Is it vegan? Additives & E-numbers E901
Is beeswax vegan?
Quick answer: No. Beeswax (E901) is produced by honeybees, so vegans avoid it, as they do honey.
Also called: E901, cera alba, cera flava, white beeswax, yellow beeswax
Why it isn’t vegan
Beeswax is the wax that worker honeybees secrete to build honeycomb. It is collected by melting honeycomb and is listed as glazing agent E901 (“beeswax, white and yellow”). In cosmetics it appears as cera alba or cera flava.
The Vegan Society’s definition of veganism excludes products derived from animals, and bee products such as honey and beeswax fall within that.
What to look for on the label
- E901
- beeswax
- cera alba
- cera flava
Where it’s found
- Coated sweets and fruit
- Lip balms, mascara and creams
- Candles and food wraps
- Some cheese coatings
Vegan alternatives
- Candelilla wax (E902)
- Carnauba wax (E903)
- Rice bran wax
- Soy or rapeseed candle wax
Frequently asked questions
Is beeswax vegan?
No. Beeswax (E901) is produced by honeybees, so vegans avoid it, as they do honey.
Is beeswax vegan if no bees are harmed?
Vegan organisations treat all bee products as animal products, regardless of how carefully they are collected.
Sources
- Approved additives and E numbers — Food Standards Agency (UK)
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
- Definition of veganism — The Vegan Society
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.