Beeswax in skincare - why prefer it in natural cosmetics?

Natural cosmetics are increasingly using various waxes. Beeswax is one of the oldest and most underestimated ingredients in natural cosmetics. It has been used in skincare since ancient Egyptian times and is now found in lip balms, salves, facial balms, and body care products. The uniqueness of beeswax lies in the fact that it is a natural protective and moisturizing barrier that helps support the skin without clogging pores.

Beeswax is one of the most underestimated ingredients in natural skincare. We often see it, but many consumers and even skincare companies don't know that beeswax is a powerful, multi-purpose skincare ingredient. Wax can last for thousands of years under good conditions.

What is beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by worker bees and used to build honeycombs. The wax contains small amounts of honey, bee bread, and propolis, and these compounds give it skin-supporting properties. Beeswax is collected as a byproduct of honey production and, unlike many plant waxes, does not require complex processing.

Beeswax has a yellowish hue and a delicate honey aroma. If a person has a honey or pollen allergy, it is advisable to do a small skin test before use.

Beeswax is a product made from the secretions of worker bees' wax glands. The mixing of pollen into the honeycomb wax changes the initially white wax to the familiar yellow or brownish color. If you are allergic to honey or pollen, it is very likely that products containing wax will not suit you.

 

 

Why use beeswax in skincare?

1. Protects and moisturizes the skin

One of the greatest advantages of beeswax is its ability to lock moisture into the skin. It forms a natural protective layer on the skin's surface, helping to prevent dryness, flaking, and cracking, while still allowing the skin to breathe. It is particularly effective as it protects against cold and wind. The wax helps protect and repair rough, dry, or cracked skin by locking in moisture. In addition to being a natural moisturizer that nourishes the skin, you can use beeswax products daily.

Beeswax is particularly suitable for:

• dry and sensitive skin,
• skin damaged by cold and wind,
• chapped lips and hands,
• rough or flaky areas.

It is a good helper for healing a runny nose and relieving sunburn. In winter, balms and salves containing beeswax help protect the skin from harsh weather conditions and reduce moisture loss.

2. Suitable for sensitive and problematic skin

There are many good reasons why beeswax has been used on the skin since ancient Egyptian times. Historically, it was mainly used to treat burns and wounds, but it has even more amazing properties. The composition of beeswax alone is admirable, with over 300 ingredients.

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, beeswax has long been used for skin problems to improve skin texture and condition. Today, beeswax is used to alleviate the symptoms of certain skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema (dermatitis). A 2018 study confirmed that natural products were much better at caring for sensitive skin than skincare products with synthetic ingredients. It promotes skin regeneration and soothes itching or skin irritation. The best friend for dry or flaky skin.

Beeswax is one of the best skin-softening ingredients, which also increases skin elasticity and soothes redness. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, the wax helps fight acne.

Beeswax is an excellent choice for many skin conditions. A mixture of honey, beeswax, and olive oil is beneficial in treating diaper rash, psoriasis, and eczema. Studies confirm that honey and honey mixtures can inhibit the growth of bacteria that affect the skin and cause skin diseases. Beeswax cleanses the skin of pathogens, allowing it to heal again.

Beeswax used in hair nourishes, conditions, and softens hair ends, while increasing hair shine.

Beeswax is often used for:

• eczema and dermatitis,
• alleviating psoriasis symptoms,
• supporting minor wounds and skin irritations,
• acne-prone skin care.

It is also important that beeswax is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores.

3. Supports skin renewal

Beeswax contains vitamin A, which helps support the skin's natural regeneration and elasticity. Rich in vitamin A and softening properties that contribute to cell regeneration. Thanks to its vitamin A content, the wax alleviates fine lines on the face or body. For example, retinol products, which help accelerate cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, are all derived from vitamin A.

In addition, beeswax contains natural antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stress and free radicals.

 

 

Beeswax or vegan wax?

Natural cosmetics increasingly use various waxes, but the most common question is: should I choose beeswax or vegan wax? At first glance, they seem quite similar – both help protect the skin and retain moisture. In reality, there are significant differences in their properties, production, and effects on the skin.

 

 

Carnauba wax – popular, but controversial

Carnauba wax is obtained from the carnaúba palm (Copernicia prunifera) native to Brazil. It is a plant-based wax widely used in vegan cosmetics, the food industry, and even car waxes. For example, it also gives shine to the well-known M&M candies.

The strengths of carnauba wax are:

• good protection against moisture loss,
• skin-softening properties,
• natural UV protection.

At the same time, carnauba wax can be problematic for acne-prone skin as it can clog pores. In addition, its environmental impact has raised questions – with increasing demand, more and more leaves are collected from the palms, and as a result, palm trees slowly die and the trees do not recover fast enough.

Candelilla wax – a highly processed vegan alternative

Candelilla wax is a yellow, odorless wax derived from shrubs of the Euphorbiaceae family in America. The collection of candelilla wax is quite a complex but very old process. Like Carnauba wax, candelilla wax protects plant leaves from hot and dry climates. Candelilla wax is obtained by boiling the mature plant in a mixture of water and sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is added to the mixture to prevent water and wax from mixing. When the plant is boiled, a brownish-yellow foam, which locals call cerote, forms on the surface of the water and sulfur mixture. The wax is allowed to solidify and then re-melted to filter it through activated charcoal and clay. A new filtration process begins, in which the wax is bleached with hydrogen peroxide, which is then neutralized and re-filtered. In short, the process is long.

Candelilla wax:

• is very hard and durable,
• is well-suited for lip products and decorative cosmetics,
• absorbs quickly into the skin.

The wax is widely used in the cosmetic and food industries, but unfortunately, there is the least research and articles about this wax. Candelilla wax is most commonly found in mascaras and chewing gum, but the wax's first use was in candles, where it is still used today.

Candelilla wax is the hardest of the three waxes, and therefore less of it is needed; however, the wax structure is consequently more brittle. The wax absorbs easily into the skin and is rich in nutrients. It has good moisturizing and protective properties, but it falls into the middle position in a comparison of the three waxes.

The negative aspects are again environmental impacts, because everything produced leaves its footprint on nature. Unfortunately, there is no information about the extent of the impact on the local ecosystem, but with the rise in popularity of candelilla wax in vegan cosmetics, its negative impact is increasing.

Both beeswax and vegan waxes have their place in natural cosmetics. However, when comparing skin hydration, restorative effects, and natural composition, beeswax is often considered the most skin-friendly option.

Beeswax has many good properties and does not burden our ecosystem, but is a byproduct of bee labor. One could say that beeswax is a very good supportive wax for skin problems without having to worry about one's footprint.

It helps protect, soothe, and support the skin without excessive processing and is particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin. In addition, products containing beeswax can be purchased from small Estonian producers, thus supporting local businesses and more sustainable consumption.

Beeswax is a versatile natural cosmetic ingredient that helps to:

• moisturize and protect the skin,
• support sensitive and problematic skin,
• reduce dryness and irritation,
• support the skin's natural regeneration.

Thanks to its natural properties, beeswax is well-suited for both daily skincare and for relieving dryness, cold, and various skin irritations.

Naturally care for your skin

If your skin tends to be dry, sensitive or easily irritated, try Curetik ointment or Happik face cream. Natural products with beeswax help support the skin's natural protective barrier and keep the skin soft and moisturized in every season.

Natural ingredients make them a good choice for dry, sensitive, and problematic skin. Suitable for women, men, and children.

Read more:

• What are natural cosmetics and why are they better for your skin?
• Natural wonders: How celandine ointment and meadowsweet oil can improve your life?