Beeswax: the wax that turns oils into balms

Beeswax is where a puddle of oils becomes an actual balm. It's the ingredient that sets everything, and it's one of the first you'll want in your kit.

What it is

It's the natural wax honeybees make to build their comb. I stock the white pellets, which are filtered and easy to measure and melt — no grating a block, no guesswork. (White beeswax is simply naturally filtered; it isn't bleached in the harsh sense people worry about.)

What it does

It thickens and hardens oil-based products, and it forms a breathable, protective layer on the skin that helps shield it from the weather and hold moisture in. It gives lip balms their glide and body balms their lovely firm-but-melting texture.

How to use it

• Roughly 10 to 20% of a balm, depending on how firm you want it
• More for a lip balm or a solid bar, less for a soft, scoopable balm
• Melt it gently with your butters and oils until just clear

Not sure of the ratio? Do a quick 'spoon test' — pop a little of your warm mix on a cold spoon, let it set for a minute, and feel it. Too soft, add a touch more wax; too firm, add more oil.

Shop White Beeswax Pellets — and use it in nearly every one of my balm formulas.

Steph x