Why do I use honey or beeswax in soap and other products?

Honey is sugar and sugar creates lather. Because of the saponification (soaping) process, the benefits of honey as an antibacterial agent or other benefits honey is known to have is minimal at best. Honey does boost and help create a fantastic lather which I love in soap. When I use honey in soaps it is minimal but does provide an additional lather agent. Honey may help boost the hydration properties of the soap.

Beeswax is a fascinating product that is used in a very minimal percentage of oils. Beeswax helps create a harder bar. The hardness helps the soap last longer especially if you let it dry out between uses. Beeswax can increase hydration. It is gentle on the skin.

I do have some lotions that use beeswax instead of emulsifying wax. Beeswax is very good for sensitive skin and creates a nice lotion bar. I have not experimented with honey in lotions yet. Lotions are normally very high in water and when you combine water and sugar you are just asking for bacterial growth. Not saying I may never formulate with honey in non-saponifying products, just not there yet.