Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, limited scientific studies have investigated its potential benefits for acne. Acne is primarily caused by Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), excessive sebum production, and inflammation. In vitro studies have demonstrated that propolis possesses notable antibacterial activity against C. acnes, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. A small number of clinical trials and pilot studies have explored topical formulations containing propolis, sometimes in combination with other natural extracts, and reported moderate improvements in acne severity and lesion count compared to placebo or standard treatments.

Despite these promising findings, the quality and scale of the evidence are limited. Most studies are small, short-term, and sometimes use combination products, making it challenging to isolate the effects of propolis alone. Systematic reviews recognize propolis as a potential adjunctive therapy for acne but emphasize the need for larger, well-designed clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and safety. Therefore, while there is some scientific support for the use of propolis in acne management, the current evidence base is modest and does not yet justify strong recommendations for its use as a primary treatment.