• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Cruelty-Free Brand List
  • Cruelty-Free Shopping Guides
  • FAQ
  • About
  • Contact
Logical Harmony

Logical Harmony

Making cruelty-free beauty easy!

  • Cruelty-Free Brand List
    • Cruelty-Free Brand List
    • Brands That Are Not Cruelty-Free
    • Grey Area Brands
    • Pending Brands
    • Cruelty-Free Status Updates
  • Cruelty-Free Shopping Guides
    • All Cruelty-Free Shopping Guides
    • All Vegan Product Lists
    • Cruelty-Free Brands at Ulta
    • Cruelty-Free Brands at Sephora
    • Cruelty-Free Brands at Nordstrom
    • 50+ Cruelty-Free Black-Owned Brands
    • Cruelty-Free Brands at Cult Beauty
    • Cruelty-Free Brands at Beauty Bay
    • Cruelty-Free Shopping at the Drugstore
    • The Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free Cleaning Products
  • Browse by Product
    • Cruelty-Free Foundation
    • Mascara
    • False Lashes
    • Hair Removal
    • Self Tanning
    • General Makeup
    • General Skincare
    • Hair Products
  • Shop Cruelty-Free
    • Cruelty-Free Coupons & Discount Codes
    • Shop @LOGICALHARMONY on Instagram
    • Cruelty-Free Shopping at Ulta
    • Cruelty-Free Shopping at Sephora
    • Cruelty-Free Shopping at Cult Beauty
    • Cruelty-Free Shopping at the Drugstore

Is Synthetic Beeswax Vegan?

Posted on Monday - May 23, 2016 by Tashina Combs & Last updated on Friday - July 20, 2018 9 Comments

Is Synthetic Beeswax Vegan?
Is Synthetic Beeswax Vegan? The answer may not be as obvious as you think.

Synthetic beeswax is being seen more and more often on ingredient lists for cosmetics.  Like most who use cruelty-free beauty products, it is generally thought that synthetic beeswax didn’t contain any animal ingredients and that synthetic beeswax is vegan. But is synthetic beeswax vegan? Recently it’s come to my attention that this may not be the case.

In this post, I share what I have learned about synthetic beeswax so that we can all be better-educated consumers and make better choices about the product ingredients we use.

What exactly is synthetic beeswax?

According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), “synthetic beeswax is a wax synthetically derived to be generally indistinguishable from natural beeswax with regard to composition and properties.”

Synthetic beeswax is made by blending a mixture of fatty acid esters, fatty acids, and alcohols together to achieve a consistency similar to natural beeswax. It can be found in cosmetics, skin care, hair products, and even some household items. It’s meant to lend a structure similar to beeswax. For example, it could make a lipstick creamier and easier to apply.

Is synthetic beeswax always made from the same ingredients?

There does not appear to be a set formula or ingredient list for synthetic beeswax. There are many different formulas and variations out there. Most synthetic beeswax is made without of the use of animal ingredients. And, originally, the goal was to create a wax similar to beeswax without the use of any animal or animal-derived ingredients.

Is synthetic beeswax vegan?

The synthetic beeswax used in products may or may not be vegan.

In doing research on this, several cruelty-free brands told me that their synthetic beeswax does contain lanolin as one of the fatty acids. Lanolin is an oil derived from sheep’s wool and is often a bi-product of factory farming or slaughterhouses. Others have told me that the synthetic beeswax they use is a blend of real beeswax and other fatty acids. They label it as synthetic beeswax because it is not pure beeswax.

In all of these cases, when asked if the products containing synthetic beeswax were vegan, all brands said no. When asked, the brands were all able to identify the ingredients of their synthetic beeswax and which ingredients came from animals.

Most of the time, is synthetic beeswax vegan?

Yes. Most of the time, synthetic beeswax is vegan. However, since several cruelty-free brands have stated that their synthetic beeswax is not vegan, it’s important to always ask the brand what ingredients their synthetic beeswax contains. Brands should be aware of this and, when asked, able to give you an ingredient listing of their synthetic beeswax.

For those who are concerned about natural ingredients, you may want to steer clear of anything containing synthetic beeswax. While it is considered generally safe for use, it may contain ingredients derived from coal and petroleum. It may cause skin irritation in some.

Last updated on Friday - July 20, 2018 Filed Under: Beauty & Cosmetics, Lifestyle

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanne Reid says

    Friday - February 8, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    Thank you so much for this helpful and informative insight. I have a sensitivity to beeswax, and am finding it very difficult to fine makeups without some form of wax. It’s been a challenge to research each item, but has been enlightening and exciting to learn that there are good wax-free items available. Thanks again for your time and energy seeking this info. 🙂

    Reply
    • Tashina Combs says

      Saturday - February 23, 2019 at 1:40 pm

      I’m so glad this helped, Jeanne!

