There are many rumors about the use of beeswax in cosmetics because it is a natural ingredient, but there are reasons why it should not be used in hand or face lotions. First of all, it is not an emulsifier. What does that mean? It means that it will not chemically mix with oils and water. If you have a lotion with water, it will separate and you will have a drop of oil, wax, and water in there. I know, I have. Even when you use only beeswax and oils, which mix well, the end result is a waxy or greasy feel, there is nothing there to smooth out the consistency, which is what water does with an emulsifying wax.
People claim that you can use beeswax as an emulsifier, but in reality that’s only partially true. You can use the beeswax, but then you need to add borax to the mix as the beeswax will NOT mix with water without the chemical reaction that borax creates. So yes, beeswax is natural and has great qualities, which is why I only use pure white beeswax in my lip balms along with organic oils and 100% pure essential oils. Using it in a face cream or body lotion just won’t work without the borax and I personally don’t want to put borax on my skin or face. Lip balm does not need to create a smooth feel because the product is different from a lotion. In the case of lip balm, you want the oils to absorb quickly on the lips, but on the skin or face, the combination is waxy and greasy.
According to Mountain Rose Herbs, emulsifying wax is “a plant-based wax, made from natural fats and esters, which is further processed into a convenient” pill flake form. “This excellent medium is used to create a bond between water and oil for products that require bonding. Makes a fluid cream and lotion without separation, and complements the final texture of finished products. “
So whether you’re making or just buying natural hand lotions or face creams, avoid the ones that are strictly made from oils and beeswax or you’ll get a greasy, waxy-feeling lotion. I know that is not what I want to put on my skin or my face. And don’t be put off to see that it contains an emulsifying wax, but make sure it’s vegetable-based and not petroleum-based if you want to stay as natural as possible with your cosmetics.