Vegan alternatives to beeswax in natural cosmetics

Beeswax is popular in natural cosmetics, but it's not vegan. Plant-based alternatives such as candelilla wax and berry wax offer comparable properties—all without animal ingredients. Ideal for vegan care products with a protective, moisturizing effect.

Why avoid beeswax?

Beeswax is a traditional ingredient in natural cosmetics, valued for its protective, film-forming, and moisturizing properties. However, because it is of animal origin, it is not suitable for vegan cosmetics. Therefore, more and more consumers are looking for purely plant-based alternatives that can perform similar functions—without compromising on effectiveness, texture, and skin compatibility.

Candelilla wax – the vegan all-rounder from the desert

Candelilla wax is extracted from the leaves of the candelilla shrub (Euphorbia antisyphilitica), native to Mexico. It is naturally hard, brittle, and has a high melting point—properties that make it particularly suitable for solid care products such as lip balm, body bars, and deodorant creams.

Vegan & sustainable: Plant origin, harvested in the wild
Protective film: Moisturizing effect like beeswax
Stabilizing: Ideal for the consistency of emulsions and balms
Well tolerated: Also suitable for sensitive skin

Berry wax – soft, gentle and moisturizing

Berry wax is extracted from the husk of the lacquer tree (Rhus verniciflua). It is significantly softer than candelilla wax and has excellent spreading properties—meaning it spreads easily on the skin, leaving a silky feel without a greasy residue.

Particularly soft: Ideal for gentle emulsions & creams
Emollient: Improves skin elasticity & suppleness
Vegan alternative to lanolin or beeswax
Suitable for all skin types , even sensitive or dry skin

What are vegan waxes suitable for?

Vegan waxes perform several functions in natural cosmetics:

Protection & Occlusion: They form a light film on the skin and protect against moisture loss – without clogging the pores.
Consistency agents: In water-free formulations such as balms and deodorants, they provide firmness.
Skin feel: They improve application behavior and sensory properties.

myrto – 100% vegan & beeswax-free natural cosmetics

Our products deliberately do not contain beeswax. Instead, we rely on plant-based wax alternatives such as:

Candelilla wax
Berry wax
Carnauba wax (optional)
Shea butter and plant-based emollients

This means we not only guarantee vegan recipes, but also the highest level of skin compatibility – without fragrances, alcohol or skin-weakening emulsifiers.