Is Beeswax Vegan?

What It Is
Beeswax (cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. The wax is formed into “scales” by eight wax-producing glands in the abdominal segments of worker bees, who discard it in or at the hive. The hive workers collect and use it to form cells for honey-storage and larval and pupal protection within the beehive. Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols.
Is Bee’s Wax Vegan or Not?
Looking at the video above, there doesn’t seem to be any problem with harvesting the wax. Unfortunately, however, there are other things we vegans need to take into consideration when deciding whether or not we can use products such as honey and beeswax.
Prior to reaching the stage seen above, the frames will naturally be covered with bees when removed from the hive. Beekeepers will smoke the bees to make them more docile and tap the frame against the hive in order to remove the bees so both the wax and honey can be harvested.
While the vast majority of small-time beekeepers love and care for their bees, it’s still not uncommon for them to be harmed during this process. Larger scale operations are less careful, so the damage greater still.
Unfortunately, it’s highly likely that the mass-produced items on the shelves of our local stores contain beeswax from large-scale bee farms, and the insect’s welfare is commonly disregarded as these companies chase profits.
Queen bees may have their wings clipped (see video below) so they cannot leave, as swarming can lower honey production. Should the beekeeper wish to remove the queen and transfer her to another colony, so called “bodyguard” bees are used to aid the transfer. These insects will be attacked and killed by the bees already present in the queen’s new colony.
Artificial insemination is also a common occurrence on bee farms, as is the removal of all honey — the bee’s primary winter food source — which is replaced with a cheaper, less nutrient-dense sugar solution.
The key rule to veganism is to avoid any product or practice that involves any cruelty or exploitation of ANY animal wherever possible. As we do not need beeswax (or honey, for that matter), answering the “Is beeswax vegan?’ question is simple. No, beeswax is not vegan.
Is Beeswax Vegetarian? Yes!
Bee’s wax is vegetarian. Vegetarian products contain no animal flesh. Because there’s no dead animal in bee wax it is acceptable to (most?) vegetarians.
Bee’s wax is not vegan, at least not to many vegans. It is an animal product but some vegans do use honey and bee’s wax because they have no problem with the products produced by bees to be consumed. So some who call themselves vegan still consume bee’s wax.
What It Does
-Moisturizes Skin
Beeswax is an amazing way to moisturize the skin and is commonly found in skin care products and cosmetics. It can help protect and repair rough, dry or chapped skin because it has the ability to lock in moisture.
In the book “How to Use Beeswax and Honey to Cure Skin Problems,” the author Gene Ashburner explains that this wax has rich vitamin A content and emollient properties, which soften and rehydrate the skin as well as aiding in the healthy development of cellular reconstruction. Another benefit to its use is that because it is noncomedogenic, it won’t clog pores.
In addition to being a natural moisturizer that treats dry skin, you can use it daily to help prevent dry skin in the first place. Just combine beeswax with almond oil or jojoba oil, a few drops of vitamin E oil and aloe to prepare a homemade remedy for dry skin.
Benefits
The health benefits of beeswax for the skin are almost too many to count. Obviously, one of the best benefits of using beeswax on the skin is the moisturizing and the softening. Unlike the artificial and often petroleum based chemicals added to many moisturizers and skin care lotions to aid in absorption, beeswax contains Vitamin A and provides long-term moisturizing, actually locking moisture into the skin. Unlike petroleum based parabens, beeswax remains biologically “alive” even after it is processed!
-Protective: When applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness. This is one of the reasons beeswax is often used in lip balms. Unlike ingredients made from petroleum, however, beeswax doesn’t “suffocate” the skin, and won’t clog pores.
-Humectant: Some ingredients “attract” water, and beeswax is one of them. When you put it on, you attract water molecules, helping to keep skin hydrated over time.
- Vitamin A: A good source of this vitamin, beeswax helps exfoliation and can rejuvenate your look.
- Fragrance: We always say there’s no reason to use harsh chemicals to make products smell good. Natural ingredients work so much better! Beeswax has a natural honey fragrance, and is a favorite in soaps and perfumes because of its pleasant, light aroma.
- Soothes temporary itching: If you suffer from dry skin itching or sensitive skin, beeswax is for you. Because beeswax is anti-allergenic, it is also easily tolerated by even those with reactive skin.
Is Beeswax Vegan? Answered!
Beeswax is, without doubt, a fabulous natural product, but vegan it isn’t, unfortunately.
Thankfully, there are numerous alternatives and, as the trend towards plant-powered living continues, you can expect to see more manufacturers removing animal products from their lines…regardless of the animal in question.
Veganism doesn’t stop with the furry and the fluffy, after all.
Sources:
https://morenature.com/blogs/nature-news/36239748-honey-beeswax-health-benefits-for-good-skin-hair