Beeswax

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about beeswax. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: One study on this page tested a honey, beeswax, and olive oil mixture in people with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, which are medical conditions. We share it for transparency. ORY^® beeswax products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel found beeswax safe as used in cosmetics, and confirmed that conclusion in a later re-review. Reviews document its film-forming and emollient roles.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1984; re-reviewed 2005). Final report on the safety assessment of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, and beeswax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 3(3), 1–41; re-review: International Journal of Toxicology, 24(Suppl 1), 48–52. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Waxes.pdf
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of waxes, including beeswax.
  • Kurek-Górecka, A., Górecki, M., Rzepecka-Stojko, A., Balwierz, R., & Stojko, J. (2020). Bee products in dermatology and skin care. Molecules, 25(3), 556. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030556
    • What it shows: Review of bee products in skin care.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Beeswax chemistry is well documented.

Citations:

• • Fratini, F., Cilia, G., Turchi, B., & Felicioli, A. (2016). Beeswax: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9(9), 839–843. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27633295/
    • What it shows: Describes beeswax composition.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Beeswax is generally well tolerated, but a patch-test study found contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with lip inflammation or facial dermatitis.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1984; re-reviewed 2005). Final report on the safety assessment of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, and beeswax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 3(3), 1–41; re-review: International Journal of Toxicology, 24(Suppl 1), 48–52. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Waxes.pdf
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.
  • Nyman, G. S. A., Tang, M., Inerot, A., Osmancevic, A., Malmberg, P., & Hagvall, L. (2019). Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 81(2), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13306
    • What it shows: Patch-test study of beeswax and propolis allergy.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. Use in pomades and balms is traditional; we found no clinical studies. Beeswax is kept off the scalp to limit buildup.

Citations:

• • Kurek-Górecka, A., Górecki, M., Rzepecka-Stojko, A., Balwierz, R., & Stojko, J. (2020). Bee products in dermatology and skin care. Molecules, 25(3), 556. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030556
    • What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Film-forming and structuring roles are well established. Lab studies show some antimicrobial activity. A small study of a honey, beeswax, and olive oil mixture in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis is a medical use, and ORY^® does not make treatment claims.

Citations:

• • Fratini, F., Cilia, G., Turchi, B., & Felicioli, A. (2016). Beeswax: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9(9), 839–843. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27633295/
    • What it shows: Review of antimicrobial activity.
  • Al-Waili, N. S. (2003). Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: Partially controlled, single-blinded study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 11(4), 226–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0965-2299(03)00120-1
    • What it shows: Mixture study (a medical use).

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. Beeswax has long cosmetic use across balms, lipsticks, and mascaras. In soap, it hardens the bar but speeds trace and reduces lather above about 3%.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1984; re-reviewed 2005). Final report on the safety assessment of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, and beeswax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 3(3), 1–41; re-review: International Journal of Toxicology, 24(Suppl 1), 48–52. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Waxes.pdf
    • What it shows: Reported uses.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Backed by a CIR safety conclusion.

Citations:

• • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1984; re-reviewed 2005). Final report on the safety assessment of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, and beeswax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 3(3), 1–41; re-review: International Journal of Toxicology, 24(Suppl 1), 48–52. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Waxes.pdf
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Not vegan. Animal-derived; plant waxes are available.
  • Allergy. Beeswax and propolis allergy is documented.
  • Heaviness. Can feel waxy and build up on hair.
  • Soap. Reduces lather above about 3%.

Citations:

• • Nyman, G. S. A., Tang, M., Inerot, A., Osmancevic, A., Malmberg, P., & Hagvall, L. (2019). Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 81(2), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13306
    • What it shows: Allergy.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • If you are allergic to propolis, honey, or other bee products, avoid this product.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Nyman, G. S. A., Tang, M., Inerot, A., Osmancevic, A., Malmberg, P., & Hagvall, L. (2019). Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 81(2), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13306
    • What it shows: Allergy.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Al-Waili, N. S. (2003). Topical application of natural honey, beeswax and olive oil mixture for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis: Partially controlled, single-blinded study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 11(4), 226–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0965-2299(03)00120-1
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1984; re-reviewed 2005). Final report on the safety assessment of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, and beeswax. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 3(3), 1–41; re-review: International Journal of Toxicology, 24(Suppl 1), 48–52. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Waxes.pdf
  • Fratini, F., Cilia, G., Turchi, B., & Felicioli, A. (2016). Beeswax: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9(9), 839–843. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27633295/
  • Kurek-Górecka, A., Górecki, M., Rzepecka-Stojko, A., Balwierz, R., & Stojko, J. (2020). Bee products in dermatology and skin care. Molecules, 25(3), 556. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030556
  • Nyman, G. S. A., Tang, M., Inerot, A., Osmancevic, A., Malmberg, P., & Hagvall, L. (2019). Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 81(2), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13306

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap