Uses of Beeswax

Beeswax is actually a very versatile product and can be used for wide range of purposes. Here is a guide to the top 5 uses of beeswax.

As a lip balm

Beeswax is the perfect base to make moisturising lip balm. There are plenty of recipes to choose from, but generally speaking the way to make lip balm this way is to melt some beeswax over a pan of boiling water and then add in one or more essential oils of your choice. Stir thoroughly and once the mixture has melted, pour it into a container using a funnel.

As a leather protector

Beeswax mixed with resin makes the perfect leather protector. It even makes it waterproof. This substance can be used on shoes, belts, briefcases or any other leather product you want to keep looking as new.

Ingredients: 4 ounces beeswax, 1 pint vegetable oil and 4 ounces rosin/resin (can be purchased at a music shop)

The beeswax should be melted over a pan of boiling water. Then add the vegetable oil and resin and stir until mixed thoroughly. Ideally this mixture should be applied to leather while it is still warm for ease.

Wax crayons

Children love wax crayons to draw and colour with. They are totally safe as they are non-toxic so are perfect for use by kids.

Ingredients: 1 ounce beeswax, 1 ounce grated soap, concentrated food coloring

Heat the beeswax in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Add the grated soap and stir until it has all melted. Add the food colouring drop by drop until it has reached the desired colour. Pour the mixture into moulds made from tin foil. Once cooled they are ready to be used.

Furniture Polish

Beeswax makes an effective furniture polish. Simply mix equal parts of beeswax, linseed oil and turpentine whilst gently heating them in a bowl of hot water. When the mixture is cool put a little on a soft rag and use to polish all your wooden furniture.

Copper preservative

Beeswax stops the oxidation of copper which can look unsightly when it appears. When sealing a copper item, simply soften some beeswax and then apply it to the item on a soft cloth or rag. This will remove any oxidation residue and prevent further from appearing.

Beeswax can of course also be used to make candles and a variety of other beauty and cosmetics further to the uses listed above.

Homemade Cosmetics: Beeswax

Beeswax can be used in a variety of cosmetics, creams and other beauty products that you are making at home. It works wonderfully as a thickening agent and emulsifier and can be used in the creation of hand creams, lotions, moisturizers, lip balms, hair products and plenty more cosmetics besides. It has soothing and softening properties that when used on the skin can help it retain moisture. Historically beeswax has been used as an antiseptic and research shows it was used to help heal wounds in days gone by.

Here are some very simple recipes for making cosmetics at home:

Moisturing Vitamin E Cream

4 oz. sweet almond oil
1 oz. beeswax
2 oz. water
10 drops Vitamin E oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

• Melt the oil and the wax then remove from heat, add water and stir thoroughly.
• Add Vitamin E oil, essential oil and stir continuously until cool.
• Once cool, poor into a cosmetic jar.

That is it. It is excellent for rough or particularly dry skin and provides excellent nourishment.

Coconut Butter Body Moisturizer

2 tablespoons beeswax
2 teaspoons distilled water
4 oz. cocoa butter
4 tablespoons sweet almond
2 tablespoons coconut oil

• Melt the beeswax over a very low heat with the water.
• Gradually add the cocoa butter and stir well to blend thoroughly.
• Gradually blend in oils until mixed thoroughly and pour into a glass cosmetic jar.

The lotion will thicken as it cools so don’t worry if it is quite thin and runny at first. It is particularly soothing for wind chapped or sun burnt skin.

Hand Cream

2 ounces beeswax
1 cup sweet almond oil
1 cup water
10 drops essential oil (if desired, for fragrance)

• Heat the beeswax and sweet almond oil together until the wax melts.
• In another container, heat the water until warm. The mixtures must not get too hot - it should still be possible to touch them.
• Place the warm water in a food processor and whilst on high speed, slowly add the beeswax-oil mixture.
• When most of the oil has been added, the mixture should begin to thicken.
• At this point, add the essential oil. Continue to add oil and blend until the mixture is sufficiently thickened.
• Spoon the thick cream into cosmetic jars.

These are some really simple recipes that produce some wonderful products. If any of you know other recipes, send them in to us here at Baldwins.