Is Beeswax (Cera Alba) Safe For Baby?
Is Beeswax safe for baby? – Yes, Beeswax (Cera Alba) is safe for baby. The Latin name for beeswax is Cera Alba which means white wax. Beeswax is commonly found in commercial babycare products. Cera Alba is one of the best products you can put on your baby. It helps to keep baby’s skin smooth and soft. The composition isn’t dense, and your baby’s skin can breathe freely. Organic Cera Alba is a natural emollient and provides a barrier of protection for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Table Of Contents
What Is Beeswax • Origins • Health Benefits • How Does Beeswax Help Baby Skin
What is Beeswax (Cera Alba)?
Beeswax (Cera Alba) is simply the wax made by honeybees of the genus Apis. These honeybees are known for producing honey and constructing colonial and perennial wax nests [1] more commonly known as a bee hive. Organic Cera Alba, contains 284 different compounds at the very least. That includes esters, polyesters, acids, hydroxyl esters, and long-chain alkanes. Its specific composition, however, depends on its point of origin [2].
How Is Beeswax Made?
Organic Cera Alba is secreted from the abdomen of honeybees where wax-producing glands are located. The beeswax appears as thin sheets or scales that are similar in appearance to mica flakes [3]. The fresh beeswax is glass-clear, tasteless, colorless, and very brittle when it is first secreted. However, it becomes opaque after hive worker bees gnaw or chew the cera alba. The Organic Cera Alba turns brown or yellow in color when mixed with pollen oils and propolis, also called bee glue [4].
How Is Beeswax Measured?
The wax scales are about 0.1mm in thickness and about 3 mm in diameter. About 1100 honeybees are needed to produce a gram of beeswax [5]. Some of the alternate names used for Organic Cera Alba are beeswax absolute, bleached beeswax, white (Apis Mellifera L.), yellow wax, white wax, and beeswax concrete, to name a few [6].
Why Is Beeswax Critical For The Preservation Of Bees?
Worker bees use beeswax in the production of honeycomb cells. The construction of the honeycomb is crucial as it is where young honeybees are raised and the pollen cells stored [7]. It’s also where the queen bees are reared. Although many are produced, only one will remain in the hive. The queen bee’s sole purpose is to mate and produce new bees. (31)
Table Of Contents
What Is Beeswax • Origins • Health Benefits • How Does Beeswax Help Baby Skin
Origins Of Cera Alba (aka Beeswax)
Beeswax-bearing bees are known to originate from the South and Southeast Asia. But, they have traveled far. Some Apis species are found as far as the Philippines, Europe, and the United States.
Beeswax health benefits are known to man as early as 1550 BC. Egyptians highly valued beeswax in earlier times and have used it for medicinal formulations and prescriptions. Ancient Egyptians also used wax in the embalming process and as a coffin seal during the mummification to further preserve the body of their deceased [18].
The Chinese have also been known to acknowledge the importance of beeswax. Chinese medicinal books write that beeswax is beneficial to blood systems and have anti-aging and beauty enhancement characteristics. It is also deemed a crucial ingredient in treating wounds and as a dietary supplement [19].
The etymology of beeswax or the organic Cera Alba originates from two Latin words; Cera, meaning wax and Alba, meaning white [11]. It arises from the waxy secretions of worker bees’ in the genus Apis Mellifera which is also Latin for “honey-bearing bees [12].” These secretions come out of their inner sides and are collected by honeybees to create storage for honey and protection for pupas within the beehive [13].
What Determines Cera Alba Production Volume?
The size of the beeswax (Organic Cera Alba) relies on the age of the honey bee. They are most productive when the worker bee is less than a week up to 12 – 18 days old [14]. After producing natural wax for days, the wax-producing glands of honeybees gradually deteriorate. At 21 days past, and when the honey bee is finally ready to leave the hive and become a field bee, these wax-secreting glands have entirely degenerated. (15)
Producing Beeswax Is Expensive Even In Small Quantities
In the honey hive alone, the production of Cera Alba is costly. Melittologists, or people who study bees, say that at least 1 kilogram of wax is needed to produce and stock 24 to 30 kilograms of honey in the hive [16]. The wax contains esters, fatty acids, and long-chain alcohols.
