Beeswax

Traditional Uses & Why Herbalists Value It

Beeswax has been used for centuries in salves, balms, ointments, candles and protective preparations. Melted into oils, it gives a formula body and staying power, helps it remain on the skin instead of running off, and leaves the rich, conditioned feel people expect from a traditional balm.

What Modern Research Has Found

Cosmetic research describes beeswax's emollient and occlusive properties: it softens the feel of a preparation and helps slow moisture loss by forming a surface layer. Its wax chemistry also allows formulators to adjust firmness and spread.

Material, Preparation & Natural Constituents

Beeswax is made largely of wax esters, hydrocarbons and fatty acids. It melts readily into oils and cools into a firmer texture, making it useful for adjusting the thickness, spread and staying power of topical formulae.

Beeswax in Formulae

Beeswax is commonly used in salves, balms, ointments, lip products and other oil-based preparations. In Deep Heat Muscle Ointment, it helps give the olive-oil-and-herb blend its firm, spreadable ointment texture.

Products Containing This Ingredient

• Deep Heat Muscle Ointment (5 oz)

Sources & Further Reading

• PubMed: review of beeswax in skincare >