9 Amazing Beeswax Facts

Beeswax is an incredible natural substance with a seemingly never-ending array of uses. From lip balm to candle wax, and even as plastic-free food storage, beeswax is an environmentally friendly material that’s a must-have in your plastic-free kitchen and non-toxic home.

Just how good is it? It is…

1. All natural

Coming from the honeycomb of the honeybee, beeswax is a completely all-natural substance straight from Mother Nature. Honeybees consume honey and pollen to produce the wax. It takes about eight pounds of honey to produce just one pound of beeswax.

2. Antibacterial

Like honey, beeswax has antibacterial properties helping keep things clean and reducing risks of contamination. This makes it a common ingredient in skin treatments, salves, and more.

3. Antifungal

Beeswax is also thought to have antifungal properties preventing the growth of yeasts and other fungi.

4. Edible

While it wouldn’t provide you with many nutrients, beeswax is non-toxic and safe if ingested which is one of the reasons it makes an excellent lip balm.

5. Better even when burned

Unlike candles made from other wax, beeswax candles burn brighter and cleaner as they emit negative ions that are known to help purify the air. Beeswax also smells great when burned without any added chemicals or scents, as it’s naturally aromatic from the honey and flower nectar that’s found in the honeycomb.

6. Waterproof

Beeswax has been used throughout history as a sealant and waterproofing agent for items like belts, tents, and shoes. By rubbing beeswax onto a surface like leather or canvas and then heating it, the wax seeps into the materials’ fibers and blocks water from passing through.

7. Moisturising

A common ingredient in lotions, salves, and balms, beeswax helps lock in moisture making it a great defense against dry skin, lips, or hair.

8. Eco-friendly

Since it comes directly from bees and is non-toxic, beeswax is completely environmentally friendly and an important ingredient in a range of eco-friendly products. Also, we use it to make our beeswax wraps and beeswax food bags.

9. Never goes bad

Propolis in Beeswax

Beeswax contains a natural, powerful protective substance called propolis, which shields beeswax from ever going bad. Made by the bees by combining tree resin with wax flakes and pollen, propolis is used to used fix and strengthen the beehive while protecting the hive with an antiseptic barrier – the name propolis comes from the Greek meaning “defense of the city.” These protective qualities are so effective that unspoiled beeswax has even been found in ancient tombs. That said, it is possible for commercial or homemade beeswax products that also include other ingredients to go bad.

Beeswax and its beneficial properties

With so many beneficial properties, beeswax is a healthy and harmless alternative to plastic for storing food. SuperBee beeswax wraps use the natural power of beeswax to protect and store your food in a safe way as a plastic wrap alternative. Since beeswax is waterproof, it keeps unwanted moisture out of food while trapping the food’s natural moisture in. Meanwhile, its antibacterial and antifungal properties keep bacteria and germs at bay while the fact that it’s all-natural and nontoxic means that, unlike chemical-filled plastics, it’s safe to have close to your food. Many people even use beeswax to seal fresh cheeses for aging – you can’t get much closer than that!

Beekeeper at working harvesting honeycombs filled with honey and made out of beeswax. — A beekeeper at work harvesting honeycombs filled with honey and made out of beeswax.