Beeswax, Natural Beeswax, White Beeswax, Yellow Beeswax, Honey Wax, Cera Alba, Cera Flava, Crude Beeswax, Refined Beeswax, Nature Beeswax, E901, 8006-40-4, 8012-89-3

Beeswax, Natural Beeswax, White Beeswax, Yellow Beeswax, Honey Wax, Cera Alba, Cera Flava, Crude Beeswax, Refined Beeswax, Nature Beeswax, E901, 8006-40-4, 8012-89-3

BEESWAX (BAL MUMU)

CERA ALBA / CERA FLAVA | E901

CAS 8012-89-3 (Refined) | CAS 8006-40-4 (Raw)

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

Description: Beeswax is a natural waxy substance produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) to build honeycomb cells. It is a complex mixture of esters, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids. It is secreted by eight wax-producing glands on the abdomen of worker bees. Refined beeswax (Cera Alba) is white to light yellow pellets and odorless; raw beeswax (Cera Flava) is brownish and has a strong honey/beeswax odor. It is known as food additive E901 and is widely used in cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and candle industries.

SECTION 2: SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Key Chemical Properties:

• Complex mixture of esters of long-chain aliphatic alcohols and fatty acids

• Main component: Triacontanyl palmitate (C₄₆H₉₂O₂)

• Characteristic fatty acid: Cerotic acid (C₂₆H₅₂O₂)

• Crystalline structure

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 5: REFINED (8012-89-3) vs RAW (8006-40-4) COMPARISON

Description: Refined beeswax is obtained by processing raw beeswax through heating, filtration, bleaching, and deodorization. These processes remove natural pigments, propolis, pollen, and other impurities, resulting in a purer, odorless, and lighter-colored product. Raw beeswax retains its natural odor and color but contains more impurities.

SECTION 6: E901 – FOOD ADDITIVE SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 7: COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE APPLICATIONS

Formulation Recommendations: Beeswax is typically added to the oil phase of cosmetic formulations. It is melted at 70-75°C with other oil-phase ingredients. In emulsions, it functions as a co-emulsifier and thickener to prevent separation of water and oil phases. In anhydrous formulations (balms, ointments), it is used as a primary structuring agent. Typical use levels range from 1-25%, depending on the application.

SECTION 8: FOOD INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS (E901)

Description: Beeswax, known as E901, is used in the food industry as a coating and glazing agent. It is applied as a thin layer on the surface of fruits and vegetables to prevent moisture loss, provide gloss, and extend shelf life. In confectionery products, it prevents sticking and provides a glossy appearance. In chewing gum base, it functions as a plasticizer and texture modifier. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food additive.

SECTION 9: PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

Description: Beeswax is used in various pharmaceutical applications. In ointment and cream formulations, it functions as a thickener and water-repellent base. It helps stabilize emulsions. It is used as a polishing agent in tablet coatings. In suppository formulations, it serves as a hardening agent. It can be used as an adhesive base in medical patches. Pharmacopoeia quality (USP/EP) is available.

SECTION 10: CANDLE MANUFACTURING APPLICATIONS

Description: Beeswax has been used for candle making for centuries. Pure beeswax candles are known for their clean burn, pleasant scent, and natural appearance. In decorative candles, it is used as a mold release and finishing agent. Pure beeswax is preferred for church and ritual candles. In aromatherapy candles, it acts as a carrier for essential oils and provides an even burn.

SECTION 11: OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Description: Beeswax serves various functions in industrial applications. It is used as a release agent in metal and plastic molds to prevent sticking. In wood, leather, and floor polishes, it provides gloss, protection, and water resistance. In leather finishing, it imparts waterproofing and gloss. It provides water repellency and gloss in textile and paper coatings. It is a traditional material in art and crafts (encaustic painting, batik, sealing wax).

SECTION 12: SECTORAL SUITABILITY TABLE

SECTION 13: VEGAN STATUS AND ALTERNATIVES

Alternatives for Vegan Products:

SECTION 14: REGULATORY STATUS

Description: Beeswax is permitted as a food additive (E901) and cosmetic ingredient in all major markets. It is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA. It is approved for COSMOS natural and organic cosmetic certification. USP/EP pharmacopoeia quality standards are available. Halal and Kosher certified options are available upon request.

SECTION 15: SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification:

• Not classified as hazardous (in solid form)

First Aid Measures:

SECTION 16: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Packaging Options:

• 25 kg pellet bags

• 25 kg blocks

• 5-10 kg slabs

• 50 kg, 100 kg, 200 kg drums

SECTION 17: TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING INFORMATION

Description: Beeswax is not classified as dangerous goods for transportation. Temperatures above 40°C should be avoided during transport to prevent melting. Protection from moisture and physical damage is important. The GTIP/HS code is 1521.90.00.00.00.

SECTION 18: QUALITY CERTIFICATES AND STANDARDS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY

Main Applications:

• Cosmetics: Lip balms, creams, mascara, deodorants

• Food (E901): Fruit coating, confectionery glazing, chewing gum

• Pharmaceutical: Ointments, emulsions, tablet coating

• Candles: Traditional and decorative candles

• Other: Mold release agents, polishes, leather finishing

Key Advantages:

• Natural, renewable resource

• GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)

• Excellent emollient and water-repellent properties

• Biodegradable

• Versatile applications

SECTION 20: DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE

DISCLAIMER (LEGAL NOTICE): This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding specification. The values stated herein are based on typical laboratory results. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for the intended application and for ensuring compliance with all local regulations. A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be requested prior to use. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in sensitive individuals; suitability tests should be conducted. This document does not grant any license or patent rights for use of the product.