When you think of bees, you may think of honey. I know I do, especially when I’m enjoying a cup of tea. However, that’s just the beginning of what these amazing insects give us. Look a little closer and you’ll find beeswax. Not to “wax” poetic, but this amazing natural ingredient is bursting with benefits for the skin. Keep reading to find out what all the “buzz” is about. (No more bee puns, I promise!)

Why I Love Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax that bees secrete to protect their hives and their babies. It’s equally protective when you use it on your body. Beeswax is the perfect complement to many of my other favorite ingredients. While it isn’t something that can benefit your skin on its own, when it’s added to creams, lotions, lip balms, and other products it adds a layer of richness and nourishment. Here’s just a taste of what beeswax can do:

Antibacterial

You may have read that honey has antibacterial properties. Well, so does beeswax. A study conducted in 2005 found that a mixture of honey and beeswax inhibited bacteria and fungus growth. This means products with beeswax can stay fresher longer (without any synthetic or toxic preservatives), and that they can help soothe bacterial skin conditions. Beeswax can also add healing strength to diaper rash creams, soothing the skin without exposing your sweet baby to anything harmful.

 

Protection

Beeswax provides a layer of protection between your skin and the environment. It aids your skin in holding in moisture, helping to save you from dryness. Its protective powers make it a great alternative to petroleum, which has a nasty habit of suffocating your skin and clogging your pores.

 

Hydration

Water finds beeswax very attractive. Skincare products that contain beeswax act like a magnet for water molecules, helping to attract moisture to your skin and encouraging it to stay there. As a result, your skin stays healthier and younger looking over time.

 

Soothing

If you have skin that is prone to itching, dermatitis, or eczema, beeswax may offer you relief. Beeswax contains anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to soothe away irritations that can cause skin conditions to flare up. Even better, it’s hypo-allergenic, which means it’s even accessible to people who tend to have allergic reactions. There’s a fascinating 2012 study that found that burn victims experienced enough relief form “post-burn itch” from a mixture of beeswax and herbal oil that they could cut back on their medications. Talk about soothing!

 

Vitamin A

Beeswax is chock full of Vitamin A, a nutrient your skin needs to create new cells. This makes beeswax a powerhouse for helping to aid healing, as well as maintaining a youthful complexion.

I do want to note that while beeswax is beneficial for most users, it can be very dangerous for anyone who is allergic to bees. If you have a known bee allergy, make sure you check the labels of any product you use and consult with your physician before using anything that contains bee products.

I’m happy to say that I’ll be including beeswax in the list of ingredients I use in my products – keep an eye out for my new beeswax lip balm in the coming weeks! It’s a wonderfully natural way to support skin health, find protection from environmental hazards, and make your complexion glow. I would say that beeswax is really the “bee’s knees,” but I promised you no more puns. Instead, I’ll just say that it’s one of my favorite ingredients, and one I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for healthier skin.

What’s your favorite use for beeswax? Candles? Lip Balm? Something else? Let us know in the comments below!