DEFINITION
Beeswax is obtained from the honeycombs of bees (Fam. Apidae, e.g. Apis mellifera L) after the honey has been removed by draining or centrifuging. The combs are melted with hot water, steam or solar heat; the melted product is filtered and cast into cakes of yellow beeswax. White beeswax is obtained by bleaching the yellow beeswax with oxidizing agents, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, or sunlight.
Beeswax consists of a mixture of esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons and free fatty acids; minor amounts of free fatty alcohols are also present.