Beeswax (cera alba) is produced by bees in the form of tiny scales which are “sweated” from the segments on the underside of the abdomen. To stimulate the production of beeswax the bees gorge themselves with honey or sugar syrup and huddle together to raise the temperature of the cluster. To produce one pound of wax requires the bees to consume about ten pounds of honey. Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols. An approximate chemical formula for beeswax is C15H31COOC30H61. Its main constituents are palmitate, palmitoleate, and oleate esters of long-chain (30–32 carbons) aliphatic alcohols, with the ratio of triacontanyl palmitate CH3(CH2)29O-CO-(CH2)14CH3 to cerotic acid CH3(CH2)24COOH, the two principal constituents, being 6:1.
Beeswax has a relatively low melting point range of 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F). If beeswax is heated above 85 °C (185 °F) discoloration occurs. The flash point of beeswax is 204.4 °C (400 °F).
When natural beeswax is cold, it can become brittle, dry and granular. At room temperature it is tenacious and it softens further at human body temperature. Beeswax has a high resistance to the passage of heat but if cooled quickly will become pale in color, more brittle and liable to develop cracks due to rapid contraction. To preserve the aroma of fresh wax it should never be raised more than a few degrees above melting point and then only for a short period.
Use of beeswax in skin care and cosmetics has been increasing. Beeswax is used in lip balm, lip gloss, hand creams, salves, and moisturizers; and in cosmetics such as eye shadow, blush, and eye liner. Beeswax is also an important ingredient in moustache wax and hair pomades, which make hair look sleek and shiny. The vitamin A in beeswax, along with the antiseptic and healing properties, are good treatments for acne. By softening the skin and helping keep it moisturized without clogging pores, you can reduce acne outbreaks. The hypoallergenic and moisturizing properties of beeswax make it an effective treatment for dry skin and more serious issues like eczema. Beeswax can be used to treat the itchiness of these conditions and prevent further drying out. Beeswax has many healing properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of beeswax encourage the healing of wounds. It is also protective, helping form a barrier between the skin and the environment without clogging pores. Further, beeswax is high in vitamin A, which has been found to support cell reconstruction and health. The protective nature of beeswax helps hold in moisture and reduce dryness of skin. It is also a humectant, which means that it attracts water. This helps keep the skin hydrated and soft. Beeswax also has antibacterial properties. It helps keep the skin clean and reduces the risk of contamination. Studies have shown that beeswax can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus, helping with conditions like diaper rash.