Be
Beeswax
Cera Alba · BeeswaxBarrier
Honeybee-derived wax. Workhorse occlusive in lip balms and rich body balms.
What it does
Beeswax is the structural occlusive in many balm formulations — it traps moisture against the skin and stabilizes the formula's texture. Common in lip products, body balms, and the heaviest face creams. Generally non-comedogenic on lips and body but can feel heavy on facial skin. Vegans typically substitute candelilla wax.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusBeeswax is a lipid blend of over 300 parts — wax esters, hydrocarbons and free fatty acids. In topical products it stiffens, thickens and holds emulsions together. It also forms a sealing layer that raises skin hydration.Huanbutta 2026 · International journal of molecular sciences ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
cera alba
Pairs worth knowing
Browse all 668 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.
This page is public so a shared ingredient card always has its sources behind it — and so you can check them without an account.
Want more like this?
Every evidence-based flag cites its source, Drop tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more. The app launches on iOS and Android in October 2026. Rate my routine works today at /rate — no sign-in.