reactions. It can be responsible for contact allergies in some people when found in beeswax-based products. Propolis is also valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Small traces of pollen or propolis might remain in beeswax, which could trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to bee-related products. Propolis, in particular, can cause contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to it. People with known allergies to bees or bee-derived ingredients (like honey, royal jelly, or propolis) should be cautious when using any product containing beeswax, as there may still be potential for a contact dermatitis reaction.
What can I do if I am worried? If you are concerned, you can do a small patch test or consult your trusted healthcare professional.
Why Choose Beeswax?
There are several great reasons why a nature-based company might choose to switch to beeswax for its products. We have decided to switch our wax to a well-filtered but untreated yellow organic beeswax from Bulk Apothecary that they have stated does not contain propolis.
Organic Certification: Beeswax can be certified organic in larger quantities, which aligns with our company's goal to use certified organic ingredients. It's a natural, untreated wax that meets organic and eco-conscious standards.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly: Beeswax is a renewable resource, produced by bees, which can support sustainable agriculture practices, particularly when sourced responsibly from organic beekeepers. Its production has a lower environmental impact compared to petroleum-based or synthetic waxes.
Skin Benefits: Beeswax has emollient properties, locking in moisture to keep the skin hydrated. It's rich in vitamin A, which promotes skin regeneration and repair, making it ideal for use in natural skincare products like salves and creams. Beeswax is also a better humectant, creating a strong barrier to protect the skin.
Natural Preservative: Beeswax has natural antimicrobial properties, helping to protect salves and lotions even more from bacteria and mold growth, which extends the product's shelf life without using synthetic preservatives.
Texture & Stability: Beeswax helps provide a smooth, firm texture to balms, salves, creams, and deodorants. It acts as a thickener, stabilizing the formulation, and giving a pleasant, non-greasy feel. It's especially useful in creating long-lasting, protective barriers on the skin.
Tradition & Heritage: Beeswax has been used in skincare for centuries. Its traditional and time-tested.
Ethical & Transparent Sourcing: With a growing demand for ethical sourcing, beeswax offers opportunities for transparent supply chains. When sourced from organic farms that promote bee welfare, it supports responsible beekeeping practices and helps protect bee populations.
Select Studies about Beeswax
A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of beeswax and breast milk in preventing nipple pain and cracks in new mothers during the early postpartum period. Ninety first-time mothers were divided into three groups: beeswax, breast milk, and a control group. They were observed on postpartum days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. The differences between the groups were statistically significant, indicating that beeswax is more effective than breast milk in preventing nipple pain and cracks.
This article reviews many benefits bee products offer, including manuka honey, bee propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, and beeswax. It highlights the presence of squalene, a decanoic acid, and flavonoids that both offer antiseptic properties. It also notes that beeswax is a good source of β-carotene.
A review of the use of beeswax in skincare
This review discusses how beeswax is generally considered a low-risk ingredient for allergies and skin irritation. Allergic reactions to beeswax are rare, with most cases linked to contaminants like propolis or resins rather than beeswax itself. Studies show that only 0.45% of people tested had allergic reactions to beeswax, making it one of the least allergenic bee-derived products. It provides benefits for skin health by protecting the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, and soothing inflammatory conditions like dermatitis. Beeswax is also used in cosmetics for its shaping and soothing properties, and it offers a cost-effective, natural option for skincare.