If you’re familiar with K-Beauty products, you’ve no doubt seen one ingredient that keeps popping up again and again.
It’s propolis.
If you’re wondering why K-Beauty is obsessed with propolis (and whether you should be too!) read on to find out.
What Is Propolis?
Propolis is the resin made by bees that they use to keep their hives together – it’s bee glue.
It’s a totally natural, slightly sticky substance that helps prevent disease and parasites from infecting the hive.
Propolis typically contains a range of different ingredients, including beeswax, sap and various botanical extracts, which the bees have collected from around the local area.
Propolis can contain up to 300 different natural compounds, from amino acids to polyphenols and many more.
What Does Propolis Do In Beauty Products?
Propolis offers a number of benefits for the skin, including acne-fighting and brightening, which explains why its such a skincare mainstay.
It can help reduce pigmentation, redness and inflammation, boost collagen, and offer antioxidant protection from environmental aggressors like sunlight and pollution.
Who Should Use Propolis?
Propolis works for a wide range of skin types, but can be especially beneficial for:
Those with acne prone skin – propolis can help prevent acne, redness and inflammation, making it ideal for those with acne or who are acne-prone.
Anyone with a sunburn – propolis has been shown to expedite the process of healing in sunburnt skin.
Anyone with sensitive skin – thanks to its anti-allergy, anti-inflammation, cleansing properties, and its ability to promote action on collagen synthesis, propolis is an ideal ingredient for sensitive, reactive skin.
Those suffering from skin damage – studies of propolis have shown positive collagen metabolism in wounds during the healing process, as it increases the collagen content of tissues. This makes propolis a good option for damaged skin.
This unique K-Beauty serum combines the optimal ratio of Propolis (70%) with Vitamin C (12%) for skin brightening for sensitive skin. It targets skin damage, pigmentation and inflammation with instant calming benefits.
Honey skin can be yours with the APLB Bee Pollen Propolis Ampoule Serum. This beautiful ampoule serum is packed with 43% Bee Pollen Extract! Bee Pollen exract has soothes and heals the skin barrier.
This serum works to deeply hydrate so that you are left with glowing, dewy skin.
This little essence packs a punch, with ingredients chok-full of antioxidants, brightening and natural skin soothers. Propolis is the star, accounting for 75% of the formula.
This creamy overnight mask has all the on-trend K-favourites, including propolis, hippophae rhamnoidesfruit extract and centella asiatica, which intensively nurture, soothe and hydrate tired skin.
If you’re looking for a cruelty-free option that skips out on alcohols and fragrances, try Benton’s moisturising gel, which helps soothe irritated skin, fade post-blemish scars, brighten skin tone and maintain hydration levels with both propolis and aloe.
This lightweight moisturizer provides the finishing, radiant touch your skin deserves. Not only is skin treated to hydration, but you'll also enjoy the benefits of key ingredients that known for their abilities to revive, protect and revitalise the skin.
The lightweight texture instantly absorbs with a non-greasy feel, making it an extra step you won't mind adding to your daily routine.
TL;DR Why K-Beauty Is Obsessed With Propolis
If you’re looking to get your glow on K-Beauty style, opt for one of Korea’s favourite skin soothing, brightening ingredients – propolis. This natural wonder ingredient fights acne, inflammation, sun damage and pollution to help boost your complexion.
Get STYLE STORY’s other Korean Skincare ingredients breakdowns, including ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, licorice, bee venom, rice and more!
