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Skincare Ingredient

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Honey Extract

In Skincare: Is Honey Extract Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Generally low risk; possible irritation or allergic contact reactions in individuals sensitive to honey/bee products or pollen; caution on compromised skin. Limited safety data available on long-term topical use; perform a patch test prior to regular use, especially in individuals with known allergies to bee products.

Key Benefits

What Honey Extract does for your skin

2 benefits
Hydration
Soothing

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Honey extract, derived from nectar collected by bees, is a natural ingredient valued in skincare for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It contains sugars like fructose and glucose, along with amino acids, peptides, vitamins (A, C, E), and flavonoid compounds that help protect the skin. Honey forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, potentially aiding in healing and reducing exposure to harmful substances. While honey is a byproduct of insect activity, sustainably harvested honey from ethically managed hives can be utilized in skincare formulations.
Classifications
Humectant
Solvent
Antioxidant

Role of Honey Extract

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

FLAVOURING

Taste Enhancer

Adds pleasant taste to oral care and lip products

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Flavoring agents provide palatable taste including essential oils (peppermint, spearmint), flavor extracts, synthetic compounds, and sweeteners (saccharin, sucralose, xylitol). Mechanism involves stimulating taste receptors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami) and olfactory receptors. Flavor chemistry considers volatility, stability at formulation pH, and interactions with other ingredients.

HUMECTANT

Moisture Magnet

Attracts and retains moisture in skin and hair

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Humectant ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers through hygroscopic properties. Common humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These contain multiple hydroxyl groups or other hydrophilic functional groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Mechanism involves attracting water to the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss, and increasing skin hydration.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

Products

containing Honey Extract

1096 formulations
Your Only Facial Cleanser
Your Only Facial Cleanser
Knours · cleanser
Bee Bald Smooth Plus with SPF 30
Bee Bald Smooth Plus with SPF 30
Bee Bald · moisturizer
Gentle Polish
Gentle Polish
Merle Norman · exfoliators

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, December 2019, pages 1,368-1,377

[2]

Bioengineering, Volume 5, June 2018, ePublication

[3]

Journal of Functional Biomaterials, June 2018, ePublication

[4]

Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, August 2017, pages 849-855

[5]

Wounds, June 2015, pages 141-151

[6]

The Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, March 2015, ePublication

[7]

Foods, July 2014, pages 420-432

[8]

PeerJ., March 2014, eCollection, 2014

[9]

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2013, pages 306-313

[10]

Burns & Trauma, June 2013, pages 32-38

[11]

The Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, April 2011, pages 154-160

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey Extract — common questions

What is Honey Extract in skincare?

Honey Extract is the extract of from Honey

What does Honey Extract do? / Functions of Honey Extract?

Common functions: FLAVOURING, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Honey Extract? / Is Honey Extract comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Honey Extract has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Honey Extract clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Honey Extract safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Honey Extract has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally low risk; possible irritation or allergic contact reactions in individuals sensitive to honey/bee products or pollen; caution on compromised skin. Limited safety data available on long-term

Is Honey Extract good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Honey Extract has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Honey Extract in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally low risk; possible irritation or allergic contact reactions in individuals sensitive to honey/bee products or pollen; caution on compromised skin. Limited safety data available on long-term topical use; perform a patch test prior to regular use, especially in individuals with known allergies to bee products.

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