Beeswax

CAS Number:

8012-89-3

Chemical Name: 

Beeswax. Also known as Cera Alba (white/bleached), Cera Flava (yellow/unbleached)

INCI Name:

Beeswax

Common Form:

Yellowish to greyish brown (yellow form) or yellowish-white (white/bleached form) pieces, plates, pastilles, or solid. Fine-grained, non-crystalline fracture with a honey-like odor

EC Number:

232-383-7

Uses:

Beeswax is a natural, versatile biomaterial produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) to build honeycomb structures . It is prized for its emollient, film-forming, and water-resistant properties, making it invaluable across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications .

Primary Applications:

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Widely used as an emollient, emulsifier, film-former, consistency agent, and opacifier in lipsticks, lip balms, lotions, creams (cold creams), moisturizers, and soaps . It provides structure, prevents dehydration, and leaves a smooth feel on skin .

· Pharmaceuticals: Functions as a tablet coating agent, stiffener, binder, and emulsifier in ointments and topical formulations. Used as a pharmaceutic aid .

· Food Industry (E901): Approved as a food additive (E901). Used as a glazing agent, release agent, and surface-finishing agent. Common in candy glaze/polish, chewing gum base, and for coating fruits to preserve freshness .

· Candle Making: Traditional and popular use for crafting candles due to its clean burn, pleasant honey scent, and rigidity .

· Wood & Leather Care: Used in furniture and floor waxes, shoe polishes, and leather dressings for waterproofing and conditioning .

· Industrial & Household: Acts as a lubricant, rust preventive, and mold release agent. Used for waterproofing boots, seasoning cast iron pans, quieting squeaky hinges, and preserving tools .

· Crafts & Art: Employed in modeling wax, artificial fruit and flowers, textile sizes and finishes, and preserving autumn leaves .

What does Beeswax do in a formulation?

• Emollient & Skin Conditioner: Softens and smooths the skin, providing a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss.
• Thickener & Consistency Agent: Increases viscosity and provides structure to creams, balms, and sticks, helping formulations maintain their shape.
• Emulsifier: Helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, ensuring uniform mixing of ingredients.
• Film-Former: Creates a thin, water-resistant film on skin, hair, or surfaces, offering protection and extended wear.
• Opacifying Agent: Provides opacity and a creamy appearance to products .
• Plasticizer: Enhances flexibility and workability in formulations and industrial applications .
• Waterproofing Agent: Its hydrophobic nature makes it excellent for creating water-resistant barriers on leather, wood, and skin .

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally recognized as safe and nonhazardous according to GHS classifications . Classified as a mild allergen for some individuals . NFPA: Health: 1, Fire: 1, Reactivity: 0 (Slight hazard) .

· Skin Contact: No significant adverse effects expected. Mild hypersensitivity reactions may occur in previously sensitized individuals .

· Eye Contact: May cause mild mechanical irritation. Flush with water .

· Inhalation: Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation. Remove to fresh air .

· Ingestion: Ingestion of limited quantities has produced no adverse effects. Considered non-toxic .

· Environmental Impact: Not classified as dangerous goods. No significant ecotoxicity data available .

· Required PPE: Eye protection recommended but not required. Protective gloves not required but recommended. Dust mask recommended for heavy exposure .

· Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers). Keep container tightly closed .

· Shelf Life: Indefinite if kept cool and properly stored .

Technical profile: