Beeswax - refined (white)

Beeswax is an animal wax produced by honeybees of the species Apis mellifera in their wax glands. At 32–35°C it is plastic and pliable and can be easily kneaded, while at a slightly lower temperature (25–30°C) it is very strong; a full comb can hold several kilograms of honey.

Wax is not soluble in water. Some of its components can be dissolved in alcohol, but it is well soluble in številnih other organic solvents, such as ether and petrol. More than 300 individual components of wax are already known. The main component is esters of saturated fatty acids with monovalent aliphatic alcohols, which account for as much as 70% of all compounds. In addition to these, the wax also contains free fatty acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, pigments and aromatic substances, some mineral substances and a considerable amount of vitamin A. Precisely because of such a large number of natural compounds, many medicinal properties are attributed to it. For example, vitamin A is one of the key components for the proper development of human cells.

Beeswax is important in cosmetics and pharmacy. It is used as an ingredient in creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, depilatory creams, cosmetics, and hair styling products.

Beeswax gives the skin softness, elasticity, and moisture while at the same time protecting it from ailments (it acts as an anti-inflammatory). It is widely used in preparations for healing wounds, burns, and other skin injuries. The essential extract from wax is a valuable substance in the perfume industry; in terms of quality it is on par with rose and jasmine oil. To obtain 1 kg of fragrance, 1 tonne of wax is needed, which after extraction is still usable for making foundation sheets.

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The shape and size of the pellets may differ from those shown in the photographs.

Beeswax may contain a mild smoky scent, which is a natural result of the traditional production process. When working with honeycomb, beekeepers use smoke to calm the bees and thus enable safe and peaceful work. Some of this smoke can be transferred to the wax, causing its characteristic smoky scent. This does not affect the quality or usability of the wax, but is a normal sign of its natural origin and unprocessed form.