what is beeswax soap?
Beeswax soap is a gentle and moisturizing alternative to traditional soaps. It's made with beeswax, a natural substance produced by bees, which is known for its emollient properties. Unlike many commercial soaps, beeswax soap is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
One of the key benefits of beeswax soap is its longevity. It tends to last longer than traditional soaps, as the beeswax helps to create a protective barrier on the skin. This not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces the environmental impact of frequent soap purchases.
For those with dry or irritated skin, beeswax soap can be a game-changer. The emollient properties of beeswax help to soothe and nourish the skin, reducing dryness and flaking. Additionally, beeswax soap can help to lock in moisture, preventing further dehydration.
If you're looking for a natural, gentle, and effective soap option, beeswax soap is worth considering. Its combination of moisturizing properties and longevity makes it a great choice for all skin types.
beeswax soap benefits
One of the important benefits of making soap with beeswax is that it's an entirely natural ingredient.
Natural, non-toxic ingredients tend to be kinder to the skin than synthetic products – it's just how it goes.
Beeswax is a natural by-product of bees that gets created when they make their homes out of honeycomb.
The bees use beeswax, too, to cushion the nest and make it warm for their babies. In the same way, we can use beeswax as a protective emollient on our skin.
It's not unkind for humans to use beeswax in this way if you buy sustainable beeswax.
So too, is beeswax a renewable source for skin care and biodegradable, too, meaning it's not harmful to the environment.
Beeswax is highly moisturizing and great for sensitive skin types. In addition, it's got mild anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce redness and dry spots on the skin.
Another key benefit is that it protects the skin, forming a barrier when it's applied.
For this reason, I much prefer using beeswax skin care products in the colder months, so I can go out and not worry that my skin will return red raw from the cold, icy conditions.
how to make beeswax soap
Supplies you will need
It's extremely important when making soap to use the right equipment. For you first-timers, the initial outlay to buy the supplies can be pricey, so shop around.
Here's a list of the equipment you'll need to make beeswax soap:
Soap mold
Immersion Blender
Digital scale
Saucepan
Heat-resistant container (safe to use with rapid temperature increase)
Safety goggles
Rubber gloves
Apron
Hair tie (if hair is long!)
Beeswax soap recipe
Follow this recipe precisely to ensure the soap is safe to use and safe to make.
Never deviate from the weight and amount of ingredients listed; you'll need to recalculate this with a soap calculator if you do!
Ingredients:
Oils & Fats
Palm oil 10 oz
Avocado oil 6 oz
Cocoa butter 6 oz
Sunflower oil 4 oz
Yellow beeswax .5 oz
Liquids
Lye 3.43 oz
Water 7.68 oz
Instructions:
Use the digital scale to measure the water. Then, add it to the heat-resistant container.
Carefully measure the lye (use the safety goggles/apron/gloves) and slowly add to the water. Stir until dissolved. Be aware – the water will fizz and heat up quickly due to the lye chemical reaction.
Note: Only add lye to water, NEVER water to lye.
Set the mixture aside to cool.
Measure out the palm oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, sunflower oil, and beeswax, then add to a small saucepan.
Melt these ingredients together over low heat.
Once melted fully, remove from the heat and allow time to cool. An ideal temperature to cool to is around 120°-130°.
Once cooled, transfer melted fats and oils to a metal mixing bowl.
Add the lye/water mixture in small amounts.
Mix with an immersion blender, adding the lye water slowly as you go.
Check the 'trace' by holding the immersion blender over the bowl; if you see drips coming from the soap that pools on top of the mixture, it's the right trace, and you can stop mixing.
Pour the soap into silicone molds. Or, if you're using any other mold, make sure you line it with parchment paper.
Allow the soap to cool completely for at least 24 hours (up to 3 days is fine).
Remove the soap from the molds and place them on their ends to allow space and time to cure (a 3-6 week process) before use.
If you use a long, rectangle mold like the one pictured above, you'll need to remove them from the mold once hardened and cut them into your preferred-sized soap bars to cure.
