Cosmetics Industry Threatened by Bees' Demise

Marie Claire, 5/15/2009

Cosmetics which rely on the honeybee for production are facing a crisis as the British honeybee - whose numbers have dropped by 80 per cent in some areas - dies out.

According to the Co-operative Group, almost 4000 of the UK's favourite cosmetics are under threat, including 643 brands of mascara, 589 lipsticks and at least 453 moisturisers.

The cosmetics all rely on beeswax, a by-product of the pollination process. Beeswax is found in a wide range of cosmetics ingredients such as honey, wax, propolis and royal jelly. It acts as a preserve and a barrier against air and moisture…