Beeswax in Body Care: What It Does and What It Doesn't

The SelesTeres Journal · Ingredients & Craft
By Nina, founder of SelesTeres · Originally published February 12, 2023 · Full-length edition

Editorial graphic about beeswax in body care

The quick answer

Beeswax helps thicken balms, structure solid products and form a protective-feeling layer. It is a versatile animal-derived ingredient, not a proven treatment for infections, scars or medical skin conditions.

Editorial graphic about beeswax in body care
5 Minute Read
If you’ve ever wondered where beeswax comes from and what its benefits are, wonder no more! Beeswax is a sensational product that is naturally occurring. The long and short of it: bees produce this substance and use it to build their honeycombs. Beeswax – just like bee honey – never rots! Yes, you read that right. In fact, one of the oldest jars of honey was unearthed in an Egyptian crypt and it was still usable hundreds of years after it had been buried down there. 
Now, that’s amazing! Let’s find out more about beeswax and its awesome benefits. 

What is Beeswax?

We know how beeswax is produced, but do you know what to look out for? Well, all-natural beeswax will be soft to the touch when warmed and rigid when cooled. It can be found in a variety of shades, from white to pale yellow, deep golden orange, and even black. It all depends on how old the bees that produce it are as well as what flowers they’ve come into contact with. 
Beeswax is so powerful as an anti-infective and organic preservation agent that it is used to coat cheese, fruits, and vegetables. However, my favorite fun fact about beeswax is the fact that it has healing and anti-aging properties. 
In beauty products, white beeswax is preferred and it is achieved by taking yellow beeswax through a purification process. 
Editorial graphic about beeswax in body care

The Powerful Benefits of Beeswax

Beeswax is the perfect additive for aromatherapy candles because of how clean it burns. It also lasts longer, ensuring that you’ll get to enjoy a single candle for much longer than usual. If you want to test this theory out, why not pick up one of my organic candles?
Not only will you reinvigorate your senses and whisk yourself into a relaxed state, but you’ll also be actively purifying the air in your home, thanks to the antibacterial properties of beeswax. 
The added benefits of enjoying a beeswax-infused candle include the fact that it will enhance your mood, elevate your concentration levels, reduce stress, and even alleviate physical pain!
Editorial graphic about beeswax in body care

How to Use Beeswax

Use beeswax in candles, soaps, lip balms, body butters, and lotions. It will smooth and fortify your skin, relieving the rough appearance that most often comes on as a result of skin conditions or severe weather. Beeswax also has a strong probiotic effect, which means it will balance the bacteria found on your skin. 
Beeswax works as a strong hydrator, ensuring that your skin is balanced, soothed, and protected from free radicals. The best part of it all is that it will never clog your pores if used in a lip balm or body butter. In fact, it will exfoliate your skin throughout the day and regenerate damaged areas on your skin. If you enjoy a protective, waxy texture in body care, beeswax-containing products may appeal to you. They are not established treatments for acne, eczema, scars, inflammation, or open wounds, and sensitive skin may react to ingredients in a formula. One of the things I love the most about beeswax is the fact that it can work as a deodorant too, naturally cleansing your body of odor-causing bacteria and replenishing your skin with a sweet honey-like fragrance. 
Finally, it will boost your skin’s collagen levels, giving you more radiant skin in no time. I would recommend using any of my beeswax-infused products just before bed as you will also be capitalizing on the calming effects. This will give you deep and peaceful sleep throughout the night. 
(PS If you have any allergies, this will nip them in the bud and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed instead of stuffy and puffy-eyed. You can kiss seasonal allergies, congestion, and coughing goodbye!)


Have you bought one of my products? Snap a photo of your new skincare routine and tag me! I’d love to see how my products are benefiting your life. (Social links below).  


Love Always, Nina...

Frequently asked questions

Does beeswax hydrate on its own?

It forms a protective layer; water-based humectants supply a different kind of hydration.

Is beeswax vegan?

No, it is produced by honeybees.

Can beeswax cure cracked skin?

A cosmetic balm can soften, but severe cracking may require medical assessment.

Does it make a product allergy-proof?

No. Ingredient sensitivity is still possible.

Explore more SelesTeres rituals

Curated complements to this article—8 products across cleansing, skincare and home where relevant. Swipe to discover more; these are cosmetic and lifestyle products, not treatments for medical conditions.

Further reading & sources

For general education and inspiration only. SelesTeres products are cosmetics and lifestyle items, not medical treatments. Individual responses and sensitivities vary by person and formulation. If you have a health concern, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.


8 comments


  • Shannon

    Hi Nina :) I took your advice from TikTok and read this article. You are SPOT ON with all of your beeswax information. I’m going to say this is the most information ( and accurate) I’ve read about beeswax In one article. I am in my 7th year of beekeeping, and I have experienced all of the healing miracles of raw beeswax during this time. The bees work very hard to make the beeswax ; I make sure to only harvest their " scraps " . They use the wax to form comb that they raise babies(brood) in, and to store food ( pollen/beebread + honey ). The bees never sleep – so no need for beds. Propolis is another very medicinal gift the bees give us. You are doing a great job :) congratulations !


  • Daisy

    I am a great admirer of nature and natural ingredient-infused products. But it is surprising to know that Beeswax is used in food and is beneficial for the skin. It was an informative blog. Thank you!


  • Nikki

    I love beeswax in beauty products! It always feels so smooth. I like lip balm especially, keeps me feeling soft all day.


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