INCI Name
Cera Alba (White Beeswax) or Cera Flava (Yellow Beeswax)
Botanical Name
Not applicable (animal-derived from Apis mellifera)
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and purified for cosmetic use. Rich in fatty acid esters and hydrocarbons, it forms a protective barrier on the skin while sealing in moisture. Commonly used in balms, salves, and creams, it provides structure, stability, and a smooth application feel.
Thickener, emulsifier, occlusive, barrier-forming agent, stabilizer
Product Type(s):
Typical Usage Range:
1–20% (commonly 2–10% in balms, salves, lip products, and creams)
Provides protective barrier, helps lock in moisture, adds structure to balms and salves, traditionally used in ointments and candles
Primary Components:
Esters of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols, hydrocarbons, free fatty acids
Not vegan; may clog pores for acne-prone users; possible pollen/bee product allergy; patch test recommended
Preferred Extraction Method:
Filtered and purified from honeycombs
Look for sustainably harvested, cosmetic-grade, filtered and pesticide-free wax; choose organic if possible
Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:
*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.
Beeswax
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