So how do do you choose the right beeswax for your project?
Beeswax can be such a useful tool to have in your apothecary, it makes a great base to salves, balms, and much more.
Thanks for joining me on Blu Radical Apothecary Blog to learn tips and tricks for using beeswax, and how to choose the right beeswax for your apothecary projects and more!
Beeswax is formed by honeybees through the consumption of honey or sugar syrup. Honeybees need to be at least 12-18 days old in order to secrete wax. The secretion scale is the size of a pinhead and is sweated out by the glands on the honeybees located on their abdomen. It takes about 18-20 million pollinated flowers to produce just one pound of beeswax.
There are a few to choose from and it can be a little overwhelming: So how do you choose the right type of wax for your projects?
Depending on the project you are doing will ultimately help you make the decision on what type of wax to get. Yellow bees wax pellets or naturally white pellets are great because they are easier to melt and measure out when using smaller amounts.
When making candles use beeswax or soy wax over other types for a clean burn, if you have pets or little ones I'd suggest this for you as well.
We use yellow beeswax in our Calendula & Ghee Lip Balm.
Three Types of Beeswax
Yellow Beeswax - Raw Product
White Beeswax - Yellow beeswax that has been bleached with chemical or bleached with natural sunlight and air exposure
Beeswax Absolute - Yellow beeswax that has been treated with alcohol
Uses
Cosmetics - helps with the healing of cracked, or dry lips, as well as the prevention of getting chapped lips especially during the colder months of the year
Candles - provides a long, pure, and clean burn that does not produce a lot of smoke
Food - in small quantities, beeswax can be used to help prevent the aging and water loss of some food items
Skin Care - locks moisture in, yet will still allow the skin to breathe
Polish/Conditioner/Wax - naturally provides form the elements allows it to be used for polishing, conditioning, and wax purposes
