Humans make ear wax and bees make beeswax, but it’s not quite the same thing. Beeswax is produced by an organ that bees have in their abdomen. They use it to build honeycomb to store honey and provide a nest for their young.
When beeswax is harvested by humans, it’s usually heated in water and filtered to remove pollen and contaminants. Although pure beeswax is good for skin, cosmetic-grade beeswax is best for beauty purposes because it has fewer impurities. It’s what you can use to make lip balm and moisturizers or apply directly to your face or body once it’s melted.
Which is the best beeswax for skin?
Although raw beeswax has a unique appeal, we suggest that cosmetic grade beeswax is best for the skin. It’s purified and ready to use.
If you plan to make your own cosmetics with it, we suggest getting pellets instead of a block. In any case, beeswax isn’t ready to use directly on the skin until it’s melted and/or blended with other ingredients.
How can you use beeswax?
Beeswax can be applied directly to the skin to help it hold in moisture. It’s naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, plus it allows the skin to breathe (1).
Also, you can blend beeswax with other ingredients like essential oils or botanical oils to make lip gloss, beard balm, hair mask, and moisturizer. Commercial manufacturers use it in eyeshadow, eyeliner, and many other products.
Lastly, beeswax is popular for treating wood, waterproofing, and candlemaking because it’s non-toxic and smells delicious. Instructions for making candles, lip balm, lotion, and more are available online.
Is yellow or white beeswax better for skin?
One question we see a lot is whether it’s better to use yellow or white beeswax on the skin. Raw or lightly refined beeswax is yellow to golden brown while white tends to be more refined and bleached – but not necessarily with chemicals. In any case, the wax should have a mild honey scent or no odor at all. Typically, white beeswax is preferred for cosmetics.
Is it better to use block or pellet beeswax for the skin?
Cosmetic grade beeswax in pellets is much easier to use because it’s straightforward to measure and melt. On the other hand, blocks and sheets can be cut up or shaved with a cheese grater, and this form may be less expensive than pellets.
What beeswax can do for your skin
Beeswax calms inflammation caused by eczema and psoriasis, especially when it’s combined with other natural ingredients like honey or botanical oils. Its natural antimicrobial ability fights strep and salmonella as well as other pathogens. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and non-irritating even for sensitive skin. Give beeswax a try today. The reviews below will help you find what you need:
| The best beeswax for skin | Why we love it |
|---|---|
| Meyer's 100% Pure Domestic USA Beeswax |
|
| Texas Beeswax |
|
| HUNNYBEE Organic White Beeswax Pellets |
|
| Organic White Beeswax Pellets by Sky Organics |
|
| White Naturals White Beeswax Pellets |
|
| Wild Herb Yellow Beeswax Pellets |
|
| Surgeon's Skin Secret Beeswax Unscented Moisturizer |
|
| Dr. Bronner's Organic Magic Balm |
|
Best Beeswax for Skin in 2024
Meyer’s 100% Pure Domestic USA Beeswax
Pros:
- Triple-filtered beeswax harvested in the USA
- Yellowish white pellets with a mild honey scent
- Cosmetic grade
Cons:
- None
Texas Beeswax
Pros:
- Block of yellow beeswax harvested in Texas
- Filtered and pure, ready to use
- Honey scented, melts easily
Cons:
- None
HUNNYBEE Organic White Beeswax Pellets
Pros:
- USDA-certified organic
- Triple-filtered with no additives
- Cosmetic grade
- Unbleached with a mild natural aroma
Cons:
- None
Organic White Beeswax Pellets by Sky Organics
Pros:
- Small white beeswax pellets
- Straightforward to measure and melt
- Certified organic and filtered, not treated with chemicals
Cons:
- Although the wax is certified organic, the point of origin isn’t clear
White Naturals White Beeswax Pellets
Pros:
- Small white pellets that are easy to measure and melt
- Made in the USA
- Triple-filtered and cosmetic grade
Cons:
- Natural but not organic
Wild Herb Yellow Beeswax Pellets
Pros:
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- Compact yellow pellets for use in personal care products
- Filtered but not treated with chemicals
Cons:
- Some reviewers complained about a smoky odor
Surgeon’s Skin Secret Beeswax Unscented Moisturizer
Pros:
- Forms a protective coating that withstands repeated washing
- Buttery moisturizer promotes healing of chapped and cracked skin
- Only three ingredients – no preservatives or artificial fragrances
- Safe for lips and skin
Cons:
- Takes a while to absorb
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm
jojoba, coconut, olive, and hemp seed oils, too.
The certified USDA organic blend is also cruelty-free. It comes in a recyclable metal tin.
Reviewers like it because it’s pure and natural and just a little goes a long way. The texture is similar to petroleum jelly and there’s no scent. Feel free to use it on eczema-prone skin, chapped lips, and anywhere else the skin needs to be repaired.
Pros:
- Blend of beeswax and botanical oils
- Safe for babies, lips, and new tattoos
- Unscented and USDA-certified organic
- Cruelty-free and packaged in recyclable material
Cons:
- None
Conclusion
Ever since humans discovered beeswax, we’ve been in love with it. This all-purpose gift of Nature is healing for the skin and nutritious for the body. It can be used for all sorts of purposes including cosmetics, home maintenance, and crafts. If you purchase it for making hand cream or lip gloss, you can use the leftovers for so many other things. It never needs to go to waste.
We hope our reviews helped you find the best brand of beeswax today. Check back soon to learn more about healthy and natural skin care.
Source:
1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00412/full Therapeutic Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products, by Cornara Laura, Biagi Marco, Xiao Jianbo, Burlando Bruno, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 9, 2017
