When constructing a honeycomb, bees secrete a nutrient-rich substance called beeswax. Beeswax is a colorless liquid secreted by female worker honeybees as they build the honeycomb walls. To produce one pound of wax, a bee consumes an estimated six to eight pounds of honey.
According to Botanical.com, "The wax is secreted from wax glands on the underside of the bee's abdomen and is molded into six-sided cells which are filled with honey, then capped with more wax. When honey is harvested, the top layer of wax that covers the cells, or the capping, must be removed from each hexagon-shaped cell."
Utilized in a variety of skincare products, beeswax improves the condition of the skin. Completely non-toxic, beeswax is known for its healing properties.
Rich in vitamin A, a natural antioxidant beneficial to cells reconstruction, and in specific fatty acids compatible with skin lipids.
Because of the healing, softening and antiseptic properties associated with beeswax, numerous skincare lines incorporate it.
SKIN MOISTURIZING
Beeswax is a humectant that forms a protective, non-occlusive barrier on the skin to hold in moisture without clogging pores. Beeswax reduces skin dryness by retaining moisture in the skin and reducing the trans-epidermal water loss through sealing moisture in and thus serves as a protective barrier from the external environmental elements.
Beeswax also contains vitamin A, which may be beneficial in softening and rehydrating dry skin and in cell reconstruction.
SKIN SOOTHING
The protective barrier made up of beeswax has anti-inflammatory properties by calming redness, irritation, and itching. This barrier keeps the skin moisturized, speeds up the healing period, and prevents further inflammation. Therefore, beeswax can be especially helpful for issues like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
The healing and soothing nature of beeswax also makes it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive skin.
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT
Beeswax has antibacterial and antifungal properties. A beeswax crude extract has shown inhibitory effects against S. aureus, Salmonella enterica, C. albicans and Aspergillus niger. Beeswax can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus, helping with conditions like diaper rash.
Beeswax has an irritation potential of zero, and a comedogenicity (doesn't clog pores) rating of 0-2, which means that when formulated and used correctly in cosmetic formulations, beeswax will not cause a problem.