What it is
Cera Alba is the refined, bleached form of beeswax, a natural wax secreted by honeybees. It is a classic structuring agent that thickens oil phases, stabilizes emulsions, and forms a soft surface film, making it a staple of lip balms and stick formats. In sunscreens it adds body and a smooth, conditioned afterfeel and helps hold the format together.
Safety & warnings
Beeswax is widely used and generally well tolerated, with a low expected risk of irritation. It is rated low on the comedogenicity scale, though very rich balm formulas can feel occlusive. It is an animal-derived ingredient, which vegan users may wish to note.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, produced by honeybees and refined and bleached to a white, low-odor grade for cosmetic use.
History
Beeswax is one of the oldest cosmetic ingredients, used for millennia in salves, balms, and early cold creams.
Questions everyone asks
Is Cera Alba the same as beeswax?
Yes, Cera Alba is the INCI name for beeswax, here the refined white grade used in cosmetics.
What does beeswax do in a lip balm or sunscreen stick?
It thickens and structures the oil phase, helps the stick or balm hold its form, and conditions the skin surface.