Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is rich in sugars, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and has been used for centuries for its health benefits, especially in skincare, wound healing, and as an antibacterial agent.
Honey is commonly used in skincare and wellness recipes due to its hydrating, soothing, and antibacterial properties. It is ideal for moisturising dry skin, treating acne, and offering general skin nourishment.
Mel (Honey)
Storage: in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Honey can be stored in its original jar or container with the lid tightly closed to maintain its quality.
Shelf life: Indefinite, due to honey’s natural preservative properties. However, crystallisation can occur over time, which is not an indication of spoilage but a natural process. To return honey to liquid form, gently heat it.
Honey is typically unrefined in its natural state, preserving all of its beneficial compounds. Some honey varieties may be filtered to remove impurities, but raw honey is preferred for its full range of health benefits.
Yes if you are looking to deeply moisturise and sooth dry skin.
Provides gentle exfoliation for smoother skin.
Has natural antibacterial properties, making it effective for acne treatments.
Helps heal wounds and skin irritations.
Suitable for dry, mature, and sensitive skin.
Viscous, smooth, and sticky. The texture can vary depending on the type of honey, but it is generally thick and gooey, making it ideal for creating rich, hydrating recipes.
Sweet, floral, and earthy aroma, which can vary depending on the floral source of the nectar.
Water Soluble
Hydrating: Deeply moisturises the skin without being greasy.
Soothing: Helps calm irritated and inflamed skin.
Antibacterial: Ideal for treating acne and other skin conditions.
Wound healing: Promotes healing of cuts, burns, and other skin injuries.
Antioxidant-rich: Helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Gentle exfoliant: Acts as a natural mild exfoliator, leaving skin soft and smooth.
Ranges from 3.2 to 4.5, making it mildly acidic
Honey is a low-absorbency ingredient but acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin rather than absorbing it.
5-20% in skincare recipes, depending on the desired effects.
1-5% in serums.
Up to 100% for targeted healing balms, face masks or cleansers
Golden to amber liquid with a thick, sticky consistency. It may be more solid or crystallised in cooler conditions but can be warmed to return to its liquid form.
✅ Hydrates and nourishes the skin deeply.
✅ Natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
✅ Supports wound healing and skin recovery.
✅ Gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
✅ Antioxidant-rich, providing protection against aging.
❌ Can be too sticky for some formulations.
❌ The strong scent may not be suitable for all products.
❌ Can cause breakouts for some people with sensitive skin if used excessively.
❌ Not vegan-friendly for those following plant-based lifestyles.
There are no true alternatives to honey in skincare. While some ingredients, like agave nectar, share similar humectant properties, they do not offer the same antibacterial, healing, and enzymatic benefits that make honey unique.
✅ Hydrates and nourishes the skin deeply.
✅ Natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
✅ Supports wound healing and skin recovery.
✅ Gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
✅ Antioxidant-rich, providing protection against aging.
❌ Can be too sticky for some recipes.
❌ The strong scent may not be suitable for all products.
❌ Can cause breakouts for some people with sensitive skin if used excessively.
❌ Not vegan-friendly for those following plant-based lifestyles.
Agave Nectar: A plant-based sweetener that is milder in consistency but offers similar moisturising effects.