Our Beauty Glossary is your definitive guide to every important beauty term ever. From A - Z, we regularly fill you in on beauty ingredients, personalities, products and treatments, so you know exactly who or what to look out for in the beauty space.
Bees-wax
Beeswax is an eco-friendly, feel-good substance. There are so many uses for it! Did you know that a 100% beeswax candle burns brighter, lasts longer, and doesn't drip? Or that beeswax will condition and waterproof all types of shoes from canvas to leather? And for you creative types, beeswax letter seals are the only way to go - what better way to finish off baby shower invitations?
There's an ongoing buzz about beauty products inclusive of beeswax, here's why.
Petroleum jelly is childhood. For every sore nose, chapped lips or dry skin situation, most of us relied on good old Vaseline. Because it instantly softens it's usually considered a wonder product, but petroleum jelly is water-repellent not water-soluble, which means it can suffocate the pores. Beeswax is a natural alternative that provides a film of protection against irritants but still allows the skin to breathe. This is why it's often found in lip balms and salves.
When added to skincare products, beeswax thickens the formula and acts as an emollient and a humectant. Emollients soothe and soften, especially rough, flaky skin, while humectants essentially attract water to the skin, keeping it continuously hydrated.
Beeswax is antibacterial, helping to keep skin clean, and has anti-inflammatory properties which have been found to encourage wound healing. It's also anti-allergenic, so it can be easily tolerated by reactive skin types and is a kind, topical treatment for dermatitis, eczema or other types of itch-related skin conditions. In its natural state, beeswax works really well for dry elbows, knees and feet too.
Beeswax is also great for flyaway hairs, smoothing them down right up until your next hair wash. It's extra beneficial for Afro-textured hair which may or may not have been chemically straightened, because it acts as a natural conditioner and a styling product that adds shine.
Beeswax is gentle to your skin and the environment. In scientific/ingredient list terms, beeswax may be referred to as Cera Alba.
Check out some of our favorite products containing beeswax:
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