Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Beeswax vegan?
Also known as: Cera Alba, Cera Flava, Honeycomb wax
E-number: E901
Not Vegan
Derived from animals — avoid.
See all non-vegan ingredients →
No — It is an animal byproduct secreted by glands on the abdomen of worker bees to build their honeycombs.
01 · The basics
What is Beeswax?
A natural wax produced by honey bees, widely used as a glazing agent in food and a structural base in cosmetics.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
It is an animal byproduct secreted by glands on the abdomen of worker bees to build their honeycombs. Vegans avoid it due to the exploitation of bees.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
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Frequently asked
FAQ
Why do vegans avoid beeswax?
Vegans avoid beeswax because its commercial harvesting often involves practices that can stress or harm the bee colony, and it is an animal-derived product.
Is beeswax used on fresh fruit?
Yes, it is sometimes used as a coating on apples and citrus fruits to retain moisture and make them look shiny on supermarket shelves.
Commonly found in
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