Honeybees produce beeswax, which is a natural, biodegradable wax. Hundreds of years ago, the wax was considered more valuable than the honey as it was used to make candles. Monasteries had apiaries so they could produce their own wax for candles as the only other candles available at that time were made from sheep fat which burns with an unpleasant smell and smokes a lot. Beeswax candles burn with very little smoke and have a very pleasant smell.
When used in skincare, beeswax acts as an emollient, softener, and humectant, forming a protective barrier that seals in moisture.