Beeswax was something I once tried to avoid.
Because I thought it was difficult to work with.
I’d see a recipe that called for beeswax, a substance produced by worker bees, and then discarded in the hive.
But I’d skip right past it. I didn’t want to deal with beeswax.
Then, I was forced get some beeswax and try it.
Because I wanted to make a balm that can be used on the body, or on the lips.
In order to make something with a balm-like consistency, you need a waxy agent to firm up the other emollients.
Otherwise, what you’ll end up with is body butter, which melts in warm weather.
Don’t get me wrong. I love body butter. But balm is the way to go if you want a natural moisturizer that you can tuck in your purse.
So I ordered some beeswax pellets and never looked back.
I love working with beeswax because it’s so easy. It’s also so essential if you make your own cosmetics.
Or DIY personal care items. Or natural food wraps with beeswax. Or natural beeswax candles.
So don’t be afraid of working with beeswax.
Below I will tell you 5 ways to use this amazing gift from nature.
5 Things You Can Make With Beeswax
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My favorite beeswax recipe is body balm. (Or lip balm. It’s the exact same recipe.)
The consistency is very close to store bought mass produced lip balm. Except there are no potentially harmful chemicals.
I will never have to buy any type of balm again. Because it’s so easy to make your own.
Here’s how to make lip balm/body balm. With just three ingredients. Plus the essential oils of your choice.
(I put all of the balms I make in empty mint tins. I carry one of these in my purse and use it on my lips and on my hands.)
Lip Balm With Beeswax Recipe
#1. This is my favorite recipe using natural beeswax pellets. You can also buy beeswax bars. But I don’t recommend it because the pellets are so easy to work with.
Here’s how to make beeswax lip balm. (You can also use it on your hands.)
1/4 c of beeswax pellets (You can obtain them here)
1/4 c of coconut oil (You can find it here)
1/4 c of shea butter (You can find it here) I use the Now Solutions brand because it’s inexpensive and I trust the quality.
1 drop of peppermint oil (You can get it here)
Over low heat melt the first 3 ingredients. Watch this mixture very closely. You don’t want it to smoke. The minute it becomes liquid and all of the pellets have melted, remove from the heat. Add the peppermint oil. Then, pour into a clean container with a lid. I use empty mint tins.
DIY Natural Candles With Beeswax
#2 Did you know that regular candles are made with paraffin. This is a petroleum byproduct. So when you burn a paraffin candle, you release toxic fumes.
I can’t help but think of it being a bit like running a diesel truck in your kitchen.
If you like candles, the best alternative is natural beeswax candles.
You can probably find beeswax candles at your local health food store. If not, you can find them online.
Or you can make your own. This previously published post contains instructions on how to make DIY candles with beeswax.
DIY Recipe for Natural Beeswax Food Wraps
#3 You can buy beeswax food wraps to use as an alternative to plastic wrap. (They are somewhat pricey.)
Or you can make your own with leftover cotton fabric and beeswax pellets. (Typically a less expensive option.)
Again, I recommend using pellets instead of bars of beeswax. Because the pellets melt easier. Also, beeswax can make a mess. So pellets free you from having to deal with shavings.
DIY cloth wraps may not be as perfectly coated with beeswax as the kind that you buy. But they work. And they’re a lot less expensive.
Here’s how to make them:
One large fry pan (I prefer stainless steel.)
Natural small beeswax pellets (You can get them here)
Sheets of cotton cloth (You can find them here)
1 wooden barbecue stick
Melt the beeswax on the stove in the pan. Use low heat. Once the beeswax turns liquid, drop one cotton cloth into the melted liquid beeswax. Stir with barbecue stick until the cotton cloth is fully coated in beeswax. Then, use the wooden stick to remove the cloth from the pan. Use the stick to hold in the air for a minute or two until the wax cools. (Otherwise you will burn your hand.)
Rinse and repeat for each cloth you wish to make. I would suggest making several at once.
Once the cloth is cool fold and store. Use as needed.
These cloths are reusable. Wipe any food residue with a clean sponge before storing for the next use.
Cloths should last a few months before they need to be replaced.
Here’s an earlier post with a picture that I made on DIY beeswax food wraps.
How To Make Body Cream With Beeswax
#4 Natural body butter is luxurious. And so easy to make.
All you need are coconut oil and pure shea butter. Then you melt these oils and freeze them for a bit.
Then, with an electric mixer, you whip them just as you would egg whites.
At slightly cool temperatures, this buttery body and face cream will last for several months. But it doesn’t hold up as well in warm weather.
So you can either refrigerate it or add a little bit of beeswax to the mix.
Here is an older blog post that tells you how to make whipped body butter with beeswax.
I’ve found that using beeswax on my face helps keep my skin soft. Because beeswax helps to hold in moisture.
However, if you’re prone to acne I wouldn’t recommend using beeswax on your face. But it’s great for more mature skin.
Natural Deodorant With Beeswax Recipe
#5 Regular deodorant contains aluminum salts. Aluminum is a toxic heavy metal you don’t want in your body. Or on your body. Because if you apply it to the skin, it finds its way into your bloodstream.
So you either want to use a brand formulated without aluminum.
Or you can make your own all natural non toxic deodorant.
You can make natural deodorant without beeswax. But if you add some beeswax pellets to the mix, the deodorant will hold up better in warmer temperatures.
Disclaimer
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.