Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural substance secreted by special wax glands on the back part of the bee’s body. From tiny, transparent wax scales, bees build comb – hexagonal cells where they store honey, pollen and where the bee colony develops. Along with honey, beeswax is one of the most valuable and recognisable bee products.

Fresh beeswax is light in colour and has a gentle, pleasant scent of honey and propolis. Over time it can darken, especially if it comes from older comb. After melting and filtering, it is cast into blocks or sheets of wax that are used in beekeeping, cosmetics, candle making and many natural care and protection products.

Main characteristics of beeswax

• Natural, solid but plastic material that melts at around 60 °C and above.
• Colour ranges from pale yellow to golden or darker, depending on comb age and impurities.
• Pleasant scent of honey, propolis and the apiary – without artificial fragrances or additives.
• Does not dissolve in water, but blends well with fats and oils – ideal for natural cosmetics.

Uses and benefits of beeswax

• Increasingly present in eco-friendly solutions – e.g. waxed fabric wraps as a replacement for plastic cling film.
• Used in the production of natural candles – burns cleaner and with less smoke than many industrial waxes.
• The base of many lip balms, creams and salves – forms a protective film and nourishes the skin.
• Used for the natural care of wood, leather and metal – provides protection and a gentle sheen.

Beeswax is an extremely versatile natural material. Besides its role in the bee colony itself (comb building), it finds its way into cosmetics, the household, crafts, candle making and natural products for care and protection. Quality beeswax comes directly from the apiary, with minimal processing and without synthetic additives.