Is Beeswax (E901) vegan?
Not vegan
No — beeswax is secreted by honeybees to build the hive.
Also listed as: cera alba, E901
Why
Taking wax means destroying comb the colony spent honey to build. It appears in lip balm, candles, food glazes and polish.
What to check on the label
- Cera alba in cosmetics
- E901 as a fruit or sweet glaze
- Candles and food wraps
Swap it for
Candelilla waxCarnauba waxSoy or rapeseed wax
Questions people ask
Is candelilla a direct swap?
Nearly — it is harder, so use around 25% less in balms.
Are beeswax wraps vegan?
No, but plant-wax wraps work the same way.