Beeswax - Frequently Asked Questions and Tips
Table of contents
What is Beeswax?
Beeswax is a natural substance made and secreted by honeybees, who use the wax to build their honeycomb.
Beeswax consists mainly of fatty acids, hydrocarbons and esters. The wax is hard but brittle, and becomes very soft when melted. Because beeswax does not decay, you can continue to reuse it and it is an ideal ingredient to use in your homemade care products.
Just as honey can be different colors, so can beeswax. The color depends on the age of the bees, the flowers from which the bees get the nectar and the purity of the honey with which the wax is made. The color of beeswax varies from black to white, although most beeswax has a yellowish color.
Beeswax is a complex mixture containing more than 300 components of hydrocarbons, unsaturated fatty acids, esters of fatty acids and alcohol. Recent research shows that beeswax has strong antibacterial properties (against candida, among other things).
How is beeswax made?
Beeswax is made by the honeybee. The honey bee eats the honey they make from flower nectar and converts some of it into beeswax with their wax glands. With 4-5kg of honey they can produce about 0.5kg of beeswax. To collect that 4-5kg of honey, a honeybee needs to collect the nectar of no less than 18-20 million flowers.
At the start, the beeswax that the bees excrete is odorless, colorless and tasteless. The honey-like smell and taste that beeswax has comes from the pollen and propolis that the bees carry after collecting the nectar from flowers. This changes the color of beeswax from white to pale yellow-gold. Depending on the type of flower, the beeswax may also have a brownish color.
Where does the use of beeswax come from?
Beeswax was discovered 2000 years ago in China, and described in one of the most famous Chinese medical books "The Shennong Herbal Book". The book described the positive effects of beeswax on the respiratory system, the energy level of the body, and the positive anti-aging effect on the skin.
Throughout history, the use of beeswax can be found in various places around the world, sometimes in the most curious ways. Vikings treated leather with beeswax to make it more water resistant and stronger. Beeswax was also used in the Roman era. Traces of beeswax have been found in various ruins. Just to indicate how long beeswax lasts!
What makes beeswax such a good product?
Beeswax is a very versatile natural product that should not be missing in your daily natural care routine. Beeswax is namely:
- Sure
- Antibacterial
- Edible (non-toxic)
- Water resistant
- Highly moisturizing
- Climate friendly
Sure
Beeswax is a 100% natural ingredient that comes straight from the honeycomb of honeybees. Honey bees use honey and pollen to make beeswax.
Antibacterial
Like honey, beeswax has strong antibacterial properties that make it very purifying and healing.
Edible
Pure beeswax is non-toxic and therefore edible.This makes beeswax a great ingredient to add to homemade lip balms and lotions for the whole body
Water resistant
Historically, beeswax was used as a sealant for belts, tents and shoes. By rubbing beeswax on leather or a flat surface and then heating it, the beeswax settles into the surface or leather, preventing the passage of water. That is why it is often used in natural sun creams.
Highly moisturizing
It is a popular ingredient in many lotions, ointments and -natural- balms. Beeswax retains moisture in the skin and is a great natural remedy for dry skin, lips or hair.
Climate friendly
Since it is a 100% natural product, beeswax is an ecologically friendly product.
What different types of beeswax are there?
As most of you know, there are two common colors among beeswax, namely white and yellow. Where do those different colors come from?
The most common color of beeswax is yellow. This is the most natural color coming straight from the honeycomb. The color can be yellow, brown or orange to golden, depending on the type of flowers the bees got their nectar from.
White beeswax is actually just yellow beeswax, which has been processed to remove the yellow complexion and thus obtain a white color.
What can you use beeswax for?
Beeswax is a perfect ingredient to make your own candles. Beeswax ensures that your candles will not have a foul and unpleasant odor and that they can burn for a long time. Beeswax candles smell wonderful, smell like honey and help fight air pollutants such as dust mites, allergens and pollen.
You can add an essential oil to your beeswax candles to give it a different scent and to add the therapeutic effect of the oil.
Beeswax can also be used in your homemade care products - such as lip balms, moisturizers, make-up, etc. Beeswax moisturizes, conditions, softens and soothes the skin, without clogging the pores so that the skin can still breathe properly.
Beeswax creates a moisturizing, long-lasting barrier that protects the skin from external environmental factors (such as eg wind) that can damage the skin.
Because of the restorative properties it possesses, it can help repair the skin and fade wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin. It also adds a very pleasant, natural scent to all your natural care products.
It is so gentle on the skin that it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
You can also add beeswax to your natural hair care products, to give your hair a shining, natural shine.
The restorative and anti-inflammatory properties of beeswax help soothe acne symptoms, such as irritated, red, inflamed skin. It will help soothe these annoying symptoms and aid the skin's recovery process.
