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Review
. 2023 Aug;22(8):2166-2173.
doi: 10.1111/jocd.15718. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

A review of the use of beeswax in skincare

Yvonne Nong  1   2 , Jessica Maloh  1   2 , Nicole Natarelli  3 , Hemali B Gunt  4 , Esther Tristani  4 , Raja K Sivamani  1   2   5   6
Affiliations
Review

A review of the use of beeswax in skincare

Yvonne Nong et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Beeswax is a naturally occurring product secreted from worker bees that has varied uses in modern day. In skincare, its function ranges from its role as an occlusive, helping to create a semi-occlusive skin barrier that minimizes transepidermal water loss; as a humectant, locking in hydration; and an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. As a natural substance, its use has been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with common cutaneous conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and overgrowth of normal skin flora.

Aims: In this narrative review, we aim to describe current uses of beeswax in skincare that has been published in the literature.

Materials and methods: A review of beeswax related publications was performed by searching the PubMed database studies.

Results: A total of five clinical studies were included with three studies on animals and two studies in humans.

Discussion: Several studies show the benefits of topical beeswax in supporting the skin barrier.

Conclusion: Beeswax can be a low-cost, natural ingredient for use in products. Further studies with topical beeswax are warranted.

Keywords: beeswax; dermatitis; microbiome; skin barrier; skincare.

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References

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