Evidence supporting the use of: Bee propolis
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bee propolis has a long history of use in traditional medicine, but in recent years, there has been some scientific investigation into its potential benefits for acne. Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by bees from plant materials and contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other bioactive compounds known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A handful of in vitro studies have demonstrated that propolis extracts can inhibit the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria implicated in acne development. Some small clinical trials and topical product studies have also shown that formulations containing propolis may reduce acne lesion counts and improve skin inflammation when compared to controls or other common acne treatments. For example, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that a gel containing propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera was more effective than erythromycin cream in reducing acne severity over 30 days.

However, these clinical studies are limited in size and often use propolis in combination with other active ingredients, making it difficult to isolate its specific effect. There is a lack of large, high-quality randomized controlled trials directly testing propolis alone for acne. As a result, while there is emerging scientific support for its use, the evidence is not yet robust, and propolis should be considered a complementary option rather than a primary treatment for acne.

More about bee propolis
More about Acne

Other ingredients used for Acne

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
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Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
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turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc

Products containing bee propolis

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.