Beeswax

Other Name(s):

Cera Alba; Bee’s Wax; White Beeswax; Apis Mellifera

Beeswax is a natural product from the beehive. It forms the bulk of the beehive itself! There are specialised glands on a bee’s abdomen which secrete the wax which they then shape into the honeycomb.

Is Beeswax Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Beeswax is a 100% natural ingredient with tremendous usefulness. Additionally, supporting beekeepers helps to support bees who are responsible for pollinating approximately one third of all food produced globally.

Benefits: Why is Beeswax used?

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles burn much cleaner than paraffin candles do. Because beeswax burns hotter than paraffin wax, it doesn’t produce as much soot.

Natural Emulsifier

Beeswax can function as an emulsifier, preventing water and oil ingredients from separating.

Beeswax Kisses

Beeswax helps lipsticks to stay firm enough to hold their shape, but soft enough to be applied to the lips.

Moisture Guard

Beeswax helps to prevent moisture loss by forming a barrier. This works best in combination with other moisturising ingredients.

Learn more about Beeswax:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Beeswax?

Beeswax is used extensively in cosmetics and skincare but also to a lesser extent in other household goods like candles, shoe polishes, and even fire lighters.

Production: How is Beeswax Made?

Beekeeping is a complex, specialised skill that takes very many things into consideration including seasonality, time of day or night, brood age and more. There are many different methods of separating beeswax from the harvested honey combs. Traditionally, a honeycomb is placed in a cheese cloth and the honey is allowed to drip out into a collection container. The leftover wax is then carefully melted to form larger blocks.

Interesting Fact: Beeswax

In most cases, harvesting of honey and beeswax doesn’t harm the hive. Beekeepers usually take very careful precautions when handling the beehives. Bees typically generate much more honey and wax than their brood needs to survive comfortably.

A World Health Organisation committee wasn’t able to conclude whether or not beeswax can trigger an allergic response. If you experience severe allergic reactions to bee stings, it might be best to avoid beeswax.

Bees are essential for global food security. Approximately one third of all food produced in the world relies on bees for pollination.

Statistics from The World Bee Project:

87% of the world’s flowering plant species depend on pollinators.

77% of the global food supply depends on pollinators.

US$ 235 billion - US$ 577 billion worth of annual global food production relies on pollinators.

1.4 billion jobs worldwide rely on pollinators.