Cleopatra is said to have bathed in milk and honey. Whether or not that's true, honey has a long history in beauty routines, and it shows up today in cleansers, masks and lip balms. Here's what honey actually does for skin.
Honey is a humectant
A humectant is an ingredient that attracts and holds moisture. Honey is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it draws water from the air. When applied to skin, it can help it feel softer and more hydrated. That's why you'll find honey in many moisturizing products.
Natural antibacterial properties
Honey's low water content, acidity and the small amounts of hydrogen peroxide it produces through the enzyme glucose oxidase give it natural antibacterial activity. Some honeys, like manuka, contain additional compounds such as methylglyoxal.
Medical-grade honey
In 2007, the FDA cleared a manuka honey wound dressing, and other honey-based dressings have followed. Medical-grade honey is sterilized, typically by gamma irradiation, to remove spores and contaminants, and is used under professional supervision.
Important: Kitchen honey is not sterile and can contain bacterial spores. Don't put regular honey on open wounds, burns or broken skin. If you have a wound, see a healthcare professional.
How to use honey on your skin at home
Simple honey mask:
- Start with clean, damp skin.
- Spread a thin layer of raw honey over your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Gentle cleanser: Massage a small amount of honey onto damp skin, then rinse.
Lip treatment: Dab a little honey on dry lips, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe off. Mixing it with a little sugar makes a gentle scrub.
Honey and yogurt mask: Combine a teaspoon of honey with a tablespoon of plain yogurt for a soothing mask.
Patch test first
Some people are allergic to honey or bee products, including pollen and propolis. Before putting honey on your face, apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours. If you notice redness, itching or swelling, don't use it.
Tips
- Use raw honey for at-home masks if possible.
- Tie back your hair. Honey is sticky.
- Do it at the sink or in the shower to avoid drips.
- Don't expect miracles. Honey can make skin feel soft and moisturized, but it won't replace a dermatologist for conditions like acne, rosacea or eczema.
Honey in products
When buying skincare, honey may appear on ingredient lists as Mel (Latin for honey) or "honey extract." Related bee ingredients include beeswax (Cera alba), propolis and royal jelly.
Storing honey for beauty use
If you use honey for skincare, keep a separate jar in the bathroom so you're not double-dipping into the honey you eat. Use a clean, dry spoon or spatula every time to avoid introducing water or bacteria. Store it sealed and away from direct sunlight and steam. If it crystallizes, warm the jar gently in water. Crystallized honey can also double as a mild exfoliant, but be gentle, since rough scrubbing can irritate skin.
Beauty starts from within, too
What you eat matters for how you feel. HYVE Mind Focus & Memory is a functional honey meant for eating, not for masks, but it starts with the same high-quality raw ingredient: 100% raw, USDA Organic honey, with every barrel third-party tested for pesticide residue.
Each 14g packet adds 222mg of organic lion's mane extract (20:1, dual-sourced from 100% fruiting body), 80mg of L-theanine, organic raw cacao, organic bee pollen and organic vanilla. It's 45 calories, caffeine-free and vanilla-chocolate flavored.
Use code WELCOME20 for 20% off your first order.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for infants under 12 months or anyone with bee or bee-product allergies.
