Beeswax vs. Emulsifying Wax in Hand Lotions-How to choose

There's a lot of 'buzz' about using beeswax in cosmetics because it's a natural ingredient but there are reasons why it shouldn't be used in hand or face lotions. First of all, it's not an emulsifier. What does that mean? It means that it won't chemically mix with the oils and water. If you have a lotion with water in it, it will separate and you'll have an oil and wax glob and water sitting there. I know, I've done it. Even when you use only beeswax and oils, which do mix well together, the final outcome is either a waxy or greasy feel, there's nothing there to smooth out the consistency, which is what water does with an emulsifying wax.


According to Mountain Rose Herbs, emulsifying wax is "a vegetable based wax, from naturally occurring fats and esters, further processed into a convenient “pastille flake form". This excellent medium is used to create a bond between water and oil for products which require their binding together. Makes a fluid cream, and lotion without the separation, and complements the finished products end texture."

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 waxy, greasy feeling lotion. I know that's not what I want to put on my skin or my face. And don't be put off by seeing that it contains an emulsifying wax but make sure it's from vegetables and not petroleum based if you want to stay as natural as possible with your cosmetics.

All of our lotions contain only vegetable-based emulsifying wax...come visit us at www.lotsofloveproducts.com and check out our natural lip balms as well!