Propolis Skincare: Soothing Hero or Allergy Risk? What the Evidence Shows

Propolis has very little direct evidence as a skincare ingredient on its own. Its best trial tested it inside a three-ingredient acne cream [1]. It is also a recognised contact allergen, so it is not automatically 'gentle' just because it is natural [2][3].

Propolis is the resin bees collect from plants to seal their hives. On Korean labels look for Propolis Extract or Propolis Cera. Its make-up varies with where it comes from, which matters for allergy, as below.

Acne. In a randomised, double-blind trial with 60 people with mild to moderate acne, a cream combining 20% propolis, 3% tea tree oil and 10% aloe vera reduced spots and redness more than placebo, and more than a 3% erythromycin cream, over 30 days [1]. Because it was a combination, we cannot say how much was the propolis.

Allergy. When dermatitis patients were patch-tested, 6.2% of an Italian group reacted to propolis, mostly to Brazilian propolis; reactions to Chinese propolis were well under 1% [2]. A 2025 review concluded propolis rarely causes new allergy, and that many positive tests may be cross-reactions in people already allergic to fragrance [3]. An earlier review catalogued propolis's antimicrobial properties alongside its allergy record [4].

Worth trying if you like 'honey glow' textures and do not react to fragrance or bee products. Skip it if you have a known allergy to propolis, beeswax or other bee products, or to fragrance mixes (particularly balsam of Peru) [2][3]. Whatever your skin type, patch-test a new propolis product on the inner arm for a few days first.

Treat propolis as a comforting extra in a hydrating serum rather than an acne treatment. If spots are your main concern, the evidence is stronger for other ingredients — see our niacinamide guide at kbeautymatch.co.uk/blog/does-niacinamide-shrink-pores. The products below contain propolis and are compared daily across UK retailers.