Homemade Products Using Beeswax
This blog is part of a series, led by the Youth4Nature USA Team, to celebrate World Bee Day (May 20, 2020).
Beeswax has antibacterial properties, making it a great ingredient for products.
Natural deodorant with beeswax
Emma’s Recipe:
Two parts coconut oil
One part beeswax (grated)
One part arrowroot powder
One part baking soda (or half this amount if you have sensitive skin)
Cornstarch (not required)
Tea tree essential oil
Other essential oils (lavender, rosemary, citrus, etc. for scent)
Melt combined beeswax and coconut oil in a pan or double boiler until liquid. Remove from the heat and whisk in arrowroot powder, cornstarch, and baking soda. Whisk until mixed and add a few drops of tea tree oil (for antibacterial properties) and other essential oils. Pour the warm mixture into your container and allow it to harden overnight without the cap (or, if you’re impatient, stick it in the fridge!).
Natural lip balm with beeswax
Emma’s Recipe:
One part beeswax (grated)
Two parts shea butter or coconut oil (or a mix)
Essential oils (citrus, peppermint, etc.)
Melt combined beeswax, shea butter, and oil in a pan or double boiler until liquid. Remove from heat and mix in a few drops of essential oil for scent. Pour the warm mixture into your container and allow it to harden.
Face cream made from beeswax
George’s Recipe:
6g of beeswax
50ml of jojoba oil
10g rose water
4-6 drops of ylang ylang and/or lavender essential oil
Place rose water in a medium-size mixing bowl. Melt beeswax in a “bain marie” by placing it in a glass container over boiling water, along with the jojoba oil. Add a dash of honey. Let it cool and then add to a mixing bowl to combine with the rosewater. Add essential oils and stir until it thickens. Leave to cool and put into a container for use.
About the author:
Emma Thornton is a lead member of the Youth4Nature USA team and an energy efficiency associate with Energy Solutions. She is a recent graduate of Northeastern University with expertise in sustainability and environmental justice, shaped by experiences with Environment America, Oxfam, J-PAL, Ceres, and NEJRC. When not researching climate solutions, Emma can be found walking dogs through Boston parks.