What is Beeswax? A Complete Guide

by Joanna Turnbull April 21, 2025

Beeswax is a remarkable natural substance produced by honeybees. It has been used for centuries in everything from candle-making to skincare, thanks to its versatility, natural benefits, and sustainability. In this guide, we'll explore what beeswax is, how it’s made, its various uses, and why it remains a sought-after material today.

History of Beeswax Use

The use of beeswax stretches back thousands of years and is steeped in myth, medicine, and craftsmanship. The Greek philosopher Aristotle once theorized that beeswax came from flowers—a belief that endured for centuries until it was later discovered that honeybees themselves produce it.

Across ancient civilizations such as Sumer, India, China, and Egypt, beeswax was a prized substance, valued for its versatility and preservation properties. Evidence of its importance appears as far back as 8,000 years ago in Spanish cave paintings depicting early humans harvesting honeycomb from wild hives.

In ancient Egypt, beeswax played a central role in the mummification process. It was used to seal coffins and preserve bodies, thanks to its airtight and antimicrobial properties. Egyptians also used beeswax to protect their writings on papyrus, enabling their knowledge to endure for over two millennia. Remarkably, beeswax even featured in early medicinal formulations as far back as 1550 B.C., where it was celebrated for its healing properties—an early example of its modern use in skincare and wellness.

In Europe, beeswax found a sacred place in religious rituals. They were used in churches, with the Roman Catholic Church mandating that altar candles be made exclusively from beeswax—a rule that still exists today, requiring candles to be at least 51% beeswax. By the 11th century, churches were consuming vast quantities of beeswax, supported by their own abbey apiaries to ensure a steady supply.

How Is Beeswax Made?

Beeswax is a construction material created by bees to build their hive, forming the honeycomb structure where bees store honey, pollen, and hatch their young.

Beeswax is produced by worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) using specialized wax glands located on the underside of their abdomen. These glands secrete a liquid wax that cools quickly, forming tiny, translucent white scales. Each bee has four pairs of wax glands, and the wax scales are incredibly small — just 1 milligram each. To produce just 1 kilogram of wax, bees must generate around one million scales. That means a typical beehive containing 5 to 12 kg of comb could represent up to 12 million individual wax scales!

Once secreted, the wax scales are removed by the bee’s hind legs and passed forward to their mandibles. There, the bees chew and mold the wax into the familiar hexagonal cells of honeycomb — an architectural marvel that maximizes space and strength using minimal material.

What Gives Beeswax Its Color and Scent?

Freshly produced beeswax is white. Over time, it absorbs natural pigments from pollen and propolis inside the hive, gradually turning yellow or golden. These same materials give beeswax its iconic natural scent — a warm, honeyed aroma that varies slightly based on the floral sources visited by the bees.

At Prairie Sun Beeswax, our golden beeswax retains its natural fragrance and color, while our ivory beeswax is filtered a few additional times to remove additional pollen and propolis, resulting in a lighter scent and less colour. For some projects (like lip balms) where you are artificially scenting and colouring the beeswax, ivory wax can be the better option for some makers.

When Do Bees Produce the Most Wax?

Beeswax production is at its peak during the hive’s growth phase, typically from May to July in western Canada. This period coincides with abundant nectar flow and active egg laying by the queen, both of which trigger rapid comb construction.

Several factors influence wax production and comb building in a bee colony:

Nectar flow: More nectar means more honey, requiring additional comb for storage.
Brood rearing: As the queen lays eggs, more wax is needed to build brood cells.
Presence of a queen: Only queenright colonies will engage in comb construction.
Ambient temperature: Bees build comb most efficiently when temperatures exceed 15°C.
Pollen availability: As a protein source, pollen fuels the colony and supports wax production.

Interestingly, older worker bees typically stop producing wax, but in emergencies, their wax glands can become reactivated to help the colony survive and build more beeswax.

Composition of Beeswax

As mentioned above, beeswax is secreted by the honeybee from glands in its abdomen. It is then used to build honeycomb. Honeycomb holds honey, pollen, and serves as a nest for bee larvae. Throughout these repeated processes, the wax starts to develop its colour and scent. Depending on what kind of nectar and pollen come into the hive and is consumed by the bees, microscopic bits of the pollen and nectar remain and get added to the wax.

Chemically speaking, beeswax consists of at least 284 different compounds, mainly a variety of long-chain alkanes, acids, esters, polyesters, and hydroxy esters, but the exact composition of beeswax varies with location. It has a specific gravity of about 0.95 and a melting point of 61-65°C (142-149°F).

The wax monoesters in beeswax are very poorly hydrolyzed in the human gut, so beeswax has insignificant nutritional value.

How is Wax Taken from the Hive?

