At Skunk, we use hyperlocal beeswax. It would be easier and probably cheaper to buy beeswax from big brands or suppliers but keeping our ingredients as pure as possible is important to us. And also there's a great feeling that comes with working with small suppliers who you can meet face to face, have a chat, discuss business and then go about your day. Here are some key points on why locally sourced beeswax is important -
WHY LOCALLY SOURCED BEESWAX MATTERS
If you have ever picked up a lip balm or hand cream with beeswax on the label, it is easy to assume it contains exactly what it says. Pure beeswax, nothing more, nothing less. But that assumption is worth taking a closer look at.
The reality is that not all beeswax used in skincare is the same, and in some cases, what is sold as beeswax can be mixed with other ingredients along the way.
WHAT CAN GET ADDED TO BEESWAX
One of the more surprising things about beeswax is that it can be blended with cheaper substances without it being obvious to the average person. Two of the most common additions are paraffin and stearin.
Paraffin is a petroleum-derived ingredient, the same material often used in inexpensive candles. Stearin, on the other hand, is a type of fat that can come from either animal or plant sources. Both are significantly cheaper than beeswax, which makes them appealing for large-scale production.
Because these ingredients can be mixed into beeswax fairly easily, it is not always clear when you are getting a pure product and when you are getting a blend. On an ingredient list, it may still simply say beeswax, even if the quality or purity varies.
Paraffin in particular raises a few questions for some people. It is widely used in cosmetics and considered safe for topical use, but it is also an ingredient that sits on the skin rather than being absorbed in the same way as plant-based oils. Some people prefer to avoid it altogether, especially in products they use regularly like lip balm or hand cream.
This is especially important for people with oily or acne-prone skin to note, as their skin needs to breathe and paraffin doesn’t allow for that.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES LOCALLY SOURCED BEESWAX MAKE
A shorter, more transparent supply chain can make a real difference in terms of quality and trust.
When beeswax is sourced locally, it usually passes through far fewer hands before it reaches the final product. And what that does is reduce opportunities for it to be diluted or mixed with other materials in the process.
It also makes traceability much easier. Working directly with local apiarists, brands can trace the origins of their sourced beeswax. Whether it is requesting documentation or being able to witness the wax extracting techniques, there is clarity in the supply chain. Obviously this becomes very difficult to do with bigger organisations who obtain their produce from multiple apiaries in bulk.
That is not to say that locally sourced beeswax is entirely free from adulteration, but the chance of that happening is low. So while it is not a perfect guarantee, it is a meaningful step in the right direction if purity matters to you.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING BEESWAX
If you are trying to be a bit more mindful about the products you use, there are a couple of simple things to look out for.
Labels that mention “locally sourced” or “sustainably sourced” beeswax are a good starting point. These terms suggest a more considered approach to sourcing, even if they are not tightly regulated.
It is also worth taking a quick look at the brand itself. Many smaller or more transparent brands will share details about where their ingredients come from and who they work with.
And if you are ever unsure, you can always ask. A brand that knows exactly where its beeswax comes from should be able to tell you more about it. Even a simple question can give you a better sense of how much care and transparency sits behind the product.
At Skunk, the beeswax used for the Solid Handbalm for Working Hands is sourced from a local beekeeper in Highbury and Islington with a passion for bees. Over the last two years, I have learned so much about bees and their habits – how a slightly delayed rain can leave them parched and stressed out, and how when they have to drink water, the apiarist leaves little pebbles near the water puddles and dishes so that the bees don’t fall in and drown (turns out they’re terrible swimmers).
At the end of the day, choosing locally sourced beeswax is not about perfection. It is about making a more informed choice and having a clearer idea of what you are putting on your skin.
