Beeswax is a natural substance generated and secreted by honey bees that use it to develop their honeycombs. It is a versatile ingredient with numerous therapeutic properties for skin, hair, and other uses. Here are some of the uses, positive and negative aspects, and ingredients or materials related to beeswax:

Uses:

• Used in cosmetics: Beeswax is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stiffening agent in cosmetics. It is also used in lotions, salves, and balms to hydrate, condition, soothe, and calm the skin. It exfoliates, repairs damage, promotes the skin’s regeneration, diminishes the appearance of the signs of aging, soothes itchiness and irritation, and creates a hydrating, long-lasting protective barrier against environmental pollutants.
• Used in food and beverages: White beeswax and beeswax absolute (yellow beeswax treated with alcohol) are used as stiffening agents in foods and beverages.
• Used in medicine: Beeswax is used for lowering cholesterol, relieving pain, swelling (inflammation), ulcers, diarrhea, and hiccups. It is also used in salves meant for treating scrapes, minor cuts, minor wounds, and burns, among other abrasions.
• Used in candle making: Beeswax is used as a natural alternative to paraffin wax in candle making.
• Used in plastic-free food storage: Beeswax is used as a natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage.

Positive aspects:

• Beeswax has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping keep things clean and reducing risks of contamination.
• Beeswax is non-toxic and safe if ingested.
• Beeswax contains a natural, powerful protective substance called propolis, which shields beeswax from ever going bad.

Negative aspects:

• There is no good scientific research to support some of the uses of beeswax, such as for high cholesterol, pain, and fungal skin infections.

Ingredients or materials:

• Beeswax is comprised largely of fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and esters.
• Beeswax absolute is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes.