Bee Propolis: The Best Beauty Ingredient for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin 

Propolis (AKA Bee Glue), is a natural beauty ingredient that has been trending in the Beauty Industry due to its amazing skin healing and soothing ability. In this post, we are sharing the origins of propolis, their difference from other popular bee-related beauty ingredients such as Honey and Royal Jelly, and the benefits of bee propolis could bring to your skincare routine.

What is Bee Propolis and where does it come from?

Bee Propolis is a sticky organic substance called resin, collected by Bees from different trees and plants. Propolis is commonly known as “Bee Glue”, it is used to stick the beehives together and help sealing holes and small openings of the hives. This creates a safe and comfortable environment for the bees by regulating the internal temperature of the hives, prevent weathering and invasion.

While the old way of farming Bee Propolis (via hive scrapings) may create constant stress to the bees (as they feel invaded), the latest commercial way to harvest propolis is much safer for the bees and absolutely no bees are harm during the farming process.

Benefits of Propolis to the skin

Bee Propolis Benefit #1: Nourishes & Moisturize Without Clogging Pores

Moisturize your skin is one of the essential steps of your skincare routine. Using a moisturizer or cream contain the ingredient PROPOLIS (such as COSRX Full-Fit Propolis Light Cream), can help hydrates dry skin, nourishes and soothes without clogging your pores. In general, propolis cream are non-sticky and feels lightweight on the skin.

Bee Propolis Benefit #2: Acne Fighting and Prevention

We used to have acne-fighting skincare products that are way too harsh for the skin, or normally not suitable for sensitive skin. This has increased the demand for products that address acne with less irritation and side effect on the skin. Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, Bee Propolis is an effective ingredient to fight off, reduce and prevent further acne. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties which ease skin redness and soothe irritated skin. This is why Bee Propolis is great for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Bee Propolis Benefit #3: Control Dead skin cell & Oil Balancing

Dead skin cell can block your pores and forms acne on the skin. It is a common misconception that acne is formed due to oily skin, but you will also be prone to acne if you have very dry skin and doesn’t exfoliate & moisturize properly. It is recommended to use a toner (such COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner) follow by a serum or essence that contains propolis (such as COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule, ITS SKIN Power 10 Formula Propolis, or BY ECOM Honey Glow Ampoule) after cleansing & exfoliation and before your cream, to make sure your skin absorbs the extra benefits of propolis into the skin and control the dead skin cell.

Bee Propolis Benefit #4: It helps protect skin from Free Radicals

Free radicals are generally generated via UV exposure, they are oxygen molecules that damage cell function and your skin’s DNA. These free radicals damage the skin by changing the skin colours (such as blemish and sunspots) and weakening of the skin (wrinkles and premature skin). That is why it is always important to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Studies have found that antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals and keeps your skin looking young and bright. Therefore, we recommend pairing your sunscreen Bee Propolis, abundant in antioxidants, to help neutralize free radical damage. Studies have found that bee propolis contributes to skin protection against free radicals.

Bee Propolis Benefit #5: Aid in Wound Healing & After Acne Care

Do you know Propolis has a wonderful healing effect on the skin? Due to its positive wound healing process, it is perfect for healing inflamed and acne-prone skin. Propolis speeds up the healing process by creating a healthy barrier for your skin propolis, along with the collagen barrier created from propolis that helps you find the right water and oil balance. Whether you have active blemish or scars from acne, propolis can be helpful for the prevention and treatment of the acne as well as aftercare.

We recommend using a bee propolis sheet mask every now and then when you’re skin feeling a need for a boost. The PAPA RECIPE Bombee Mask Series and JM Solution Honey Luminous Royal Propolis are a few of our favourites.

Difference between Propolis, Honey and Royal Jelly

What are these bee-related ingredients?

Propolis – Resin collected by Bees from trees and plants to aid in the construction of beehives.

Honey - A sweet liquid processed by the honeybee and it is the primary food for the hive.

Royal jelly - A white and viscous jelly-like substance produced by the worker bees, also known as the “superfood” solely consumed by the queen bee. This superfood is the main reason for the longevity of the queen bee compared to the other bees.

They have similar benefits which include:

• Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial capabilities, which are great for acne treatment & prevention.
• Complexion boost due to its extremely moisturizing and soothing effect, so it helps create a glow on the skin.
• Balance, Heal and Soothe problematic & irritated skin – heals acne and prevent scarring
• High in Antioxidants – great for anti-ageing and protection from free radicals

Extra Benefits of Honey and Royal Jelly

Honey – Propolis may not have this benefit, but honey can help clarify the skin and unclog pores. Honey opens up the pores making them easy to unclog.

Royal Jelly – Contains more anti-ageing properties than Propolis, with the powerful vitamins B, C, and E, amino and fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants.

The Benefits of "Bee" is inevitable

To sum it up, all ingredients derived or collected from the bee farm: Propolis, Honey and Royal Jelly have great benefits to the skin, especially those suffering from acne and sensitive skin at the same time. 

When looking for propolis skincare products, try reaching out to products with minimal ingredient lists. These products are generally safer and less damaging to the skin barrier in the long run.

If you have any questions or concern, our team are happy to provide any non-medical advice, do reach out to us at online@cosmehut.com.au and our friendly team will be in touch as soon as we can. :)