Propolis is everywhere in K-beauty. It can be found in toners, serums, ampoules, gels, and lip care products, often combined with ingredients such as honey, niacinamide, or aloe vera. But what is propolis and what are its benefits for the skin?
Despite what its name might suggest, propolis is not produced directly by bees. It is a resinous substance that bees collect from the buds and bark of certain plants before mixing it with their own enzymes, wax, and pollen. Inside the hive, it is used to seal cracks and protect the colony's environment. This is why it is sometimes referred to as "bee glue."
In skincare, propolis is particularly appreciated for its antioxidant, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. It can therefore be particularly interesting for skin that lacks radiance, tends to develop redness, or needs additional protection from environmental stressors.
1. What is propolis and what is it made of?
The composition of propolis varies considerably depending on the plants available to bees, the region, and the time of harvest. This is one of the reasons why not all propolis is exactly the same.
Propolis is particularly rich in polyphenols, a large family of naturally occurring plant compounds. These include flavonoids and phenolic acids, two types of compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To date, more than 300 compounds have been identified in different varieties of propolis, which helps explain why its composition and properties can vary depending on its origin.
This richness in bioactive compounds explains why propolis is so interesting in skincare. It does not act simply as a moisturizing ingredient: it also offers protective and soothing properties that can complement routines designed for sensitive, dull, or blemish-prone skin.
2. What are the benefits of propolis for the skin?
So, what can propolis actually do for the skin? Its appeal mainly comes from several properties.
Antioxidant properties
The skin is exposed every day to UV rays, pollution, and various environmental factors that can contribute to oxidative stress. The polyphenols found in propolis may help protect skin cells from damage associated with free radicals, unstable molecules that can contribute to premature skin aging and loss of radiance.
This is why propolis is often associated with the goal of achieving a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Propolis has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its active compounds, which interact with several mechanisms involved in the body's inflammatory response.
In skincare, this property can be particularly interesting for skin prone to redness or feelings of irritation.
Antimicrobial properties
Propolis also has antimicrobial properties, meaning that it may help limit the growth of certain microorganisms. This activity is thought to be linked in particular to the various phenolic compounds and flavonoids it contains.
This does not, of course, mean that a propolis skincare product "treats" acne or replaces dermatological treatment. However, this property helps explain why propolis is particularly popular in skincare products designed for blemish-prone skin.
More hydrated, radiant-looking skin
Propolis is also commonly found in formulas designed for dry, dehydrated, or dull skin. It is often combined with humectants and other moisturizing ingredients to enhance the overall effect of the product.
It is this combination of hydration, soothing benefits, and antioxidant protection that has helped make propolis a signature ingredient in certain K-beauty routines.
Which skin types is propolis suitable for?
Propolis can fit into a variety of skincare routines, provided you choose a formula suited to your skin's needs.
Dry or dehydrated skin may appreciate products combining propolis with moisturizing ingredients when the skin feels uncomfortable or lacks suppleness.
Sensitive skin may benefit from propolis for its soothing properties, particularly when the skin is prone to redness or feelings of discomfort.
Combination to oily skin can also incorporate propolis into its routine, especially when it is combined with ingredients such as niacinamide or formulated with blemish-prone skin in mind.
Finally, dull skin may benefit from propolis when it is combined with ingredients that help improve the overall appearance of the complexion and enhance radiance.
The benefits of propolis therefore depend as much on your skin type as on the complete formula in which it is used.
3. How to use propolis on the skin
The good news is that propolis can easily be incorporated into a daily skincare routine. It simply depends on the type of product you choose.
Cleanser, essence, toner, serum, ampoule, gel, eye cream, or moisturizer: there are now many ways to incorporate propolis into your routine.
A propolis toner or essence is generally applied after cleansing, before serums and moisturizer.
A propolis serum or ampoule is generally used after cleansing and toner, before moisturizer.
A propolis gel can be used as the final step of a lightweight routine, depending on the product's directions.
Finally, propolis lip care products are applied directly to the lips and can be used throughout the day or at night, depending on the formula.
Propolis can also be combined with other active ingredients depending on your skin's needs. With moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, it can complement a routine designed for dry or dehydrated skin. Combined with niacinamide, it can be incorporated into a routine for combination to oily skin, blemishes, or uneven skin tone.
As with any naturally derived ingredient, individual tolerance should still be taken into account. Propolis may cause an allergic reaction in some people, particularly those who are sensitive to propolis or other bee products. Performing a patch test on a small area of skin before first use is therefore strongly recommended.
4. 5 Korean propolis skincare products to discover
K-beauty has played a major role in popularizing propolis in facial skincare. Toner, serum, ampoule, gel, or lip care: here are some particularly interesting options depending on the type of product you are looking for.
1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
The propolis serum for blemish-prone and dull skin
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide combines 60% propolis extract with 2% niacinamide. This combination targets several concerns at once, including hydration, redness, the appearance of pores, and blemishes.
Propolis helps soothe and nourish the skin, while niacinamide helps support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of an uneven complexion. The formula also contains BHA, making it an interesting option for skin looking for both radiance and a more refined-looking skin texture.
Ideal for: combination to oily skin, blemishes, visible pores, and dull skin.
2. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
The propolis toner for dehydrated and sensitive skin
With 72.6% propolis extract and 10.7% honey extract, the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner features a formula rich in propolis and honey extracts. It also contains panthenol and hyaluronic acid.
COSRX recommends it for dull, dehydrated, or redness-prone skin. It is used immediately after cleansing, before the next steps of your skincare routine.
Ideal for: dry, dehydrated, sensitive, or dull skin.
3. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
The Korean propolis ampoule for a brighter-looking complexion
If you want to go a little further than a toner, the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule contains 83.3% propolis extract. Its formula is designed to nourish the skin, boost hydration, and leave the complexion looking more radiant without feeling sticky.
Apply it after cleansing and toner, before moisturizer.
Ideal for: dull, dehydrated skin or skin lacking suppleness.
4. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
The soothing propolis gel for skin in need of a refreshing boost
The Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel combines two ingredients particularly appreciated by skin in need of soothing: aloe vera and propolis.
Its gel texture makes it suitable as the final step of a lightweight routine. Benton recommends applying it after cleansing, toner, and essence, gently massaging until absorbed.
Ideal for: combination to oily, sensitive, or overheated skin.
5. CNP Laboratory Propolis Lipcerin
The propolis lip care for dry lips
Propolis is not limited to facial skincare. The CNP Laboratory Propolis Lipcerin combines propolis extract and Manuka honey to provide long-lasting hydration to the lips.
Its particularity lies in combining the benefits of a lip balm with those of an overnight lip mask. The brand claims up to 12 hours of hydration and recommends using the product both during the day and at night.
Ideal for: dry, dehydrated lips or lips prone to minor cracks.
5. Propolis and Korean skincare: why is this ingredient so popular?
If propolis has become such an important ingredient in K-beauty, it is ultimately no coincidence. It brings together several qualities that are highly sought after in modern skincare: antioxidant benefits, soothing and antimicrobial properties, as well as the ability to work easily in hydrating formulas.
It can therefore address several skin concerns without being limited to one particular skin type. Dry skin may appreciate its hydrating and soothing benefits, while combination to oily skin may be more interested in its combination with niacinamide or formulas designed for blemish-prone skin.
Propolis is therefore more than just a trending ingredient. Its appeal lies in its particularly rich composition of bioactive compounds and in the properties that explain its presence in many Korean skincare formulas.
Discover our selection of Korean propolis skincare products at Shifumie.
