Learn About Beeswax
Worker bees create beeswax through glands in their abdomens. The wax is used to create and cap cells. It is also mixed to create compounds such as bee pollen or propolis.
In human use, beeswax has a large variety of uses including food production, candles, cosmetics, woodworking, art, and musical instruments.
How is it made?
Raw beeswax is usually collected from the uncapping step in the honey extraction process. Bees will often build burr combs in gaps and spaces that are too large to fill with propolis, and this can be collected for its wax. The beeswax is melted down and filtered to remove any debris. The melted beeswax is then poured into moulds to produce large blocks which can be used to make beeswax products.
Health Benefits
Beeswax has health benefits in cosmetic use as well as in household use.
Antibacterial
Beeswax extracts, inhibits and kills bacteria. Particularly practical in candle use, as burning beeswax creates negative ions that purify the air around it. This makes beeswax a much ‘cleaner’ candle when compared to other types of wax.
Dermatological
Along with its antibacterial properties, beeswax is used in many skincare products due to its low irritant and non-comedogenic (pore blocking) attributes.
- Some studies show that topical application of beeswax may have an effect on treatment of dermatitis and psoriasis
