Processing Beeswax: Candles, Cosmetics & More

Beeswax is a versatile natural material – old combs, cappings wax and wax scraps can be turned into high-quality wax that is useful for all kinds of purposes.

Collecting and storing wax

Sources of wax over the beekeeping year:

• Cappings wax from uncapping at extraction time (the purest quality)
• Rendered-down old combs (dark, more contaminated)
• Wax crumbs and burr comb

Store wax somewhere dry and dark – it keeps almost indefinitely.

Melting wax down – step by step

1. Break the wax into rough pieces
2. Melt it in a water bath at max. 70–80 °C – never heat it directly (fire risk!)
3. Filter it through a fine cloth or nylon stocking while still liquid
4. Pour it into silicone molds or old tins
5. Let it cool – the wax will shrink and come out easily

Cappings wax from white combs gives you light yellow, high-quality wax. Wax from old combs turns darker and contains more residue.

Ways to use it

Cosmetics and care

• Lip balm: wax + coconut oil + jojoba oil + essential oils
• Hand cream: wax + almond oil + calendula extract
• Leather waterproofing: work pure wax into the leather

Around the house

• Beeswax wraps as a replacement for cling film
• Lubricating door hinges and wood screws
• Pouring or dipping candles

Beekeeping

• Exchange it for foundation sheets at specialized suppliers
• Redeem the wax value at beekeeping trading posts