INCI: Cera Alba
Natural wax bees secrete to build honeycomb. In cosmetics it thickens balms, lipsticks and rich creams, forming a stable film that helps lock in moisture.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Structurant and occlusive with no standalone active pharmacology. Well tolerated, allergy is rare. May aggravate pore congestion in heavy formulas on acne-prone skin.
Beeswax (Cera Alba) is a natural wax secreted by worker bees from their wax glands to build honeycomb. Contains fatty acid–alcohol esters (~70%), long-chain hydrocarbons (~14%), free fatty acids, ceryl alcohol. Mechanism. On skin it works as an occlusive and structurant: it forms a thin hydrophobic film slowing transepidermal water loss. It does not penetrate the epidermis – molecules are too large. In formulation it gives balms, lipsticks, and rich creams a dense texture and improves heat resistance. Where applied. Lip balms (Vaseline Lip Therapy, Apivita, Carmex), colour cosmetics (lipsticks, mascara), hand creams, frost-protection ointments, traditional pharmaceutical ointments. Concentration 1–30%. Popular in Spain in Mercadona Deliplus Bálsamo de Cera de Abejas, Apivita, Weleda Cold Cream. Evidence base. Few direct topical RCTs on beeswax – usually studied as part of classical galenic bases. Petrolatum remains the occlusive gold standard (Sethi 2016), but beeswax delivers a close effect with a nicer tactile feel. Cochrane review Boyle 2017 on nipple care in nursing mothers did not single out a best emollient: beeswax, lanolin, and coconut oil performed similarly. Safety. CIR confirmed cosmetic safety in 1984 and updated it in 2008. Contact allergy is rare but reported in some beekeepers (occupational sensitisation to pollen and propolis migrating into the wax). Non-comedogenic up to 5%; at high concentrations on oily facial skin it may clog pores. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Used by pregnant and nursing women for lips, hands, nipples, and stretch-mark balms. No restrictions in infants. Particularly suitable for. Dry, cracked lips, hands, and heels, skin protection in cold weather, post-procedure balms. Not suitable for vegans – look for plant alternatives (candelilla wax, carnauba wax, sunflower wax).
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
Use with caution
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Beeswax is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Beeswax suits: normal, dry. Use with caution in: oily.
Natural wax bees secrete to build honeycomb.
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Cera Alba. It may also appear as: Cera Flava, Beeswax, Пчелиный воск.
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