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Honey

INCI: Honey (Mel)
Also known as: Manuka honey, Mel
HydrationhumectantbotanicalModerate evidencePregnancy safe
75
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
1/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
1%–100%
How It Works

A natural humectant rich in glucose, fructose, antioxidants, and antibacterial defensin-1. Manuka honey adds methylglyoxal for stronger antimicrobial action.

Sugars bind water; hydrogen peroxide and defensin-1 provide antibacterial action; flavonoids offer antioxidant support.

pH Range
3.5–5.0
Benefits
  • Hydrates
  • Antibacterial (esp. Manuka)
  • Antioxidant
  • Wound-healing
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Mild acneWound healingDehydration
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If
  • Bee/honey allergy
Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
100%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–100%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Local raw honey supports gut and immune health.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Medical-grade Manuka (MGO 250+) is the only honey clinically validated for wound care.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Honey.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
View Study →
Systematic Review
Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
View Study →
Pairs Well With
PropolisCentella Asiatica
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

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