I have been obsessed with organic raw local honey for years. Because much of my herbalism revolves around teas, I studied the right honey to use and was surprised to learn about the myriad benefits of something so simple and readily available. I usually keep at least two different batches from local bee farmers on hand. But recently, I discovered the plethora of advantages to integrating honey’s best friend, beeswax, into my skincare routine. Many people do not even realize that beeswax for skin is even a thing! I certainly had no idea how large, how varied, and how historical the beeswax market is. As someone prone to dry skin, especially now that I live in the arid mountain region of southern Oregon, beeswax has been a virtual lifesaver.  

Table of Contents:  

• History of Beeswax  
• Top 5 Natural Uses that Prove Beeswax Is Good for Skin 
• Additional Uses for Beeswax 
• Essential Oils to Enhance Your Beeswax
  

History of Beeswax 

Beeswax has been around, well, since the beginning of bees - a long time. Human use of beeswax has likely also been around since the beginning of humans. We know that Cavemen used it to paint their stories and histories on cave walls. The Egyptians used it for mummification purposes. And the first known face cream was created two thousand years ago using beeswax and olive oil. In more recent times, beeswax has been used to seal letters, to preserve cheese, and even as an early form of contraceptive. Who knew, right? The fascinating, and helpful, truth is that beeswax is good for so much more than we realize, especially when it comes to our skincare routine.  

Top 5 Natural Uses that Prove Beeswax Is Good for Skin 

1. Eczema 

I have been super healthy my whole life. Except for my sensitive skin. I burn in the sun easily. I am prone to allergic reactions to poisonous plants. And I have persistent eczema. I have tried everything from allopathic medicines that gave me hives to daily Epsom salt baths. Nothing worked... until beeswax. Because beeswax is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, it is an ideal remedy for eczema. You can take a little raw beeswax and mix it with olive oil or aloe vera, then smooth it on the irritated area a couple of times a day.  

2. Acne 

The same naturopathic approach that applies to eczema applies to acne. Those anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties will get right to work.  

3. Fine Lines and Wrinkles 

Beeswax is rich in Vitamin A, the master of anti-aging. Indeed, most anti-aging products you will find on the market have Vitamin A as their primary ingredient. Why waste a ton of money on expensive, potentially synthetic, and damaging products when you can simply invest in some local beeswax and mix it with the essential oil of your choice (properly diluted in a carrier oil). The result will be an anti-aging cream with a lovely fragrance you will look forward to applying each night before bed.  

4. Dry Chapped Skin 

Beeswax is also a humectant, which means it creates a barrier to lock in moisture. If you must suffer through dry arid temperatures or even skin chapping blizzards, you want beeswax in your skincare arsenal.  

5. Chapped Lips 

Last, but certainly not least, the beeswax will both protect and heal your lips. It is also not addictive like a lot of chapsticks on shelves are. So, you do not have to worry that if you use it, your lips will never be the same without it. Although, come to think of it, why would you want to go without it? It may just become your new handbag must-have.  

Additional Uses for Beeswax 

Remember how long, and how varied, the history of beeswax is? Yes, there are truly dozens of other reasons to keep beeswax on hand. If you are a crafty one, you can find yourself storing your cheese in beeswax or even sealing letters to your pen pal with beeswax. On a more practical level, though, you can also keep beeswax in your bathroom for your hair. Beeswax can be applied directly to a dry scalp, you can use it on your split ends, and you can apply it lightly to your hair once it is styled to prevent flyaways. Look up YouTube tutorials for ways to mix in with your favorite oils, herbs, and other all-natural ingredients.  

Ultimately, beeswax is one of those naturally occurring ingredients that is invaluable to have on hand. If you have not already, scout out your local bee farmer, or farmers, and stock up on beeswax for your skincare routine, your haircare process, and any other situation that may arise and call for this magical marvel of nature.  

Essential Oils to Enhance Your Beeswax

Now that you are fully on the beeswax train, it is time to consider your mix-ins. You will rarely use beeswax on its own. Rather, you will add something to turn it creamier and make it easier to spread. Below, I have linked a couple of essential oils that go great with beeswax for skincare. Just make sure to dilute them properly in a carrier oil of your choice (such as coconut, olive or argan oil). 

Jasmine Essential Oil 

Jasmine is my all-time favorite fragrance. This oil is blended with jojoba oil, which also smells heavenly and is great for skincare to boot. Jasmine essential oil mixed with beeswax would be a match made in nature’s garden.  

Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree was one of the first ingredients I learned about in skincare, years and years ago. I love it for its healing properties and earthy smell. This oil would be great mixed with beeswax if you are looking for acne care or anti-aging cream.  

Take your time browsing the essential oils sections found at the links above. You may want to keep a few different ones on hand once you see the wide array of uses each oil offers!