Table Of Contents
What Is Beeswax • Origins • Health Benefits • How Does Beeswax Help Baby Skin
Benefits Of Natural Beeswax For Infants, Babies, And Toddlers
In the market, there are currently three major Organic Cera Alba products that yield the same beeswax health benefits, namely the white beeswax, the yellow beeswax, and the beeswax absolute [8].
- The yellow wax is the raw product collected straight from the honeycomb.
- The white wax, on the other hand, merely is bleached yellow beeswax.
- Lastly, the carmine red color cera alba absolute, which also bears beeswax benefits for skin, is the result of treating yellow wax with alcohol. It is golden amber in color and thick in mass but melts with ease [9]. Beeswax is known for its high melting point, especially when compared with paraffin.
Treats Baby Eczema, Psoriasis, And Dermatitis
Cera Alba, when mixed with olive oil, is an excellent source of remedy for a wide range of skin conditions. That includes psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema or severe diaper rash among infants. Beeswax for baby eczema has been found in several skin-care products. A study made by the Dubai Specialized Medical Center and Medical Research Labs Islamic Establishment for Education concludes that pure honey wax and beeswax mixed with olive oil can constrain the growth in disease-causing bacteria in the skin [20].
Relieves allergies and skin irritation
Natural Organic Cera Alba is an ideal skin product for people with easily-irritated skin. It has anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe itching and skin problems such as contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, eczema and rosacea [21]. It also has anti-germicidal properties that help heal wounds, minor burns, and cuts on babies. It also acts as a protective layer on the skin from various environmental irritants [22]. Some people report a beeswax allergy. This is rather a misnomer. While pure cera alba is found to be hypoallergenic, some people do react to the propolis. The propolis or “bee glue” is produced by mixing beeswax with their saliva and excretions gathered from plant sources, such as tree sap.
Keeps Baby’s Skin Moisturized
It should be no surprise that beeswax for babies has benefits for skin are found in a lot of baby skincare products and cosmetics. Organic Cera Alba is rich in Vitamin A which promotes moisture in the skin and helps keep it soft and hydrated. It is also known to repair and reconstruct skin cells and is an excellent comedogenic which means it does not clog pores [23].
The Right Organic Baby Products
By choosing baby products that contain beeswax health benefits, as well as other baby skin-friendly compounds, help prevent dry skin among babies with continued, regular use. It also acts as a home remedy for peeling and chapped skin, a common occurrence among newborn infants [24].
Table Of Contents
What Is Beeswax • Origins • Health Benefits • How Does Beeswax Help Baby Skin
How Does Beeswax (Cera Alba) Work In Baby Skin Care Products?
One of the reasons why the Cera Alba is a highly coveted ingredient in the skincare and cosmetics world is the fact that it is a thickening agent. That means it accelerates the thickness and creamy texture of creams and body lotions in a non-toxic way and makes it easier to spread on the skin [25].
Cera Alba also contains the following helpful ingredients:
Antibacterial Agents
Cera Alba benefits for skin include mild antibacterial properties that impede the growth of fungus and bacteria on the surface of the skin. It also effectively cleans the skin and decontaminates it from bacteria [26].
Humectant Properties
Ingredients with humectant properties attract water or promote the production of water molecules in the surface. It also retains the moisture and prevents baby’s skin from getting dry, dull, and chapped [27].
Raw Cera Alba is an incredible source of Vitamin A, a nutritional organic compound that is beneficial for skin rejuvenation and nourishment. It keeps the skin healthy and firm by exfoliating dead skin cells and generating new ones [28].
Anti-Allergy Properties
Babies have naturally fragile skin from the very day they are born which is why it’s imperative to be cautious on choosing skincare products to use on them. More people are avoiding petroleum-based products and turning to those with natural ingredients. beeswax for babies use contains anti-allergy properties that fight off irritants yet are mild to the surface [29].
Natural Fragrance
Aside from its many healing properties, Cera Alba has a natural yet subtle honey fragrance that is gentle to baby’s delicate sense of smell. It does not contain harsh ingredients that irritate baby’s skin and trigger an allergic reaction such as diaper rash. In fact, its pleasant aroma is a favorite in the manufacturing of soaps and perfumes [30].
Table Of Contents
What Is Beeswax • Origins • Health Benefits • How Does Beeswax Help Baby Skin
Transparent Ingredients
- Is Beeswax (Cera Alba) Safe For Baby?
