Beeswax Uses: The Beauty Miracle of the Hive (+ DIY Lotion Recipe!)
Bee byproducts happen to be some of the most wondrous substances out there. But if you look deeper, beyond honey and pollen, you’ll see another miracle that has incredible beauty benefits: beeswax. Here is why this sticky stuff is so good for you and what you can do to get the most out of the many beeswax uses.
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. Worker bees’ glands convert the sugar that is naturally contained in honey into wax, which oozes out of their pores. The worker bees chew the wax until it is soft and malleable and use the wax in the building of the honeycomb.
Beeswax contains at least 284 different compounds, mostly a variety of long-chain alkanes, acids, esters, polyesters, and hydroxy esters. For centuries, beeswax has been used to make candles and was thought to be healthier than other candle varieties because it did not emit toxic byproducts and heavy soot. Meanwhile, it helped to neutralize pollutants in the air. Beeswax was also used by Ancient Egyptians to make paint and by Romans to soften the skin and heal wounds.
Today, beeswax is known for its conditioning, anti-inflammatory, calming, and soothing properties. It helps to reduce itching and has antibacterial and humectant qualities. In 2007, scientists even found that beeswax protects liver health.
Beeswax uses for beauty are hard to miss, and the best part about the ingredient is that you can incorporate it into your DIY beauty recipes without fuss. The following homemade beeswax lotion recipe is a great way to get started. It’s an all-purpose lotion that you can use on your face, body, and even hair. Lather up!
Homemade Beeswax Lotion
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond oil
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup beeswax
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- Essential oil(s) of choice (I used lavender)
Directions
Combine the almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E oil into a glass jar. Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and set it over medium heat. Place the glass jar in the pot of water and put the lid on the jar without sealing it tight. The lid must be on loosely to allow steam to escape.
As the water heats, the beeswax will begin to melt. Stir the mixture occasionally until it is completely melted, smooth, and evenly combined. Remove the pot from the heat and use oven mitts to carefully remove the jar from the pot. Stir in 5-6 drops of essential oil(s) and pour the mixture into small mason jars. Store the jars in a dark cabinet away from direct sunlight. Once the lotion has cooled, use it liberally over the course of six months after making it.
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Golden Honeycomb Image from Shutterstock
