Is Beeswax vegan?
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) and secreted by worker bees to construct honeycombs. It is obtained by melting the honeycomb with hot water, straining, and cooling. Used extensively in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food coatings, it is listed as E901 in the EU. It is exclusively insect-derived.
| Also known as | Apis mellifera wax, BEESWAX, Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax, Cera alba, cera alba / cera flava, Cera flava, White beeswax, Yellow beeswax |
|---|---|
| Vegan alternatives | Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax |
| INCI name | Beeswax |
| E number | E901 |
| INS number | 901 |
| CAS number | 8012-89-3 |
| EC number | 232-383-7 |
| CosIng ID | 32492 |
| Last reviewed | 16 April 2026 |
An ingredient is considered vegan if it contains no animal-derived components at any point in its production.
Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.
