Beeswax is the wax obtained from bee honeycombs. It is used as a thickener, emulsifier and structuring agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. The material is a yellow or white waxy solid in blocks or pastilles. Recorded grades include food, pharma, Ph. Eur., natural and cosmetic. Packaging formats include 20 kg cartons and 25 kg bags. Food use as E 901 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.