Most wax that is commercially available is made from a by product of honey extraction called “beeswax cappings”. When bees fill the honeycomb with honey and have dried the honey to the right temperature, they put a layer of beeswax over the end of the comb that seals the honey in. This is called a cap. This cap protects the honey from the air and keeps it and the correct moisture level, which prevents it from spoiling.

When beekeepers harvest the honey, they remove the frames full of honey from the hive and them to the honey house for extraction. Since all the honey cells have wax caps on top of them, the beekeeper uses a hot knife to slice the cap off the top of the cells. This removes the wax cappings and leaves them as a byproduct.

Beekeepers then take those wax cappings and render and pour them into blocks. At Prairie Sun Beeswax, we use large rendering tanks (that are powered by a solar array) which liquify the wax and honey and allow us to skim out just the wax layer. We then run that wax through our charcoal filtering system. The charcoal binds to contaminants in the wax and pulls them out. Then we pour the hot wax into large plastic tubs so that it can cool into blocks. From there, we load up each block onto pallets and save it for sale or to make into candles or other beeswax candles right here on our farm.

Some commercial beeswax is also rendered from brood chamber comb. This comb has had hundreds of successive generations of bees hatch from each cell. This process slowly darkens the comb and produces darker beeswax. Along with floral sources of the honey that the comb stored, this can darken the wax and is part of what creates a slightly different colour of beeswax in each large batch. Our charcoal filtering process however leaves even brood comb a pleasant yellow.

Where does Ivory/White Beeswax come from?

To achieve ivory (white) beeswax, we use an additional round of charcoal filtering. With this additional filtering we can remove more of the pollen in the beeswax, which is what caused the yellow colour in the first place. Some other wax renderers use bleach in the beeswax to turn it white. Bleached beeswax should be avoided and never burnt. All of our ivory wax is produced with charcoal filtering, not bleach.

How can you tell the difference if you are looking to purchase some ivory beeswax? Smell it. Does it smell faintly of bleach? Then it was bleached. Faintly of honey and a yellow beeswax? It was charcoal filtered.

It's good to note, however, that because more of the pollen is removed to produce ivory/white beeswax, much of the scent of the beeswax is removed as well. This makes ivory specifically desirable for making products where a neutral colour or scent is required. For example, died and/or scented beeswax candles are best made from ivory beeswax rather than yellow beeswax.

Properties of Beeswax

Beeswax has unique properties that make it valuable across various industries:

Natural & Non-Toxic: Unlike synthetic waxes, beeswax is a renewable, safe and eco-friendly option.
Water-Resistant: Beeswax repels water, making it useful for waterproofing and preservation.
Pleasant Aroma: It carries a mild, honey-like scent that enhances products such as candles and lip balms.
Burns Cleanly: When used in candles, beeswax produces less soot than alternatives.

Common Uses of Beeswax

Beeswax is one of nature’s most versatile materials, prized for its natural protective, moisturizing, and water-resistant properties. From handcrafted candles to skincare and wood preservation, here are some of the most popular and practical uses of beeswax today:

1. Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles have been used for centuries and are still cherished for their clean, soot-free burn and subtle honey aroma. Today, you’ll find them in traditional pillar forms or poured into creative silicone molds for intricate designs. Unlike paraffin candles, beeswax candles are natural, renewable, and burn cleaner and longer.

2. Beeswax Lip Balm

One of the most common cosmetic uses of beeswax is in lip balms. Its ability to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier makes it ideal for keeping lips soft, smooth, and hydrated — naturally.

3. Skincare & Cosmetics

Beeswax is a key ingredient in lotions, body butters, salves, lipsticks, and even natural mascara. It acts as a natural emulsifier and provides a breathable layer that protects and nourishes the skin. It's also used in hair pomades and dreadlock wax for hold and conditioning.

4. Beekeeping: Comb Foundation

Beeswax is essential in beekeeping. Beekeepers use beeswax sheets as the foundation in hive frames, helping bees build uniform honeycomb and get a head start on storing honey or raising brood.

5. Soap Making

Adding beeswax to soap recipes helps produce a firmer bar with a longer shelf life. It also contributes to the soap’s lather and conditioning effects.

6. Leather Waterproofing

When mixed with ingredients like tallow and neatsfoot oil, beeswax becomes a powerful waterproofer for leather boots, gloves, and jackets. It conditions the leather while sealing out moisture.

7. Medicinal Creams & Herbal Salves

For centuries, beeswax has been used as a base for medicinal salves and ointments. Its thickening and occlusive properties make it perfect for delivering herbal remedies and soothing irritated or dry skin.

8. Wood Conditioner

Beeswax is ideal for conditioning wood furniture, cutting boards, and kitchen utensils. It fills small cracks, adds a protective sheen, and brings out the natural grain of the wood.

9. Cutting Board Wax & Seasoning

Used alone or mixed with mineral oil, beeswax helps protect wooden cutting boards from moisture and cracking. It also adds a food-safe finish that repels water and bacteria.

