Typically when we think about bees, honey comes to mind. While this sticky, sweet golden elixir is beneficial in many ways, it seems to overshadow another versatile buzz-worthy byproduct: beeswax.
Bees secrete wax and utilize it to build their hives. It has incredible structural properties since it can be molded when warm and then solidifies into a strong material. When beekeepers collect honey, they have to remove part of the honeycomb, which is what we see for sale in our stores.
Beeswax has many known benefits for our skin in particular. Because of its ability to lock in moisture, beeswax is the main ingredient in many lip balms. Plus, it protects the skin from harsh conditions of the outside world. Furthermore, the wax contains vitamin A, which helps hydrate the skin and rebuild cells. Beeswax has antibacterial properties as well, making it useful for healing broken or damaged skin.
This useful wax is incredible malleable, which means it’s ideal for making non-beauty-related products as well – such as candles and food wraps. In stores, you can commonly find beeswax beads or pellets, both good options for melting, mixing and molding.
From DIY deodorant to homemade sunscreen here are 11 items you can make at home with beeswax:
1. DIY Margarita-Flavored Lip Balm
Get ready for summer with this bangin’ four-ingredient lip balm (it also works as a cold-weather pick-me-up!). To naturally add a vibrant tint, check out our DIY lip stain tutorial.
2. DIY Natural Sunscreen
This simple do-it-yourself sunscreen uses zinc-oxide to protect your skin from harmful sun rays while beeswax and natural oil help keep your skin smooth and healthy.
3. Soothing Cucumber Cream
A soothing combination of organic cucumber pulp, water, beeswax and almond oil, this creamy concoction will cool and calm your skin after a stressful work day or a long day under the sun.
4. Tropical Moisturizer
Ideal for everyday use, this homemade lotion possesses a healthy dose of aloe vera, which means it’s especially great for summer months.
5. DIY Natural Deodorant
Deodorant doesn’t have to be complicated. It takes five ingredients – that’s it. This chemical-free recipe calls for coconut oil, beeswax beads, baking soda, cornstarch and your favorite essential oil!
6. Hair Mask
In a saucepan, melt 1 cup olive oil, ½ cup beeswax and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Mix until combined. Transfer to small container to cool. To use, scoop a penny-sized amount of the mixture into your hand and massage onto hair. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse well.
7. DIY Muscle Recovery Rub
This moisturizing rub uses beeswax, various oils and a combination of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils to help soothe muscles after a tough workout.
8. Coconut Oil & Beeswax Mascara
Chemical-free makeup? Sign us up! Your eyelashes will thank you for this all-natural mascara. This recipe includes options for light black, dark black and chocolaty brown shades.
9. DIY Candles
Do you find yourself sniffing every candle in the store – but none of them end up exciting your senses? Well, now you can make your own all-natural candle and make it smell exactly how you want it. Simply combine beeswax and the essential oils or dried herbs and flowers of your choice.
10. Homemade Wax Melts
If you have a wax warmer at home, wax melts are an easy and quick way to fill your home with fun seasonal scents.
11. Reusable Food Wraps
These convenient, eco-friendly wraps are rising in popularity. To get started, gather some cotton fabric and beeswax pellets. Place the cotton square down on a baking sheet and sprinkle beeswax pellets on top. Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Heat fabric squares for 4-8 minutes. When ready, spread the melted wax along the cotton. Hang squares to dry. Use your new sustainable wraps in place of plastic wrap to cover bowls, plates and cut fruit to keep food fresh!