Beeswax is a natural secretion of the honey bee, Apis Mellifera. It is widely used in the cosmetics industry as an emulsifier, emollient and thickener. Beeswax soothes and softens the skin, protects it from dehydration and provides antibacterial properties. It is an essential ingredient in lip care products, stick formulations, creams, lotions and other emulsions.
The beeswax is light yellow, medium yellow or dark brown, which is caused by the fat soluble carotenoids or other pigments in pollen and propolis. At normal temperature, beeswax is in solid state and has a beeswax aroma similar to honey and bee flower powder.
Acts as an emulsifier and provides body and stiffness to lotions, creams, and body butter. Beeswax is added to soap to make them harder and longer lasting, and to lip balms to add body.
Beeswax is also used for candles, as it burns cleaner and longer than petroleum-based petroleum waxes.
Beeswax gives products viscosity, has rich care properties, and provides for a good adhesion to the skin.
In cosmetics, it offers nurturing benefits and acts as a stabilizer in pastes and ointments.
Features:
- Beeswax has unique characteristics, making it an ideal material for cosmetics:
- Builds stable emulsions, improves water binding of ointments and creams
- Gives the skin a protective, non-occlusive layer, enhancing the protective action of sun creams. It improves elasticity and plasticity, allows the formation of thinner films, and provides greater permanence on the skin and lips
- Improves soap function, gives a protective film on skin and improves its elasticity.
- Improves protective action of sun creams, does not provoke allergy.
- Does not provoke allergic reaction
- Desired effect can be achieved often by as little as 1 to 3 % beeswax
- It not only improves the appearance and consistency of creams and lotions but is also a preferred ingredient for lipsticks, because it contributes to sheen, consistency and color
stabilization.
Beeswax is considered safe for human consumption and is listed as an authorized additive under EU food regulations. It is inert, meaning it does not interact with the human digestive system and passes through the body unaltered. However, substances dissolved or encapsulated in wax are slowly released, a property that is exploited in many medicinal preparations.
