When we think of honey we think of a pantry staple. A sweetener, full of antioxidants, helps fight inflammation, and local honey can aid in seasonal allergy relief. But what does it do for your skin? Is there a benefit to honey as an ingredient in your favorite products? The simple answer is, yes! And the why is fascinating so let's dive in. 

Not all honey is made the same, and when it comes to skincare benefits, Manuka Honey reigns supreme! Manuka honey is made from the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), a small flowering tree that's found in New Zealand and eastern Australia. It's created by bees who pollinate the flowers, which bloom for only about six weeks each spring. But to officially earn the title of "Manuka honey," the honey needs to contain at least 70% Manuka pollen.

So what makes Manuka honey so special? Manuka honey, like most honeys features a cocktail of substances like simple sugars, water, enzymes, and vitamins. But Manuka honey produces a large quantity of methylglyoxal (MGO), a medicinal compound with impressive antimicrobial properties. Which makes it noteworthy for treating wounds and burns, but also beneficial for other issues such as acne and eczema. Manuka honey also acts as a humectant, making it great for moisturization as well.  

Skincare benefits:

• Natural antibacterial
• Moisturizes the skin
• Helps control acne
• Calms inflammation 
• Offers antioxidant protection

 

Honey Products We Love:

OY-L Face Wash

Enriched with the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial healing properties of Manuka 20+ honey, OY-L face wash is made for daily use.

Cleanse, purify, soothe and restore. Good for all skin types.

Free + True Illuminating Honey Mask

Crafted with raw honey, bee-friendly botanicals and fruit enzymes, this illuminating face mask pays homage to our most sacred pollinator, the Bee. Inspired by the critical ecosystems that bees thrive on in the San Francisco Bay Area, this hand blended mask features regional raw honey, lavender, rosemary and marigold. Ingredients such as kaolin clay, fruit enzymes and pearl extract detoxify, brighten and build elasticity. Raw + Wild is the perfect pick-me-up for congested and lackluster skin.

GRESSA Renewing Polish

Get instant gratification with this all-in-one brightening, clarifying, exfoliating, and moisturizing facial treatment. Rice enzymes, sugar, and vitamin C power the honey-based formula, which works as a mask, peel, and scrub. With regular use stubborn dry patches disappear, blemishes are banished, and skin becomes touch-ably smooth and fresh. 

This mask is also perfect for facial tapping! Facial honey tapping is a process where raw honey is applied to the face followed by a kind of kneading, rolling, or patting motion with your fingers. The benefits of honey tapping much like other facial massage techniques are, it can help to strengthen the skin and lymphatic system. The result is more resilient, firmer skin that's lifted from within thanks to the lymph detox (think Gua Sha). Your newly moisturized and exfoliated derma will be primed for max efficacy of your favorite anti-aging serums and additional moisture formulas that follow.