Synthetic Beeswax — Frequently Asked Questions

Consistency and supply. Natural beeswax varies with the hive, the forage and the season, so colour, aroma, acid value and hardness all shift between lots, which is a problem for a manufacturer running a fixed formulation and a fixed shade. It also tracks an agricultural supply chain with the price volatility and adulteration risk that brings. Synthetic beeswax is made to a fixed specification and performs identically batch to batch.

In most formulations, yes. It is blended from esters, fatty acids and hydrocarbons to match the composition and behaviour of natural beeswax, melts at the same 61 to 65 degrees Celsius, and is generally interchangeable at the same addition level. The most noticeable difference is the absence of the honey aroma, which is a drawback where that character is wanted and an advantage where it would interfere.

Not necessarily. Synthetic beeswax grades may be assembled from feedstocks of mixed origin, including tallow-derived fatty acids, which will not support a vegan claim even though no bee product is involved. Where a vegan claim is required, the synthetic vegan beeswax grade should be specified, which is documented as plant and mineral derived throughout.

As Synthetic Beeswax, which is its INCI name. That designation distinguishes it clearly from Cera Alba and Cera Flava, the INCI names for bleached and unbleached natural beeswax, so a formulation using the synthetic grade cannot inadvertently imply the natural material on the label.