Know your ingredients: Beeswax

by beautifulwithbrains on October 25, 2008

in ingredients

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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{ 142 comments… read them below or add one }

Andrea July 6, 2011 at 5:35 pm

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.

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beautifulwithbrains July 6, 2011 at 5:59 pm

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. :)

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