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Propolis

INCI: Propolis Extract
Also known as: Bee Glue, Bee Propolis
BotanicalssoothingbotanicalEmerging evidencePregnancy safe
71
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
1/5
Irritancy
2/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
1%–10%
How It Works

A resinous mixture honeybees produce from tree buds. Rich in flavonoids and CAPE, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) inhibits NF-κB and modulates inflammatory cytokines. Flavonoids contribute antioxidant action.

pH Range
4.0–6.0
Benefits
  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Supports healing
  • Antioxidant
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

AcneSensitivityMinor wounds
Best For
  • Normal
  • Combination
  • Acne-prone
Avoid If
  • Bee/honey allergy
Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
10%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–10%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Oral propolis used traditionally for immune support.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Patch test first; honey/bee allergies have ~5% cross-reactivity.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Propolis.

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
Centella AsiaticaNiacinamideHyaluronic Acid
Conflicts With

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

Your Skin Compatibility

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