- Is Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Safe For Baby?
- Is Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) Safe For Baby?
- Is Lauryl Glucoside Safe For Baby?
- Is Calendula Safe For Baby?
- Is Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Safe For Baby?
- Is Glyceryl Oleate Safe For Baby?
Cera Alba Resources;
[1] Research Gate; Organic Cera Alba: Production, Properties, Composition, Control. Bee Product Science, Stefan Bogdanov, April 2016.[2] European Food Safety Authority; Organic Cera Alba (E 901) as a glazing agent and as carrier for flavours1, Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food additives, Flavourings, Processing aids and Materials in Contact with Food (AFC), November 27, 2007.
[3] Cornell; American Bee Journal, Volume 16, Number 1, W.L. Coggshall, January 1880.
[4] Scribd; Organic Cera Alba Alchemy, How to Make Your Own Soap, Candles, Balms, Creams, and Salves, P. Ahnert, 2015.
[5] PennState; Organic Cera Alba (2nd Edition) Bee Books New and Old, Stefan Bogdanov, September 2009.
[6] Medicine Net; Organic Cera Alba Information, 2011.
[7] Canada Agriculture And Food Museum; Wax Making and Building, 2015.
[8] WebMD; Beeswax, Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning, 2009.
[9] Wikipedia; Organic Cera Alba, Physical Characteristics, May 09, 2018.
[10] Cartlon Publishing; Candles, Decorating Your Home with Beeswax Candles. P. Woods,2001.
[11] Wiktionary; Cera, February 2018.
[12] Wikipedia; Western Honey Bee, 2018.
[13] HAL Archives Ouvertes; The Fine Structure Of The Wax Gland Of The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.), Malcolin T. Sanford, Alfred Dietz, January 01, 1976.
[14] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation; Production and Trade of Organic Cera Alba.
[15] Bee Culture; The Magazine of American Beekeeping, A Closer Look: Organic Cera Alba, Wax Glands, Clarence Collision, March 31, 2015.
[16] Top-Bar Beekeeping; Organic Practices for Honeybee Health, Les Crowder, Heather Harrell, August 31, 2012.
[17] Research Gate; A honey bee from the Miocene of Nevada and the biogeography of Apis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Apini), Ismael Hinojosa, Alexandr P. Rasnitsyn, January 2009.
[18] Ancient Egyptian Material and Industries; Lipsticks A, Lucas, Edward Arnold, 1962.
[19] CAB Direct; Natural medicine from honey bees (apitherapy), J. Kaal, 1991.
[20] US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health; Mixture of honey, Organic Cera Alba and olive oil inhibits growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, Al-Waili NS, February 2005.
[21] Benefits of Honey; 3-Step Eczema Remedy with Organic Cera Alba.
[22] US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health; Organic Cera Alba: A minireview of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine, F. Fratini, G. Cilia, B. Turchi, A. Felicioli, September 09, 2016.
[23] How To Use Organic Cera Alba And Honey To Cure Skin Problems (lip balm); Gene Ashburner, 2014.
[24] CRP Press; Cosmetics and Dermatologic Problems and Solutions, Third Edition, Zoe Diana Draelos, September 1, 2011.
[25] Wiley Online Library; An assessment of Organic Cera Alba as a thickener for environmentally friendly lubricating grease production, Juozas Padgurskas, Milda Gumbytė, Artūras Kupčinskas, October 22, 2014.
[26] Research Gate; The anti-microbial effect of food wrap containing Organic Cera Alba essential oils products. Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Sciences. 7. 145-148, Pinto, C.T. & Pankowski, Jarosław & Nano, F.E., October 2017.
[27] Veganissimo A to Z (Canadian Edition); A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying and Avoiding Ingredients of Animal Origin in Everyday Products, Lars Thomsen, Reuben Proctor, 2013.
[28] ArgoWeb; Organic Cera Alba, the Natural Skin Protectant that Soothes and Hyrdrates, August 30, 2017.
[29] Cengage Learning; Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Michalun, M. V., & DiNardo, J. C., 2014.
[30] Adams Media; The Everything Guide to a Healthy Home: All You Need to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Hidden Household Dangers, K Button, 2012.