      Reply
  2. Liisa Markkanen says

    Saturday - August 6, 2016 at 7:03 am

    This is useful it’s awful that most lipsticks don’t detail ingredients.
    I will have to be more careful from now on.
    Thank you for this report!

    Reply
  3. Sara says

    Thursday - June 2, 2016 at 12:56 am

    Thanks for taking the time to look into this. I’ve just assumed that synthetic beeswax would be vegan, but now it looks like I’ll have to recheck the lipsticks I’m currently using to make sure….

    Reply
  4. Melissa says

    Saturday - May 28, 2016 at 2:35 am

    Thanks so much for this info…I had no idea!!

    Reply
  5. Margaret says

    Tuesday - May 24, 2016 at 8:07 am

    Interesting! I was wondering about this. It seems like the only way to know for sure is to email the manufacturer. Glad they’re developing alternatives, though.

    Reply
  6. Erin says

    Monday - May 23, 2016 at 10:49 pm

    What?! This is so shocking! I actually had no idea.

    Reply
  7. Rebecca Kenyon says

    Monday - May 23, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    Really interesting and helpful, thank you so much!

    Reply
  8. Vicky says

    Monday - May 23, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Great post!! I recently discovered that synthetic beeswax doesn’t always mean it’s vegan and made without the use of real beeswax! and I was so confused why companies are labelling it as ‘synthetic”. This post really helped cleared things up!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

E-mail Newsletter

Privacy Policy

Welcome to Logical Harmony!

Tashina Combs of Logical Harmony

Hi! I’m Tashina! I created Logical Harmony with the goal to make cruelty-free beauty easy. Here you’ll find all sorts of shopping guides, vegan product lists, reviews, tips, and tricks to make it simple for you to pick the best cruelty-free options out there.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Cruelty-Free Resources

Pixi Beauty Vegan Products List

Top Posts & Pages

  • Is Charlotte Tilbury Cruelty-Free?
  • Is AURIC Cruelty-Free?
  • Vegan Brands at Ulta (Updated for 2021!)
  • NYX Vegan Products List
  • Cruelty-Free Brands at Ulta (Updated For 2021!)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Vegan Product List
  • Cruelty-Free Brands at Sephora (Updated for 2021!)
  • Pixi Beauty Vegan Products List
  • Is Fenty Cruelty-Free?
  • BareMinerals Vegan Product List

@logicalharmony on IG

logicalharmony

Blogger & YouTuber
Making cruelty-free beauty easy by sharing my best tips & resources👇

