What is propolis?

What is propolis made from?

Bees collect resins from tree buds and bark and mix them with beeswax. Propolis contains a mixture of resins, waxes, oils, pollen and other compounds, rather than one isolated active ingredient. Its composition depends on the plants the bees collect from. The name 'bee glue' describes its hive maintenance role, even if it sounds less ready for a luxury skincare counter.14

Is propolis the same as honey or beeswax?

No. Propolis, honey, beeswax and bee pollen are different bee products. Beeswax is a secretion produced by bees, while propolis combines collected plant resins with wax. A product containing beeswax is not automatically a propolis product.34

What does propolis do for skin?

Propolis has traditionally been used as an antimicrobial, meaning a substance used against microbes. People have also used it for its proposed anti inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Historically, propolis was used in Italian violin varnish, so skincare is not its first attempt at a more expensive job than hive maintenance.234

Most medicinal claims about propolis are not supported by modern science. There is no evidence that propolis effectively treats acne, and it should not replace an acne treatment. Small studies suggest propolis ointments may shorten cold sore healing, but antiviral medicines have stronger evidence. A cold sore ointment and an everyday face cream are different products; promising results for one use are not a reason to choose propolis for every skin concern.3

Where will you find propolis?

Propolis is used in some lotions, ointments, facial creams, lip products, toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as oral remedies. Ingredient names to look for include propolis extract, propolis cera and propolis wax. Do not rely on the front of the packaging to identify exposure.1345

Propolis is not a routine ingredient in conventional European cosmetics. A survey of 500 cosmetics found none listing propolis. That finding concerns conventional products in that market, not every specialist propolis product available elsewhere.5

Who should be careful with propolis?

Avoid propolis if you have a diagnosed propolis allergy. People with known allergies to poplar, conifers, salicylates or balsam of Peru are also advised to avoid it because of shared allergy causing substances. Balsam of Peru is a resin used in fragrance. Propolis allergy can also overlap with allergy to colophonium, another plant resin, and fragrance mix I. Previous use without a reaction does not rule out developing an allergy later.16

Propolis allergy can cause itching, burning, redness, swelling, hives or a rash. On the lips, it can cause scaling and crusting; inside the mouth, it can cause inflammation or ulcers. In someone already sensitised, reactions can begin within hours to days of exposure.1

Contact dermatitis means skin inflammation caused by contact with an irritant or something you are allergic to. Symptoms can include cracked skin, blisters and oozing as well as an itchy rash. A reaction does not always stay exactly where the product touched the skin, and delayed symptoms can make the trigger harder to identify.7

What should you do if a product causes a reaction?

1. 1Stop using the suspected propolis product and avoid further propolis exposure.
2. 2Arrange a medical assessment if the rash persists or keeps returning despite stopping the product. Another source of exposure can keep symptoms going.
3. 3Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, tongue swelling or trouble swallowing or speaking.

How is propolis allergy tested?

A dermatologist can investigate allergic contact dermatitis with patch testing. Small amounts of selected allergens are placed in chambers on the upper back, usually for 48 hours. The skin is checked after removal and again, usually 48 hours later, because an allergic reaction can develop slowly. Your medical history and the location of the rash help determine which additional allergens need testing.6

Propolis is included in the European Baseline Series at a concentration of 10% in petrolatum. That is a diagnostic test concentration, not a recommended skincare strength. Testing panels differ: the T.R.U.E. Test panels do not include propolis, so tell the dermatologist if you suspect a propolis product. Test concentrations are chosen carefully because too little can miss an allergy and too much can produce an irritant reaction.16

Does a propolis allergy mean avoiding all beeswax?

Not automatically. Reactions involving both propolis and beeswax occur, but they are uncommon. Residual propolis in beeswax is one possible explanation, particularly in lip balms. A positive propolis patch test alone does not mean you need to avoid every beeswax cosmetic. If a particular beeswax product causes symptoms, have that product assessed rather than treating all beeswax as interchangeable with propolis. Beeswax commonly appears on cosmetic labels as cera alba.5

Should you take propolis for your skin?

Do not take propolis supplements to treat acne. Oral propolis can cause allergic reactions affecting the lips, mouth and skin. A widespread allergic dermatitis reaction has been reported after someone took a propolis solution for several weeks, despite having used a propolis ointment years earlier without recalling any reaction.34

Before taking propolis, get medical advice if you are pregnant or have asthma, eczema, seasonal allergies or a bleeding disorder. Avoid oral propolis with blood thinners, including warfarin, or medicines whose breakdown it affects, including certain statins, antidepressants and immunosuppressants. Supplements such as garlic, ginger and ginkgo can add to bleeding risk. Stop taking propolis at least two weeks before surgery. These cautions concern taking propolis; they are not directions for applying a cosmetic.3