Honey is a viscous liquid derived from the nectar of flowers and secreted by honey bees. In cosmetics and personal care products, honey is used in the formulation of a wide range of products including baby and bath products, eye and facial makeup, fragrances, coloring and noncoloring hair products, personal cleanliness products, and suntan and sunscreen products. Honey is a food and it has long been used to sweeten and flavor other foods and beverages.
In addition to water and naturally occurring sugars, Honey contains varying levels of Beeswax. The safety of Beeswax and other waxes has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data concluded that Beeswax, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, and Japan Wax were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. In 2003, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on Beeswax and plant waxes and reaffirmed the above conclusion.CIR Safety Review: Honey has not been specifcially reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel. However, the CIR Expert Panel has reviewed the safety of Beeswax, a material found in Honey at various levels. More information about the Beeswax review by CIR can be found under Beeswax.
Honey may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union. In Europe, Honey may be called Mel.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...