Bee propolis is a bioactive resin produced by honey bees from tree sap, beeswax, and their own secretions. It contains over 300 active compounds — including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and caffeic acid esters — that give it powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In skincare, propolis acts as a multi-functional active: it fights acne-causing bacteria, calms redness, supports the skin barrier, and accelerates wound healing. Hey Honey cold-presses its propolis to preserve up to 95% of these natural compounds — far more than standard solvent extraction methods.

Propolis targets Cutibacterium acnes — the bacteria responsible for breakouts — through flavonoids and phenolic acids that disrupt bacterial cell membranes. Unlike conventional acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or antibiotics, propolis is selectively antibacterial: it inhibits acne-causing bacteria while leaving the skin's beneficial microbiome intact. This makes it one of the only acne-fighting ingredients that is simultaneously microbiome-friendly — well-suited to adult acne-prone skin that cannot tolerate harsh actives without sensitizing over time.

Yes — and this is what distinguishes propolis from most conventional acne treatments. The skin microbiome is a community of beneficial bacteria that regulate immunity, hydration, and barrier function. Harsh antibacterials like benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics eliminate beneficial bacteria alongside acne-causing ones, which can lead to microbiome imbalance and rebound breakouts over time. Propolis's antimicrobial action is selective: research shows it inhibits Cutibacterium acnes specifically while preserving commensal skin flora. This biome-safe mechanism makes propolis suitable for long-term daily use without disrupting skin ecology.

Propolis qualifies as a natural postbiotic — one of the most potent and best-researched available. Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced through a biological process; propolis is created when bees enzymatically transform plant resin into a complex mixture of flavonoids and phenolic acids. These finished bioactives work with the skin's biology rather than against it. Unlike prebiotics (which feed microorganisms) or probiotics (which introduce live bacteria), propolis delivers ready-to-use bioactive compounds that actively support barrier function, fight inflammation, and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. For anyone exploring postbiotic skincare, bee propolis is the original — used in this way for over 4,000 years.

Propolis is one of the best-tolerated active ingredients for reactive skin. It calms inflammation through its flavonoid content — particularly chrysin and galangin — reduces redness by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, and supports skin barrier repair by reinforcing the lipid layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Unlike retinol, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide, which can cause sensitivity at therapeutic doses, propolis delivers its benefits without stripping or disrupting. It has demonstrated efficacy for skin conditions including rosacea and eczema, where barrier repair and inflammation control are both critical.

Honey and propolis are both hive-produced and share some overlapping benefits, but they work very differently. Honey is primarily a sugar-based humectant: it draws moisture into the skin and creates a protective film on the surface. Propolis is a phenolic-rich resin: its active compounds penetrate the skin to fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stimulate cell regeneration. In Hey Honey formulas, honey and propolis work together — honey hydrates and cushions while propolis heals and protects — which is why the combination outperforms either ingredient alone.

For acne-prone and congested skin, start with BE CLEAR Propolis Drops — 99% natural, oil-free, usable all over or as a spot treatment. For sensitive, redness-prone, or rosacea skin, RELAX! Propolis & Honey Soothing Moisturizer is the brand's most-loved formula: 98% natural, water-based, and free of fragrance and irritants. For a complete propolis routine, explore the full Propolis Collection.