Is propolis vegan?

Why isn't propolis vegan if it comes from plants?

The starting material comes from plants, but bees collect and process it. Honeybees gather resinous material from sources such as tree buds, then mix it with their saliva and other secretions. Propolis also contains beeswax and pollen. The plant origin of part of the mixture does not make the finished bee product vegan.23

Bees use propolis to seal cracks, close gaps and smooth the inside of their hives, so its original job description is building maintenance rather than skincare. Its composition varies with the plants available, geographical location and season. Those differences change the mixture, not the fact that bees collect and process it.2

Is propolis the same as honey or beeswax?

No. Propolis, honey, beeswax and bee pollen are distinct bee byproducts. Propolis contains beeswax, but the whole mixture is not simply another name for wax. When checking a product for propolis, look for propolis itself rather than checking only whether honey appears in the ingredients.1

How to check a skincare product

1. 1Read the full ingredient list, not just the product name or the claims on the front.
2. 2Look for propolis. Names also used for it include bee propolis, propolis resin, propolis wax, bee glue and bee putty.
3. 3If propolis is listed, leave that product out of a vegan routine. Check lip products and lotions as well as other cosmetics: propolis is used across these categories.

Products containing propolis are often marketed as natural, but the packaging does not always advertise the ingredient. A natural label does not turn a bee byproduct into a plant ingredient, however much work that word is doing on the box. The ingredient list is the practical place to check.1

Does natural mean safe for skin?

No. Propolis can cause contact allergy, an allergic skin reaction after contact with a substance. Skin and wider allergic reactions have been reported with propolis use. Avoid products containing propolis if you are allergic to bee stings, honey, ragweed or chrysanthemums. Its bee origin matters for vegan choices; its allergy potential is a separate reason to check the label carefully.3