Tashina Combs
Please welcome @glowbyauric by @ssssamanthaa to th Please welcome @glowbyauric by @ssssamanthaa to the Logical Harmony Cruelty-Free Brands List! Who's excited? I know I am!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While this line doesn't launch until January 26th, I am thrilled to have them be a Logical Harmony Approved Cruelty-Free Brand! Find full details and a list of vegan-friendly options on my website (link in bio @logicalharmony and in stories).
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#LogicalHarmonyApproved #CrueltyFree #CrueltyFreeMakeup #CrueltyFreeBrands #CrueltyFreeBeauty #Auric #GlowByAuric #LogicalHarmony
I wanted to take a quick minute to say hi and intr I wanted to take a quick minute to say hi and introduce myself or re-introduce myself, as I haven't in a long time. So hi! I'm Tashina. I create content mostly about cruelty-free makeup, skincare, and haircare. I also love sharing outfits and have been having a lot of fun with my style in the past year. You can find me here, on my blog (logicalharmony.net), and on YouTube.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My goal is to make finding products made without testing on animals as easy as possible so I share lots of product reviews, shopping guides, vegan product lists, and more. I also use only vegan-friendly products so anything you see me using anywhere doesn't contain any animal ingredients. We don't need to harm our furry friends for beauty products and I want to help you find the best options out there.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Makeup details:
@colourpopcosmetics Aura & Out Palette
@colourpopcosmetics x @rawbeautykristi gloss+
@rootpretty Highlight in White Gold
@elfcosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer in Light Ivory+
@dermablendpro Illuminating Banana Powder+*
@elfcosmetics Primer Infused Blush in Always Cheeky
@cloveandhallow Bronzer in Cabo+
@lhcosmetics Infinity Power Brows in Clear+
@lhcosmetics Infinity Brows Sketch & Sculp in Dark Brown+
@bitebeauty Upswing Mascara+
@kvdveganbeauty Lashes in Dramatic+
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+ This product was sent to me for consideration
* This brand is cruelty-free but their parent company is not
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#logicalharmonyapproved #crueltyfreemakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #veganbeauty #crueltyfree #veganmakeup #crueltyfreebrands #grungemakeup #greenmakeup #vegangirls #grungeaesthetic #logicalharmony #veganbeautyaddict #elfingamazing #colourpopme #bitebeauty #bitebeautyambassador
This is the way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Makeu This is the way.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Makeup details:
@colourpopcosmetics Shadows in Wait For It, Blowfish, Tiny Tangerines, Paradiso, Tiki, Sandbar, Bratty
@blackmooncosmetics Lashes in Pices+
@necromancycosmetica Lipstick in Healing Stone
@elfcosmetics Poreless Putty Primer+
@uomabeauty Stay Woke Concealer in T1
@elfcosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer in Light Ivory
@dermablendpro Illuminating Banana Powder+*
@elfcosmetics Primer Infused Blush in Always Cheeky
@cloveandhallow Bronzer in Cabo+
@lhcosmetics Infinity Power Brows in Clear+
@lhcosmetics Infinity Brows Sketch & Sculp in Dark Brown+
@imaylabeauty Unifeye Mascara+
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+ This product was sent to me for consideration
* This brand is cruelty-free but their parent company is not
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#logicalharmonyapproved #crueltyfreemakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #veganbeauty #crueltyfree #veganmakeup #crueltyfreebrands #grungemakeup #vegangirl #vegangirls #grungeaesthetic #logicalharmony #uomabeauty #colorfulmakeup #thisistheway #veganbeautyaddict #elfcosmetics #elfingamazing #colourpopme #colourpop #necromancycosmetica #blackmooncosmetics
It’s not a tauntaun, but this little cave in the It’s not a tauntaun, but this little cave in the ice was great as a shelter from the wind.
I've been busy with a lot of behind-the-scenes wor I've been busy with a lot of behind-the-scenes work on the blog and content prepping for 2021. In case you don't realize it, in addition to here on IG I also have a blog and YouTube channel too. What kinds of content do you most want to see? Comment and share what would be helpful to you and what you'd most want to see!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Makeup details:
@elfcosmetics Poreless Putty Primer+
@limecrimemakeup Venus XL palette - Blank Canvas, Idolized, Flora, Aphrodite, Boticelli, Ethereal
@limecrimemakeup Liquid Lipstick in Cashmere
@uomabeauty Stay Woke Concealer in T1
@elfcosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer in Light Ivory
@coverfx Blush Duo in Soft Peach+
@jouercosmetics Soft Focus Powder in Fair+
@rootpretty Highlighter in White Gold
@lhcosmetics Infinity Power Brows in Clear+
@lhcosmetics Infinity Brows Sketch & Sculp in Dark Brown+
@imaylabeauty Unifeye Mascara+
@toofaced Better Than Sex Lashes in Natural Flirt+*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+ This product was sent to me for consideration
* This brand is cruelty-free but their parent company is not
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#logicalharmonyapproved #crueltyfreemakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #veganbeauty #crueltyfree #veganmakeup #crueltyfreebrands #grungemakeup #vegangirl #vegangirls #grungeaesthetic #logicalharmony #uomabeauty #limecrime #easybakecoven #veganbeautyaddict #elfcosmetics #limecrimemakeup #lcxme #rootpretty #elfingamazing
#ad Going into the new year with staying hydrated #ad Going into the new year with staying hydrated as one of my goals. My collection of @mybkr studded water bottles are so cute and they will definitely help. The colors from left to right are Spiked Heather, Spiked Lulu, and Spiked BTS. I have been a fan of their reusable glass water bottles for years, and I love the cute colors they offer.

BKR is having a really good end of year sale! I'll put a swipe up in stories. 

#mybkr #bkrambassador
I’m about 9 months behind, but Animal Crossing h I’m about 9 months behind, but Animal Crossing has basically taken over my free time this weekend. I’ve also been trying to spend less time on my phone in general. I need a good re-charge.
What’s the best part of your week so far? I thin What’s the best part of your week so far? I think the best part of mine has just been taking the time to appreciate simple things. My week has had a lot of ups and downs. I’m hoping to get some balance soon. ❄️
Trying to come up with a caption and failing. 💁 Trying to come up with a caption and failing. 💁🏻‍♀️

Shirt is @freakflydesigns
Phone case sent by @loopycases (code LOGICALHARMONY gets you 10% off)
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

More about Logical Harmony

Since 2011, Logical Harmony has been one of the most trusted cruelty-free resources out there. The Cruelty-Free Brand List is one of the most commonly used and is updated often.

Tashina and Logical Harmony have been featured by Buzzfeed, Bustle, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, Elite Daily, VegNews, Popsugar, Byrdie, Refinery 29, Teen Vogue, People, Pairs Match, HuffPost, Beauty Matter, Elle Belgium, Breakfast Television Toronto, Harpers Bazaar Spain, HuffPost Canada, Live Kindly, Vegan Lifestyle Magazine, Vegan Health & Fitness Magazine, and more!

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Privacy & Cookie Policy

Recent Posts

  • Is AURIC Cruelty-Free?
  • Is Beauty Bakerie Cruelty-Free?
  • Lime Crime Vegan Product List
  • Pacifica Vegan Product List
  • My Thoughts on Kavella Hair Products – a Cruelty-Free Salon Line

Search

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright 2011-2020 Logical Harmony.