The Best Propolis Serums for your Skin
If you ask someone to name all the things derived from bees, most will only be familiar with honey. That’s quite understandable, given that it is a versatile product with many healing benefits.
Although a slew of animal-derived ingredients is currently ruling the skincare world, one more such ingredient has found unprecedented recognition in recent years thanks to the ever growing popularity of k-beauty.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a glue-like substance that helps the bees to hold the bee hive together. It is a mix of resin from deciduous trees, beeswax, and bees’ saliva. Many confuse Propolis and beeswax as they have almost the same function of keeping the hive from disintegrating, but they are not the same.
Simply put, beeswax can be considered bricks in the hives’ cell wall, while Propolis acts as the mortar. Propolis helps the bees to keep their hives protected from harsh weather and attackers while also helping them to sterilize the bee colony.
As a skincare ingredient, Propolis has been found to contain hundreds of active compounds with hydrating and anti-microbial properties, which are proven to be extremely good for the skin.
Benefits of Propolis
Although our ancestors were familiar with Propolis’s benefits, we can credit K-beauty for re-introducing this incredible ingredient to us in the current scenario. Like other products from bees such as honey, royal jelly, etc. Propolis is also chock-full of nutrients.
For starters, Propolis consists of antioxidants that are great at fighting off the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms in the body responsible for causing aging and diseases. By countering the damage done by free radicals, Propolis helps reduce the inflammation level in the body; inflammation is also known to cause aging and various illnesses.
Aside from containing antioxidants, Propolis also aids in maintaining the level of collagen and elasticity of the skin, which allows it to look firm and youthful.
The benefits of Propolis do not stop here, as it also has anti-microbial properties which help counter breakouts.
Who should use it?
Propolis is generally a safe ingredient so it can be used by anyone suffering from frequent breakouts. Its antifungal, antibacterial, and antifungal properties help speedy healing of acne, while its anti-inflammatory properties help in calming the redness and itchiness associated with acne-prone skin. In addition to Propolis, products like Gisou’s shampoo and conditioner also contain safe ingredients specially formulated for hair. Propolis is also great for anyone seeking an anti-aging ingredient and restoring their damaged skin barrier. Its thicker consistency is ideal for hydrating dry skin as well.
Who should steer clear
Propolis is not for you if you are someone that suffers from allergic reactions to bee products and bees in general. As it is advised before using any new product on the skin, with Propolis too, it is a good idea to do a patch test before using it on your face or body.
Directions for use
Propolis is one of the few ingredients that do not cause any unwanted reaction when used with other active ingredients.
If you are using it for acne issues, you can pair it with a product with salicylic acid in it but make sure you use them separately. For example, using Propolis in the AM and salicylic acid in the PM is a great way to use it for acne.
For anti-aging purposes pairing Propolis with retinol is highly beneficial as the thick texture of Propolis helps counter the flakiness and dryness that comes with using retinol.
5 Best Propolis serums for your skin
1. Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence
With great ingredients such as 63% propolis extract, 10% fermented black honey extract, and 10% royal jelly, this propolis serum/essence from Skinfood is a cult favorite among fans of Korean beauty.
This product is moisturizing for winters and an excellent substitute for petroleum jelly, which is notorious for clogging your pores.
2. CosRX Propolis Light Ampoule
Made with up to 83% propolis extracts, this ampoule/serum from CosRX has a light texture that is fast absorbing with no heavy feeling afterward.
This ampoule/serum is an excellent addition to anyone with sensitive and acne-prone skin as it helps in reducing the severity of acne while also calming the irritated skin.
3.Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule
This ampoule/serum from the brand Dr. Ceuracle is a miracle product for those looking for a product that not only tackles acne issues but also brightens the skin.
The formula is enriched with vitamins such as B3, B5, and C that, along with 33.5% propolis, help you achieve acne free, hydrated, and brightened skin.
4. Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule
Itchiness and flaky skin can be a sign of a damaged skin barrier. This serum from Wishtrend is formulated with all the good ingredients, including Propolis, which relieves dry and damaged skin symptoms.
In addition, it has a light texture making it easier to layer it with other products without any stickiness.
5. Tosowoong Propolis Sparkle Ampoule
If you are experiencing dull and dehydrated skin, this following product from Tosowoong is what you should incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
The ampoule/serum is free from parabens and consists of 80% propolis that amply hydrates, protects, and brightens the skin.
Unlike most skincare ingredients that only focus on curing just one skin issue at a time, Propolis, on the other hand, is a very versatile ingredient that is great at multitasking. Not only does it relieve acne-prone and sensitive skin, but it is also great for anti-aging, hydrating, and brightening.
Moreover, it is easy to pair with other active ingredients, which also enhances their efficacy.
