Propolis In Skincare Explained, The Savior of Troubled Skin

Is your skin in need of some TLC? Then you’ll want to learn all about propolis in skincare. Whether the bane of your existence is acne, sun damage, premature aging, or sensitivities, this potent cocktail of bioactive compounds can help restore your complexion back to a healthy state while adding more benefits for a plump and firm appearance. Are you not sure it fits your skin needs? Rest assured. In this post, we discuss the benefits of propolis for skin and break down everything researchers have found about this game-changing bee product.

What is propolis? 

Propolis, or bee glue, is a sticky material that honey bees use in the construction of their hive. The workers create it by mixing plant resins and beeswax with their enzyme-rich saliva. The resulting compound reinforces the hive’s structure and defends the bees’ home from fungi, yeast, bacteria, and viruses.^[1] Even more, the highly complex of good-for-skin compounds makes propolis an active of tremendous interest in dermatology. Brimming with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, flavonoids (mostly quercetin), phenolic acids, waxes, fatty acids, and other biologically active compounds, propolis has a wide range of uses in skincare, from wound healing to photoprotection to anti-aging.^[1][2][3][4]

Propolis benefits for skin

According to research, propolis in a concentration of 5–20% has regenerative and repair effects and protects against external factors. Here’s how propolis can benefit your skin:

Accelerates skin healing

Propolis has been used in folk medicine to treat wounds and skin infections for centuries, and scientific research backs up its effectiveness. Studies found that the topical application of propolis on damaged skin protects against bacterial infection, soothes inflammation and pain, and speeds up skin regeneration. In particular, propolis has been shown to enhance the production of collagen type 3, a protein that plays a vital role in the early phases of tissue repair. The flavonoids in propolis also aid in accelerating healing and neutralizing cell-damaging free radicals.^[2][4][5][6]

Treats acne

The synthetic preparations used as acne treatments are losing their effectiveness due to increasing antibiotic resistance. Thankfully, propolis offers hope. An ethanol extract of bee glue has been shown to inhibit Cuticubacterium acnes, a common culprit behind acne. In particular, the caffeic, benzoic, and cinnamic acids in propolis seem to attack the membranes of bothersome bacteria. Propolis might be even more effective as a blemish-buster when used with other natural antibacterial compounds, such as tea tree oil and aloe vera.^[2][8]

Protects against UV damage

We all know that too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is bad news for the skin. Not only can UV light cause painful sunburns, but it can also wreak havoc on the collagen fibers in the skin and lead to premature aging. The powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties of propolis make it a soothing addition to sun blockers and after-sun formulations. The caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids found in bee glue absorb UV light and add a natural protective barrier against harmful UV beams, while the flavonoids in propolis help skin recover from sun-induced damage, including DNA damage.^[2][7][9]

Softens fine lines and wrinkles

While no product can offer us eternal youth, there’s much we can do to slow down skin aging and even soften existing wrinkles – such as turning to beauty formulations that contain propolis. One study looked at the impact of applying a product with microscopic propolis particles around the eye area over eight weeks. The result was a significant reduction in wrinkles and a visible improvement in overall skin health. But how does propolis smooth out fine lines? For the same reason it speeds up wound healing: it’s rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds that mop up free radicals and stimulate the growth of skin-firming collagen.^[2][5]

Brightens skin

A lesser-known (but scientifically-proven) fact about propolis in skincare is that it can brighten skin and prevent dark spots. Studies found that the two active flavonoid compounds of propolis, especially quercetin, have antioxidants and melanin-inhibiting activities, both of which help diminish discoloration.^[10] Interestingly, propolis also inhibits the growth of a specific type of fungus known to trigger melanin production.^[11]

Melanin is the pigment that causes skin darkening (aka melasma, hyperpigmentation), and its production is often accelerated by free radicals. As such, propolis visibly lightens skin tone and promotes an even-looking complexion by neutralizing these harmful molecules and mitigating melanin synthesis. In a clinical study, the propolis extracts from different bee species had reduced pigment content in skin cells by nearly 79%.^[10]

Combine propolis with a vitamin C serum, and you’ve got yourself a more potent treatment for hyperpigmentation.

How safe is it?

Besides its extensive use in traditional medicine, propolis has been scientifically studied for several decades. In skincare formulations, a concentration of 5–20% is considered safe for most people. However, numerous allergenic substances have been identified in bee glue. If you have a history of allergic reactions, proceed with caution and do a patch test on your inner arm before applying propolis to your face.^[1][2]

Note also that the composition of propolis varies a lot depending on its geographical origin and botanical sources. For example, the caffeic acid esters in European propolis are often linked to allergic reactions but are not present in Brazilian green propolis.^[3]

How to use propolis

Supplements aside, propolis is found in a wide range of skincare products — from serums to moisturizers to lotions — and thus is easy to incorporate into your existing beauty routine. How to use propolis for skin, though, mostly depend on the product at hand — just read the label carefully and follow the recommended application frequency. Generally, propolis is safe and gentle enough to be applied twice daily and can be mixed with most skincare actives to enhance the benefits. For instance, use propolis with retinol for a more potent anti-aging treatment or with vitamin C to brighten dark spots and accelerate skin repair.

You can also reap all the skin’s benefits of propolis by taking supplements with it. Studies found that supplementations with propolis can protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, stimulate the regeneration of skin tissue as well as modulate collagen production.

Who should use propolis?

Literally, everyone can use propolis except those who are allergic to bee strings. Propolis is good for dry and sensitive skin since it protects the moisture barrier and helps prevent collagen and lipids degradation. It’s also a fantastic candidate for aged skin due to its antioxidant and regenerative benefits. Propolis is a great acne treatment too — thanks to its bacteria-fighting and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently asked questions about propolis in skincare

Sources

Women’s Concepts uses reliable sources, including dermatologists’ insights, clinical trials, and scientific journals, to find accurate information and support all the facts shared in our articles. All statements and claims have clear and legit references. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our sources of information, our process of researching and fact-checking the content, and how our team strives to keep all articles updated, completed, and trustworthy.