10. Natural Lubricant

Beeswax can be used to lubricate squeaky door hinges, window tracks, and even sticky drawers. It’s a natural alternative to petroleum-based lubricants.

11. Cast Iron & Pan Seasoning

Beeswax can be used to season cast iron skillets or metal pans. It creates a thin, protective layer that resists oxidation and enhances non-stick properties.

12. Mustache Wax

Beeswax adds hold and shape to mustache and beard products, making it a popular ingredient in natural grooming balms for styling facial hair.

13. Sealing Jars of Jam or Jelly

Beeswax can be used as a natural alternative to paraffin for sealing homemade jams and jellies, helping to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.

14. Decorative Ornaments

Beeswax is perfect for creating charming, molded ornaments, especially during the holidays. From stars and trees to waxed fall leaves, these decorations give off a gentle honey scent and add a rustic, handcrafted touch to your home.

15. Fly-Fishing Line Lubricant

A small rub of beeswax on your fly-fishing line helps prevent tangling and improves casting by reducing friction.

16. Homemade Crayons

Beeswax is a great base for natural, non-toxic crayons. When combined with grated soap and pigment, it creates smooth, vibrant coloring tools for kids and artists alike.

17. Grafting Wax for Plants

Gardeners and arborists use beeswax-based grafting wax to protect and seal plant grafts. It prevents moisture loss and contamination, helping scions and rootstocks bond effectively.

18. Rust Prevention for Tools

Protect metal tools from rust by applying a mixture of melted beeswax and turpentine. This creates a moisture-resistant coating ideal for long-term storage — even on bronze or iron.

How to Spot Fake or Adulterated Beeswax?

Not all beeswax on the market is pure — and knowing how to spot fake or adulterated wax is crucial, especially if you're using it for candles, skincare, or health-related products. Adulterated beeswax is often mixed with paraffin, palm oil, or other cheap fillers that reduce its natural benefits and can even release harmful chemicals when burned.

Here’s how to tell if your beeswax is real:

Price: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pure beeswax requires time, effort, and ethical beekeeping — cheap wax is always compromised. The cheapest “beeswaxes” on Amazon are always fake. Look at the reviews and you will see that any high-volume beeswax pellet or block on Amazon has many reviews pointing out that it is fake. If you are buying online from a large retailer and not direct from the source, look for prices above $20/lb CAD. Anything less is almost guaranteed not to be beeswax due to the costs of production.

Melting Point: Beeswax almost always melts between 61-65°C (142-149°F). If your wax melts at a different temperature, it’s not beeswax.

Bloom: Beeswax naturally gains a white film on the surface over time. This is known as bloom. This is a property unique to beeswax as oils naturally rise to the surface. The bloom can easily be removed with warm running water or a hair dryer for a few seconds (that is, if you wish to remove it).

Smell: Pure beeswax has a subtle, natural honey aroma. If it smells like chemicals, perfume, or nothing at all, it might be synthetic or blended.

Colour: While beeswax naturally ranges from light yellow to deep golden or even almost brown (depending on pollen, propolis, and floral sources), overly white or artificially dyed wax can be a red flag. White beeswax is typically bleached. Asked your supplier how it has been filtered. If it has been charcoal filtered to produce a white wax, then there have been no harmful chemical adulterations. Prairie Sun Beeswax only uses charcoal filters to produce white beeswax – never bleach!

Burn Test: A small chunk of real beeswax will burn cleanly with little smoke. If it sputters, smells strange, or leaves oily residue, it may be mixed with paraffin or other oils.

Brittleness: Pure beeswax is solid and firm at room temperature, but not crumbly. If it's too soft, shiny, or greasy, that’s a sign of additives.

Always buy from trusted sources that disclose their sourcing and filtering process — like Prairie Sun Beeswax, where our 100% Canadian beeswax is harvested directly from local hives and naturally filtered with no additives.

How to Store Beeswax?

Beeswax is incredibly shelf-stable, but proper storage helps preserve its quality, scent, and ease of use over time. Whether you’re storing bulk blocks or pellets, here’s how to keep your beeswax in top shape:

Keep it cool and dry: Store beeswax in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excess heat can cause softening or warping.

Use airtight containers: Beeswax can absorb scents from the environment, so sealed containers or zip-lock bags help keep it fresh and prevent contamination if you are storing it for long periods.

Properly stored, beeswax can last indefinitely without spoiling. It doesn’t go rancid like oils or butters, making it a perfect long-term ingredient for DIY projects and bulk buyers.

Where to Buy Quality Beeswax

Not all beeswax is created equal. When choosing a beeswax supplier, quality matters — especially if you're using it in products that touch your skin, fill your home with scent, or align with your sustainability values.

