Beeswax is made by bees to create the hexagonal cell structures (comb) inside the hive. When beekeepers harvest honey, they remove the capsfrom the honeycomb cells to extract the honey. The caps are melted down and filtered to remove non-wax particles from the beeswax. NOW(R) Solutions unrefined, yellow beeswax is an incredibly versatile, natural ingredient suitable for making your own cosmetics (eg. balms, lotions, deodorants, etc.) and household products (eg. candles, wood polish, etc.). It is an excellent addition to cosmetic products, because it creates a barrier which helps to seal in moisture, without being airtight, while helping to protect the skin from environmental irritants.Directions for Melting: Never expose beeswax directly to a heat source. Doing so can cause the wax to melt unevenly and may result in scorching or fires. Note: The melting point of beeswax is around 63 degrees Celsius (160F). Boiler Method: Fill a large pot or bottom pot of a double boiler with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cms) of water. Bring water to a boil and reduce heat until the water is simmering. Place beeswax in the top boiler pot or smaller pot that can be placed on top of the pot of boiling water. Melt the wax slowly and stir as required. Microwave Method: Place beeswax pellets in a microwave-safe glass dish. Reduce the power setting to at least 60%. Heat for 20 seconds at a time, stir and repeat as needed until the wax is fully melted.