What it is
Beeswax (Cera Alba) is a natural wax produced by bees to build the walls of their honeycomb.
What it does
Beeswax is a thickening agent. It thickens the oil portion of solid products (like lipsticks), giving them structure and keeping them solid. It stiffens eye makeup products without hardening them. When used in mascaras it provides the main body of the product and gives it smudge-proof and waterproof properties.
It is also an emollient that smooths and softens the skin.
It addition, it keeps an emulsion (a blend of water and oil) from separating.
It may also be used in depilatory products to remove unwanted hair.
Side effects
Allergis to beeswax can occurr. However, beeswax should have no side effects when used correctly in cosmetics formulations.
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I patch tested allergic to beeswax. I have been using Aquaphor ointment on my lips for years as a lip balm alternative and its great.
Andrea, I’m sorry you are allergic to beeswax too but it’s great that you managed to find a lip balm that works for you. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure others will find it useful.
At 4 years old I was stung and found out I have a severe bee allergy. After a few years of allergy shots and little improvement I also developed a honey allergy. I only discovered this after eating some Honey Smacks! This isnt just a concern while eating but also a topical allergy. I made the mistake of using a shampoo with honey in it when I was 19 and suffered hives and hair loss. I never thought something sticky like honey would be in shampoo! Next I started having problems with beeswax so avoided that too. I used medx lip balm on day and my blood pressure dropped so low I passed out and ended up in the hospital over night and on steroids and benadryl for over a month to suppress the allergic reaction. I recently started to have problems with carnuba wax also. So many meds are coated in it to help make swallowing them easier so be careful!!! My question to all is… Does anyone know if synthetic beeswax is made from anything coming from bees? I have not tried it because I can not find an answer. I am only guessing but I think my allergies have something to do with the enzymes in the bees that help them break down pollen, make wax and honey. Honey bees are the ones I am most allergic to and have the worst reactions too. Any info would be helpful! Good luck to all those dealing with this sort of thing
Tonya, I am so sorry to hear that, how awful! I wish I could help you, but unfortunately I don’t know if synthetic beeswax is made with anything that comes from bees. I will try and do some research but I can’t promise anything. If I find something, I’ll let you know straight away.
Tonya, how awful — my problem (and the problem of many who have posted here) is just a topical reaction to beeswax, but your problem is much more serious. You truly have a severe allergy that could be really serious (as I do with penicillin).
I don’t have the answer to your question either; I wish I could help. Obviously you will have to be extremely diligent in researching cosmetics — many do contain carnuba wax or beeswax, lipsticks especially. And wow, meds being coated with carnuba wax — what a nightmare!
I wish you luck and hope you can find the answer to your question.
Lisa in Austin
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