Very Disliked

Beeswax

Explained

Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.

Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.

In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).

Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.

Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.

People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.

Fungal acne

Beeswax's wax esters are derived primarily from palmitic and oleic acid (C16 and C18:1). Both of these fall within the C11-C24 feeding window.

The Malassezia yeast can potentially cleave these esters and release usable fatty acids, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. However, not everyone will react to this ingredient.

See all 2,651 products with Beeswax

Comedogenic Rating
0-2
Irritancy Rating
0
Users who like it
8%
Users who avoid it
92%

What it does

Emulsion Stabilising Stabiliziing emulsion, making two non-mixable ingredients stable
Masking Obscuring or blocking
Skin Conditioning To hydrate and soften skin

Prevalence

Uncommon Percentage of products that contain it
2%
Top categories
Lip Care
Moisturizers
Makeup
Position Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration Concentrations we've seen
19% to 79%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 92344
INCI Name BEESWAX
EC #  ,232-383-7 (I)
All Functions Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling