Beeswax
Common Name
Beeswax
Scientific Name
Cera Alba
Ingredient Class
Core Ingredient
Used in:
A high percentage of Simply Bee Products.
Interesting Fact
Beeswax is naturally antibacterial, helping the hive remain clean and healthy by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This unique property also makes it an ideal ingredient for skincare products. Beeswax forms a breathable barrier on the skin, locking in moisture while protecting against environmental impurities. Its soothing and nourishing qualities make it perfect for a wide range of Simply Bee’s products, from lip balms to body butters, ensuring both effectiveness and a touch of nature’s brilliance.
Origin
Beeswax is a fascinating natural product created by honeybees, specifically the Apis mellifera capensis, native to the West Coast of South Africa. This remarkable substance is essential to the bees’ hive and plays a crucial role in their survival. Worker bees produce beeswax by secreting it from specialised glands on their abdomen. Initially, the wax is colourless and soft, but it hardens as it is moulded into the hexagonal cells that form the honeycomb. These structures are vital for the hive, serving as storage for honey and a secure place to raise their young.
The production of beeswax is a laborious process for the bees. Worker bees consume honey and metabolise its sugars, converting them into wax. They then secrete tiny flakes of wax, which they chew and shape into the honeycomb’s familiar hexagonal structure. This intricate design is not only efficient but also incredibly strong. Beekeepers harvest the honeycomb as part of traditional beekeeping practices. To extract the beeswax, they gently melt the comb, separating the wax from honey and other impurities. Once refined, the pure beeswax is ready for use in various applications.
Value Adds
- Natural Source of Vitamin A
- Antibacterial and Anti-fungal
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Skin Protection
- Moisturising
- Healing
