Beeswax

What Is Beeswax in Skincare?

Beeswax is the natural wax honey bees make to build their honeycomb. In skincare, it forms a breathable, semi-occlusive film on the skin's surface that slows water loss, so skin and lips stay soft and protected, and it gives balms, salves, and creams their body and glide.

EWG Skin Deep rating for Beeswax

Cosmetic beeswax comes in two forms: yellow beeswax (Cera Flava), which is filtered and keeps its honey scent and color, and white beeswax (Cera Alba), which is purified and bleached for a neutral look and smell.

Quick Facts

How Beeswax Works on the Skin

A breathable protective film

Beeswax sits on the skin's surface and forms a semi-occlusive layer. That layer slows transepidermal water loss, the steady evaporation of water through the skin, so the skin underneath stays hydrated longer. Unlike heavier occlusives, it still lets the skin feel comfortable rather than sealed.

Softening and texture

As an emollient, beeswax smooths rough, dry patches. In formulas, it thickens creams, adds firmness and a gentle gloss to balms, and helps oils stay in place on the lips.

What the research measured

• A 2023 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Nong and colleagues) describes beeswax as an occlusive, emollient, and humectant that helps minimize transepidermal water loss, and reports that a beeswax-based moisturizer produced a statistically significant reduction in measured water loss. The review was funded by a beeswax skincare brand.
• Beeswax is not allergy-free. In a 2019 patch-test study by Nyman and colleagues, 17 of 95 patients being patch tested for lip or facial skin reactions reacted to beeswax, and 14 of those 17 also reacted to propolis, a bee resin that can be present in beeswax. These were people already referred for suspected reactions, so the rate is higher than in the general population.

How to Use Beeswax in DIY Formulas

• Melt gently. Melt beeswax with your oils and butters in a double boiler at 60°C to 70°C (140°F to 158°F), stirring gently to avoid scorching.
• Choose the right amount. More beeswax means a firmer product. Use 10% to 15% for lip balms, 5% to 15% for salves, and 2% to 7% in creams.
• Cool slowly. Stir occasionally as the mixture cools to keep the texture smooth rather than grainy.
• Add heat-sensitive ingredients last. Stir in vitamin E and essential oils once the mixture has cooled slightly, just before pouring.
• Emulsions. Beeswax is not an emulsifier on its own. In creams, use it alongside a proper emulsifier to add body.

Soft lip balm (about 1 oz, 30 g)

• 4.5 g beeswax (15%, the top of the supplier range for lip balms)
• 10 g shea butter
• 15 g jojoba or sunflower oil
• 0.15 g vitamin E (0.5%)
• Optional: up to 0.35 g spearmint essential oil (1.2%, the IFRA leave-on limit)

Melt the beeswax, shea butter, and oil together, remove from heat, stir in the vitamin E and essential oil, and pour into tins. This makes a soft balm for tins; add more beeswax if you want a firmer stick.

Who Beeswax Suits

Beeswax suits dry and mature skin, chapped-feeling lips, and rough hands, elbows, and heels. Very oily skin may find balms too heavy for the face. Anyone allergic to bee products, propolis, or honey should avoid it. If you have sensitive skin, patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours first and start at the lowest rate for your product type, then work up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beeswax good for your skin?

Yes, for most people. Beeswax forms a breathable film that slows water loss, so skin stays softer and more comfortable, and it smooths dry patches. It is a staple in lip balms and salves for that reason.

Does beeswax clog pores?

Beeswax is a wax that sits on the surface, so in heavy facial balms it can feel too rich for oily or congestion-prone skin. In small amounts in a cream, it is usually well tolerated. Reserve thicker beeswax balms for lips, hands, and dry areas.

Can you be allergic to beeswax?

Yes, although it is uncommon. In one patch-test study of people with lip or facial reactions, 17 of 95 reacted to beeswax, and most of them also reacted to propolis. Patch test first, especially if you react to bee products.

What is the difference between white and yellow beeswax?

Yellow beeswax (Cera Flava) is filtered and keeps its natural color and honey scent. White beeswax (Cera Alba) is purified and bleached for a neutral color and smell. Both work the same way in a formula.

Is beeswax better than petroleum jelly?

They do a similar job of slowing water loss. Petroleum jelly is more occlusive, while beeswax gives a lighter, more breathable film and a firmer texture. Many people prefer beeswax for natural and organic formulas.

How much beeswax should I use in a lip balm?

Supplier guidance is 10% to 15% for lip balms. That gives a soft balm for tins. For a firm stick that holds its shape in a tube, many formulators increase the wax.

Is there a vegan alternative to beeswax?

Yes. Plant waxes such as candelilla and carnauba can replace beeswax. They are harder than beeswax, so start with less and adjust to the texture you want.

Shop and Learn More

The Organic Fresh Mint Lip Balm is made with organic beeswax, sunflower and coconut oils, and spearmint oil. For more on its partners, see our glossary entries on honey, shea butter, and spearmint, and browse Top Natural Lip Care Products.

Sources

• Nong Y, et al. A review of the use of beeswax in skincare. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023. doi:10.1111/jocd.15718. DOI
• Nyman GSA, Tang M, Inerot A, Osmancevic A, Malmberg P, Hagvall L. Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;81(2):110-116. doi:10.1111/cod.13306. DOI

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.