Each year onĀ May 20, we pause to celebrate one of the most essential, underappreciated creatures on the planet: bees. World Bee Day isnāt just about honey, itās about biodiversity, food security, ecological health, and yes, even skincare.
At Essance Skincare, we create organic, low-waste products with ingredients that honor both people and planet. This includes using ethically sourced beeswax in some of our best-selling products, like our lip balms and deodorants, both of which are 20% off May 19-25Ā in honor of World Bee Day.
But this post isnāt about us. Itās about why bees matter, how beeswax benefits your skin, and how to support pollinators while still enjoying the incredible gifts they provide.
š Bees: Natureās Most Important Pollinators
Bees are responsible for pollinating over 75% of flowering plants and more than a third of the worldās crops. Without them, we would lose many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds we rely on daily.
Beyond food, bees help maintain healthy ecosystems by enabling the growth of trees, wildflowers, and plants that serve as food and shelter for countless species. Their impact extends far beyond the hive.
Unfortunately, bee populations worldwide are declining due to:
-
Pesticide use
-
Habitat loss
-
Climate change
-
Disease and parasites
Supporting bee-friendly agriculture, planting native flowers, and choosing products from brands that use sustainably sourced beeswax or honey can all make a difference.
š Beeswax: What It Is & Why Itās Ethical to Use (When Sourced Right)
Beeswax is a natural substance secreted by honeybees to build the honeycomb structure that houses their honey and larvae. Itās an amazing material ā antibacterial, breathable, and incredibly stable ā making it ideal for skincare, especially in products like lip balm, salves, and natural deodorant.
When beeswax is harvested responsibly, it does not harm bees. In fact, harvesting excess wax can actually be beneficial to the hive, as it:
-
Helps prevent buildup that could harbor bacteria or pests
-
Encourages bees to produce new, fresh comb
-
Supports regenerative beekeeping practices that prioritize hive health
The key is sourcing beeswax from ethical, small-scale beekeepers, something brands like Essance Skincare are committed to.
šæ The Benefits of Beeswax in Skincare
Nature is often the best formulator, and beeswax is a shining example of that. Itās a tried-and-true ingredient that has been used for centuries to soothe and protect skin.
Hereās why itās still a favorite in modern organic skincare:
1. Moisture Locking
Beeswax creates a breathable, protective layer on the skin that helps seal in hydration without clogging pores. Itās incredibly effective in lip balms and creams, especially for those dealing with dry or cracked skin.
2. Anti-Inflammatory & Antibacterial
Rich in natural anti-inflammatory compounds, beeswax soothes irritation and helps reduce redness. It also has mild antibacterial properties, making it great for protecting skin from environmental stressors, perfect for underarms and lips.
3. Vitamin A for Skin Health
Beeswax naturally contains Vitamin A, which promotes cell regeneration and skin healing, essential for maintaining smooth, healthy skin over time.
4. Natural Alternative to Petroleum-Based Waxes
Many mainstream balms and deodorants rely on petroleum-derived ingredients, which can be occlusive and environmentally harmful. Beeswax offers a clean, biodegradable alternative that supports healthy skin and a healthier planet.
š§ Beeswax in Deodorant: A Natural Win
Natural deodorants can be hit-or-miss, but beeswax helps make them more effective by:
-
Acting as a gentle, non-greasy base
-
Improving staying power
-
Helping essential oils and other active ingredients adhere to the skin
Itās especially useful for people looking to transition away from aluminum-based deodorants and synthetic fragrances.
š Beeswax in Lip Balm: Soft, Nourished Lips That Stay That Way
Most people donāt realize their chapstick is working against them. Many conventional lip balms contain petroleum or synthetic ingredients that dry out lips over time, causing the dreaded cycle of constant reapplication.
Beeswax-based lip balms work differently:
-
Nourish and repair dry or chapped lips
-
Shield against harsh wind and weather
-
Deliver a light, breathable layer that feels comfortable and stays put
At Essance, our beeswax lip balms are infused with organic herbs and oils, free from synthetic flavors, and handmade in small batches.
š¼ World Bee Day Is a Reminder - Weāre All Connected
Whether you're swiping on lip balm, shopping at your local farmers market, or planting lavender in your backyard, the choices we make have ripple effects.
Hereās how you can help support bees today:
-
Buy organic produce (reduces pesticide use)
-
Avoid chemical lawn care products
-
Plant bee-friendly flowers (like echinacea, lavender, and bee balm)
-
Support local beekeepers
-
Choose products made with ethical, bee-safe ingredients
Every small action adds up ā and honoring bees doesnāt mean avoiding their gifts. It means sourcing wisely, treading gently, and giving back when we can.
šļø Celebrate with Us ā 20% Off Beeswax Products (May 19-25)
To celebrate World Bee Day and share the beauty of this amazing ingredient, Essance Skincare is offering 20% off all of our beeswax-based lip balms and natural deodorants May 19-25. Ā No code needed ā just head to essanceskincare.com and shop our bee-friendly favorites.
Thanks for supporting conscious skincare and the ecosystems that make it possible. Hereās to glowing skin, thriving pollinators, and a planet worth protecting.