Beeswax also has a similar effect on eczema and psoriasis. It will soothe the itching and prevent further itching and infections by enhancing the growth of new skin. Beeswax can also help against stretch marks, due to being overweight or pregnant.
You can also use beeswax as natural epilation wax. The big advantage of beeswax as an epilation wax is that it takes longer for your hair to grow back.
Finally, beeswax is also a very suitable addition to all your natural ointments , to treat small cuts and wounds.The beeswax forms a protective layer around the skin and the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of beeswax prevent bacteria from entering the body
Nice Beeswax Recipes
Below you will find some simple recipes for making natural care products using beeswax. If you have any questions about one of these recipes, you can always send us an e-mail.
Beeswax Candles
To make your own beeswax candles, we recommend the following recipe.
Requirements:
- 350 grams of beeswax
- 350 grams of palm oil (sustainably produced)
- Jar (e.g. a Mason jar)
- Candle wick (thickness depends on the width of your pot)
- Wooden skewer
Preparation:
- Melt the beeswax in a bain marie over medium heat.
- Cut the wicks so that they are a few cm longer than your jar and dip them in the (almost) melted beeswax, except for the last few cm. Place the fuses on some newspaper and make sure they are straight.
- When the beeswax is almost completely melted, add the palm oil to the beeswax and let it melt together. Stir gently until both are completely melted.
- Pour an inch of the mixture into your pot and place a wick in the center. Hold the wick until the bottom has solidified and the wick remains. Do this with all the jars you make.
- Wait until the bottom is completely hard.
- Put a stick on the pot and wrap the end of the wick around it. Make sure the fuse is in the middle.
- Now add the rest of the beeswax/oil mixture and let it cure for 12-24 hours.
Moisturizing lotion bar for the whole body
You can also use this lotion bar against acne, eczema, psoriasis or stretch marks.
Requirements:
- 1 bag of beeswax
- 1 bag of base oil (argan, jojoba, castor, almond oil,..)
- 1 cup butter (shea, mango or cocoa)
- A few drops of essential oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E
Preparation method:
- In a jar or glass bowl, mix the beeswax, base oil and butter and let it melt in a bain marie
- When everything has melted, remove the pan from the heat, and add a few drops (2-4) essential oil and vitamin E. Mix everything with a wooden spoon or hand beater.
- Pour the mixture into a soap dish or jar, and let it set in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Use once a day or every few days on your whole body
Natural Lip Balm
This lip balm helps you repair dry lips and keeps them well hydrated.
Requirements:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil (argan, jojoba, castor, almond oil,..)
- A few drops of essential oil of your choice
Preparation method:
- In a jar or glass bowl, mix the beeswax, carrier oil and shea butter. Let this melt in a bain marie on a medium fire
- When everything has melted, remove from heat, add a few drops (2-4) essential oil and mix everything with a wooden spoon or hand beater.
- Pour the mixture into a jar and let it set in the refrigerator for 12-24h
- Apply to lips as often as needed
Natural hair mask with beeswax
Requirements:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 3 tablespoons of carrier oil (argan, jojoba, castor, almond oil,..)
- 2 teaspoons bentonite clay
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice
Preparation method:
- In a jar or glass bowl, mix the beeswax, base oil and shea butter and let it melt in a bain marie over a medium heat
- When everything has melted, remove from the heat, and add a few drops (2-4) essential oil, 2 teaspoons bentonite clay and mix everything with a hand beater
- Pour the mixture into a jar and let it set for 20-30 minutes. Store in a cool, dry place
- To use, take a little in your hands and warm it up by rubbing your hands together. Then apply to your hair. Start with the ends of your hair and then work your way up to the roots. Use as much as needed to cover all of your hair with the mask.
- Leave on for 20-30 and then wash your hair thoroughly with a natural shampoo.
Natural wound ointment with beeswax
To help heal minor wounds and cuts.
Supplies:
- 4 tablespoons beeswax
- 1 bag of organic coconut oil
- 1 cup grapeseed oil
Preparation method:
- In a jar or glass bowl, mix the beeswax, coconut oil and grapeseed oil and let it melt in a bain marie.
- When everything has melted, remove the pan from the heat and mix everything with a wooden spoon or hand beater.
- Pour the mixture into a jar, and let it set for 12-24 hours (in the refrigerator).
- Apply to your wound or cut, and cover with a plaster. Replace daily. Only to be used for small cuts and wounds. Always consult a doctor if the wound is large or appears to be infected.
Do you have any other recipes you use with beeswax? Let us know at hallo@youmadu.nl. We are very curious!
Where can you buy beeswax?
You can buy white, yellow and organic beeswax on our website.
