Reviews Overview: Beeswax is a natural wax that forms the honeycomb structure of a beehive. It is used in skin care products, lip balms, soaps, and foods. People often apply beeswax products to the lips and skin to help with dryness and irritation. Beeswax seems to be well tolerated when used as directed on the label. Before using beeswax, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is beeswax used for?
Beeswax products are sometimes used to protect dry or irritated skin. Beeswax may also be used for other health purposes as an ingredient in skin care products, lip balms, and soaps. However, its benefits for these other uses are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed beeswax for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here.
How does beeswax work (mechanism of action)?
Beeswax is made by worker bees and forms the honeycomb structure of a beehive. It is commonly used for many purposes, including in skin care products, lip balms, soaps, and foods. Bee-derived products are sometimes used in alternative medicine practices known as “apitherapy.” Apitherapy includes beeswax, bee venom, bee pollen, honey, propolis, and royal jelly. Each of these products is unique and contains different chemicals.
Applying beeswax products to the skin or lips can help form a barrier between the skin and the environment. This may help lock in moisture on dry skin or lips. It can also help protect irritated skin from further irritation. Although research on the use of beeswax products is somewhat limited, it does seem to work well at forming a barrier on the skin and helping relieve certain types of irritation.
Some products that contain beeswax claim to have antibacterial properties. This means they are intended to help fight off bacteria. But it is not clear whether beeswax products can actually help kill bacteria or prevent infections.
Natural substances, such as beeswax, contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific beeswax product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store beeswax?
You should store beeswax according to the product label. Most cosmetics should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of beeswax?
Beeswax seems to be well tolerated when applied to the skin or lips. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of beeswax that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a product. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of beeswax?
While less common, the most serious side effects of beeswax are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Beeswax may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using beeswax and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use beeswax?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use beeswax.
- Beeswax
- Propolis
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific beeswax products they stock.
What should I know about beeswax before using it?
Beeswax is available in skin care products, lip balms, and soaps. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep beeswax out of the reach of children.
Beeswax naturally contains many different chemicals. Beeswax products come from various beehives across the world. Each of these beehives is made from bees who are exposed to different sources of pollen and varying weather conditions. These differences may change the substances found in the beeswax. If you switch to a new beeswax product or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
What should I tell my health care provider before using beeswax?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other products are right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how beeswax could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if beeswax passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should also speak to your health care provider before using a beeswax product to help with nipple pain or irritation.
Interactions
Does beeswax interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between beeswax and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect beeswax.
Does beeswax interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between beeswax and medicines are not fully understood. As with most cosmetics, the research on drug interactions with beeswax is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using beeswax with any medicines.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much beeswax?
If you or someone else has used too much beeswax, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use beeswax safely. Do not apply beeswax products more often than recommended.
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