As we use raw honey and beeswax in some of our products, I have been asked by some of you (vegans and non-vegans) about the impact honey and beeswax collecting had on the bees. I talked to a friend of mine who is a very thoughtful beekeeper in the Bay Area. Here is what he had to say:

“Wax is produced to seal the honeycomb, and build the wax structure, so beekeepers are not removing it from the bees. Most wax comes from when we cut the wax capping off the frame to spin the honey out. This doesn’t hurt the bees. Ethical beekeepers respect their bees.”

Unlike large scale beekeepers (whom we do not purchase from), small thoughtful beekeepers often forgo harvests when the bees do not have enough honey to share.

Also, I would always advise to say no to commercial honey bought at the store because the practices are not sustainable and not kind to bees, just like a lot of modern industrial practices.

Why do we use beeswax in our balms?

Beeswax is an excellent skincare ingredient for many reasons. It is rich in vitamin A, which promotes cell regeneration and improves hydration.

It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It can help combat conditions like acne, dry skin, eczema, and stretch marks.

It has extraordinary humectant characteristics, which essentially means that it draws moisture to the skin, while also providing a barrier to seal in the moisture. And unlike other products such as petroleum jelly (I would NEVER use that), it will not suffocate the skin, but instead allow it to “breathe.” The shield it provides also wards off both irritants and toxins in the environment.

Both our Dream body balm and our Ultimate Care foot balm contain organic beeswax and other healing ingredients to repair, protect and beautify your skin.

Why do we use honey in our lip balms and in our face & lip polish?

It deeply moisturizes

It cleanses pores

It is a gentle exfoliator

It is soothing and healing

It fights acne and pimples

It smells amazing

Use our Petal face & lip polish in the shower to exfoliate when time is of the essence and you want your face and lips to be ultra soft! Plus your moisturizer will be better absorbed and your lip balm or lipstick will glide on perfectly!

By now you probably know that I love skincare you can eat! The thought is that if it is healthy to ingest, it is safe and beneficial for your skin as well. My belief is also that simpler is better. Here are a couple of ultra simple DIY raw honey mask recipes that you can make with ingredients from your kitchen and pantry, and that will do wonders for your skin (great for acne-prone skin too):

1. BASIC HONEY MASK:

1 teaspoon of local raw honey

Gently spread it over the entire face. (If the honey is too hard to spread, warm up slightly in a double boiler to restore fluidity). Do not use a lot of honey or it will drip down your face. A little goes a long way.
Leave the honey face mask on for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat face dry.
Apply moisturizer.

2. CREAMY HONEY MASK (especially good for dry skin):

1 teaspoon of local raw honey

1 teaspoon mashed avocado

1 teaspoon plain whole milk yogurt

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until they form a smooth paste.
Apply the mixture over your face.
Leave mask on for 15 to 30 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat face dry.
Apply moisturizer

The avocado and yogurt are deeply moisturizing to the skin, and the lactic acid in the yogurt is said to smooth your skin, refine your pores, and stimulate collagen production.

We love feedback from you. Please let us know if you use honey or beeswax as part of your beauty regimen, and if you don’t, what do you love to use instead?