A novel, direct, reagent-free method for the detection of beeswax adulteration by single-reflection attenuated total reflectance mid-infrared spectroscopy

► A novel, direct, reagent-free method for the detection of beeswax adulteration was developed. ► Authentication of beeswax is performed by single-reflection attenuated total reflectance mid-infrared spectroscopy. ► Adulteration with paraffin, microcrystalline wax, tallow and stearic acid can be detected. ► The method is faster than previous methods used for beeswax authentication.