This simple, homemade beeswax salve contains only a couple of natural ingredients, is easy to make and helps soothe dry skin and insect bites, promote healing and helps to keep your skin moisturised.

Homemade Beeswax Salve

Making your own natural products is so rewarding. Knowing the exact ingredients that are going into them and being able to create products that suit your particular needs is just so amazing.

TIP – When using beeswax in your products, just note that it does harden very quickly as it cools. This means that it can be quite difficult to remove from the dishes and cutlery that is used. For this reason, I have dedicated bowls and cutlery that is only used for making homemade products, especially ones that contain beeswax.

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits.

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

Avocado Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Argan Oil
Rosehip Oil
Hemp Oil
Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Essential Oils

You can add a few drops of essential oils to this salve if you wish, though please remember that essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this salve is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and used in the correct quantities.

Just be careful using some essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint, around children and pregnant women, making sure to do your research before using.

Before Using this Salve

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

Be careful using on skin with open wounds or cuts.
Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
Wash hands well after using.

More Salve Recipes

Ingredients for Making Beeswax Salve

To make around 2 ounces of this natural salve, you will need:

2 tablespoons beeswax
¼ cup carrier oil such as Jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, Sweet almond oil, Extra Virgin Olive oil
10 drops essential oils (optional)

Making Homemade Beeswax Salve

Combine the beeswax and the carrier oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Add the essential oil if using and mix through.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

Let the salve cool and set.

The salve is now ready to label, date and store.

Storing This Salve

Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.

Store in a cool, dark place.

When properly stored, this salve should last up to six months.

To Use this Salve

Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the salve onto your fingers, then gently rub on the areas needed on the forehead. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

Notes

Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer!
You can use any type of carrier oil. This recipe uses avocado oil.
If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
Try adding essential oils or other infused oils for a more powerful salve.
I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 3 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.