Ingredient guide ›

Cera Alba

This is beeswax.

What it does

Wax made by honeybees. It thickens balms, holds lipsticks together and forms a protective layer on lips and skin.

Good to know

Some people are allergic to it, often linked to propolis (bee glue). A Swedish clinic found it was a cause in some people with lip rashes. Also used in food (E 901).

Often found in: Lip balms, Lipsticks, Mascaras, Hand creams

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis, 2019) (Medical)
• EFSA: Beeswax (E 901) as a glazing agent and as carrier for flavours (2007) (Independent)