White beeswax (INCI: Cera Alba) is a refined, bleached form of natural beeswax used to firm up and stabilise homemade lip balms, lotion bars, salves, creams and candles. It melts at around 63.8°C, gives a smooth finish, and helps your products hold shape without feeling greasy. In short, it is the workhorse thickener most DIY makers reach for first.
What white beeswax is
Beeswax is secreted by honeybees to build their combs. Raw beeswax is golden-yellow with a honey scent; white beeswax is the same material that has been filtered and naturally bleached to a pale, near-neutral colour and aroma. That makes it easier to colour and scent, which is why cosmetic formulators prefer it for lipsticks, moisturisers and pale-coloured candles. Azlok stocks it as solid slabs (CAS 8012-89-3) in packs from 500 grams up to 25 kilograms, so both hobbyists and small businesses can buy at the right scale.
Everyday uses
- Lip balms and lip gloss — beeswax locks in moisture and gives balm its solid-yet-soft bite.
- Lotion bars and body butter — it binds carrier oils and butters into a bar that melts on skin contact.
- Salves and creams — acts as a natural emulsion stabiliser and thickener.
- Candles — beeswax candles burn long, clean and with very little soot.
- Hair and beard products — used in pomades and conditioners for light hold.
- Soap bars and make-up — adds structure to solid formulations.
How to use it: melting and ratios
Beeswax should be melted gently in a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over simmering water) rather than direct heat, since overheating can dull its colour and smell. Chop or grate the slab so it melts evenly, then stir in your oils.
- Lip balm: a common starting point is roughly 1 part beeswax to 3 parts carrier oil and butter by weight. More beeswax gives a firmer balm.
- Lotion bar: equal parts beeswax, a solid butter (like shea or cocoa) and a liquid oil work well.
- Salve: about 1 part beeswax to 4 parts infused oil for a soft, spreadable texture.
Add essential or fragrance oils only after you take the mixture off the heat, then pour quickly into tins or moulds before it sets. Because beeswax has a high melting point, your finished products stay stable in Indian summers better than many soft waxes.
Tips and safety notes
- Always do a small test batch to check firmness before scaling up — you can remelt and adjust ratios.
- Beeswax is flammable when molten. Never leave it heating unattended and keep it away from open flame.
- Clean tools while warm; hardened beeswax is stubborn. Wiping with a paper towel before washing helps.
- For candles, use a wick suited to beeswax (usually a larger size than for paraffin) to get a clean burn.
- Patch-test any new skincare product on your inner arm before regular use, especially if you have a known bee-product sensitivity.
- These are cosmetic and craft uses only. Do not rely on beeswax as a medical treatment, and keep raw materials away from children.
Buying and storage
Look for beeswax that is uniform in colour and free from grit. Azlok's white beeswax slab has a saponification value of about 88.73 and a shelf life of around two years when stored well. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong-smelling substances, since wax can pick up odours. Slabs are easy to store but a little harder to portion, so keep a sturdy knife or grater handy. Buy the pack size that matches your output: a 500 gram pack suits testing and gifting, while 5 kg and larger drums make sense for regular sellers.
FAQ
What is the difference between white and yellow beeswax?
They are the same wax; white beeswax has been filtered and bleached to a pale colour with a milder scent, making it better for light-coloured or lightly fragranced products.
What is the melting point of white beeswax?
Around 63.8°C. Melt it gently in a double boiler rather than over direct high heat.
Is white beeswax good for candles?
Yes. Beeswax candles are long-lasting and burn with very little soot. Pair it with an appropriately sized wick for the cleanest burn.
Is white beeswax safe for lips and skin?
Beeswax is widely used in lip balms, moisturisers and salves. It is for external cosmetic use; patch-test first and avoid it if you are sensitive to bee products.
How long does white beeswax last?
About two years when stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and strong odours.