Here’s what to look for when buying beeswax:

Source transparency: Know where your beeswax comes from. Is it local? Ethically harvested? At Prairie Sun Beeswax, we produce and filter all our wax from Canadian hives — no imports, no unknown origins.
Favour Beeswax from Countries with strong Beekeeping Laws: Many countries in the world have very few regulations around the use of chemicals in beehives. In Canada, these treatments are tightly controlled and therefore produce a much purer wax. Be cautious of beeswax that was not produced in Canada, the U.S., or the EU and investigate whether there are measures in place to restrict chemical usage in beehives in those countries.
Filtration method: Look for naturally filtered beeswax with no chemical processing or bleaching. Our beeswax is all charcoal filtered to remove impurities without adding any new chemicals.
No additives: Pure beeswax should contain no paraffin, fragrance oils, dyes, or synthetic ingredients.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, artisan, or small business, buying directly from a beekeeper or local producer ensures better quality, ethical sourcing, and often — better pricing than big-box options.

FAQ about Beeswax

Is beeswax edible?

Technically, yes — food-grade beeswax is edible and often used as a coating for cheese or in natural chewing gum. And it is often eaten with comb honey or chunk honey.

However, it has no nutritional value and it is not a wise practice to eat a lot of beeswax or any wax, especially if you don’t know the source or if it was not sold to you as a food product. Since beeswax is not a food, the health effects of eating large amounts of it have never been studied closely.

Is beeswax vegan?

No, beeswax is not vegan since it is an animal byproduct. However, natural wax sourced from bees as part of ethical beekeeping.

Our bees experience no additional burden from our beeswax rendering rather than just extracting honey. Our beeswax is just a natural byproduct of honey production and extraction.

Is beeswax safe for pets?

Yes! Beeswax candles and products are generally safe for pets. Just ensure that pets don’t ingest large chunks of wax. And make sure that if your candle is burning and there are pets nearby, that you constantly supervise the flame. Never leave a candle unattended, especially with pets around.

Is beeswax good for your skin?

Absolutely. Beeswax creates a breathable barrier on the skin that helps retain moisture. It’s rich in vitamin A and is a common ingredient in natural salves, lip balms, and lotions. We make some on our shop.

Can you take beeswax on a plane?

Yes — beeswax in solid form is TSA-compliant and can be packed in both carry-on and checked baggage. If you’re bringing candles or blocks, no problem.

How can I tell if beeswax is pure?

Check the smell (should be honey-like), the texture (firm and not greasy), and ensure it comes from a trusted source. Avoid overly white wax unless you know that it has been charcoal filtered, not bleached!

How long does beeswax last?

Indefinitely! Beeswax doesn’t spoil. Store it properly and it will last for years without degrading. We suggest a sealed container for long-term storage as beeswax is very porous and will absorb dust and smells from the air.

Why Choose Beeswax?

Beeswax is a sustainable, renewable, biodegradable material with countless benefits. It’s a natural alternative to synthetic ingredients, making it ideal for eco-conscious consumers. Whether you're crafting candles, skincare products, or household goods, beeswax offers a safe, long-lasting solution.

Paraffin, the most common and cheapest type of wax in many retail candles is made from fossil fuels (petroleum). And yes, burning paraffin in your house compared to burning other candles releases “dramatically higher” amounts of fine particulate matter than alternatives.

In a recent study on the matter, the authors concluded, “It is reasonable to deduce that burning multiple paraffin candles [in your home] could elevate the amount of fine particulate matter to hazardous levels.

By incorporating beeswax into your daily life, you support sustainable beekeeping practices while enjoying its many natural advantages. Looking for high-quality Canadian beeswax? Explore our collection at Prairie Sun Beeswax and experience the benefits firsthand!

Why Our Beeswax is Better

Looking for high-quality, 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles? All of our beeswax products are hand-poured and sold in wholesale and small quantities. We render waxes from multiple provinces in Canada, including Manitoba and Ontario.

Beeswax is a renewable resource (unlike paraffin which is made from fossil fuels), and to ensure our rendering process was renewable, we installed a 78-kW solar panel array that meets all of our beeswax rendering needs.

In addition, we have perfected our charcoal filtering to provide you the cleanest, purest beeswax on the market.

Shop now and experience the difference.

About Prairie Sun Beeswax

Prairie Sun Beeswax is a family-owned business in the Canadian prairies, producing pure beeswax and honey for over three generations. We render Manitoba and Ontario beeswax and all of our beeswax products sold are 100% Canadian. What started as a small beekeeping operation in 1962 has grown into a thriving farm with 1,500 hives. Since launching our commercial beeswax rendering business in 2014, we’ve perfected our filtering process to deliver the highest quality wax to our customers. In addition, our commercial beeswax rendering process is powered by a large solar array that we installed behind the honey house in 2017.