Honey
Bee honey as a cosmetic ingredient. Works as a humectant and delivers a mild antibacterial effect via hydrogen peroxide and low pH.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Medical-grade honey (Manuka) shows effect on small wounds and burns. Cosmetic honey works more gently, but can trigger allergy in people sensitive to pollen.
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination
About this ingredient
Honey (INCI Mel) is unprocessed or minimally processed bee honey as a cosmetic ingredient. Unlike honey extract, retains sticky texture and full sugar composition. Composition. Sugars (fructose 38%, glucose 31%, sucrose, maltose), water (~17%), organic acids (gluconic), hydrogen peroxide (in fresh unfiltered), flavonoids, minerals. Where applied. Moisturizing masks, lip balms, scrubs, hair conditioners. Common in niche natural skincare – Spanish Apivita, Mádara Sleep Mask. Evidence base. On skin works as a humectant (high sugar content) and mild antibacterial (low pH 3.5-4.5, hydrogen peroxide). In wounds and burns – Cochrane Review 2015 showed accelerated healing. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. Medium allergic risk – patients allergic to bee products and pollen may react. Pregnancy and lactation – safe topically.
Frequently asked questions
Is Honey safe during pregnancy?
Honey is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Honey for?
Honey suits: normal, dry, combination.
What is Honey and what does it do in cosmetics?
Bee honey as a cosmetic ingredient.
What's the INCI name for Honey?
The INCI name is Mel.
See Honey in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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