When it comes to moisturizers and balms, there are two similar yet very different main ingredients on the market; beeswax and petrolatum. They are both used, but rarely together, in balms and moisturizers.  This post will address the benefits, similarities, and differences so that you can make a better decision in the market. 

Benefits of Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax made by honeybees. Worker bees discrete the wax from their abdomen as they build the honeycomb, a beautiful hexagon of natural goodness. Within the beehive, several resources are created including; honey, beeswax, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. Beeswax is used for many purposes such as topical health, beauty, candle making, storing, and crafting.

Beeswax is completely natural and offers many benefits. If stored correctly, beeswax does not expire, but it’s important to note, if beeswax is blended with other ingredients, such as olive oil, it will have a shelf life.  With that said, here are some amazing benefits of beeswax.

Antibacterial

Beeswax is known to be antibacterial, blocking the ability for bacteria to form and grow. 

Anti-inflammatory 

Beeswax contains compounds and esters that are known to reduce swelling, irritation, and redness. 

Protective barrier for skin and lips

Beeswax provides a protective layer that is breathable, to lock in moisture and protect from outside pollutants.

Wound healer  

Because beeswax has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds and esters, it is a natural healer for wounds, scrapes, and burns, both nourishing and provided a protective barrier.

Vitamin A

Beeswax contains vitamin A! 

Versatility 

Beeswax also makes for great candles due to their long and natural burn. While paraffin candles release toxins in the air, beeswax has a pleasant scent with no toxic residue from burning. 

Benefits of Petrolatum

Petrolatum is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process.  It is a great way to not let byproducts go to waste. You will see this ingredient in Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly, Chapstick, among many other products. Petrolatum does not expire and has a long shelf life. Let’s go over some of petrolatum’s benefits. 

Protective barrier for skin and lips

Petrolatum is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning it blocks, hence creates a protective seal over the skin to lock in moisture while allowing breathability.

Wound healing

Because petrolatum is an occlusive moisturizer, it carries the same effect for wound healing as it protects the skin with a barrier so the wound can heal faster, but it does not nourish the skin unless there are additive ingredients.

Aids in chafing and rashes

The occlusive properties of petrolatum offers lubrication, protecting skin from further suffering from chafing and rashes. 

Similarities and Differences 

Both ingredients offer skin protective barriers to aid in healing, lubrication, and moisture.  The main difference between beeswax and petrolatum is their chemical make up. 

Beeswax is naturally occurring, less processed, and contains healing compounds, esters, and vitamin A. Petrolatum is a byproduct of a chemically refined process that is highly processed and contains no healing compounds, esters, or vitamins. 

Beeswax is generally not linked to toxicity unless the bees have been contaminated by crops that spray harmful pesticides, or unfriendly environmental industrial areas, which transfer PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), a known carcinogenic. Petrolatum is linked to cancer because their artificial chemical makeup contains PAH. 

It’s important to note that some people may be allergic to beeswax or patrolatum which is a different topic regarding benefits and toxicity. 

You Decide the Winner!

The information above uncovers the benefits, similarities, and differences of beeswax and petrolatum. Before you decide who the winner is, from the information provided, think about and answer this question:

If we didn’t have harmful chemicals in the air, crops, or industrial areas, could we confidently say that beeswax would be generally harmless to those not allergic?

From the information provided on these two ingredients seen, not together, in balms and moisturizers, use your free will to make a decision on what is the best product for your health and for the planet. Choose wisely, because the bees will depend on it.