Propolis extract – natural power from the beehive for skin care
Propolis Extract is the INCI name for propolis. The term propolis comes from Greek: ‘pro’ means ‘before’ and ‘polis’ stands for “city”. Bees use the resin at the entrances to their hives to protect their ‘city’, i.e. their beehive. Propolis extract, also known as bee resin, bee glue, kit resin or kit wax, is a remarkable natural product with antibiotic and antifungal properties. This natural protective substance is becoming increasingly important, particularly in cosmetics.
Origin and extraction of propolis extract
Propolis extract is obtained by honey bees from resinous substances that they collect from the buds or wounds of various trees, especially birch, beech, alder, spruce, poplar, horse chestnut and elm. This raw material is enriched in the beehive with wax, pollen and saliva secretions. The result is a sticky building material that bees use at temperatures around 35 °C to seal cracks and crevices.
However, the material not only serves to stabilise the structure, but also protects the hive from microorganisms. Bacteria and fungi are rendered harmless by a fine film of propolis on surfaces such as the inside of the honeycomb cells.
Beekeepers obtain propolis extract by scraping it from sealed areas in the beehive or using special plastic grids. These grids are frozen by the bees after sealing, as propolis becomes brittle in cold temperatures and is therefore easy to remove. The extract can then be purified by dissolving it in alcohol and further processed for cosmetic purposes.
Composition and active ingredients
Propolis typically consists of:
– 55% natural resin and pollen balm
30% wax
10% essential and fatty oils
5% pollen.
Proven ingredients include numerous valuable micronutrients.
Trace elements: zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, silicon, copper
Vitamins: A, B3 (niacin), E
Bioactive compounds: flavonoids (powerful antioxidants)
These ingredients make propolis extract a powerful, natural complex with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Propolis extract in cosmetics
Its skin-care properties make propolis extract particularly valuable for modern skin care. Thanks to its disinfecting effect, it can help with skin problems such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. Propolis extract also supports the natural regeneration of the skin in the case of minor injuries or irritation.
It is found in numerous cosmetic products, including:
– Cleansing gels and foams,
– face masks,
– care creams for blemished or irritated skin and lip care products.
– Lip care products
– Shampoos for sensitive scalps.
Important: People with allergies to bee products should have an allergy test before using propolis products.
Extraction and production – sustainable and gentle
Propolis extract is usually produced in a multi-stage process. The raw propolis is dissolved in alcohol, which allows the valuable ingredients to be extracted. Insoluble components such as wax and pollen residues are then filtered out. The result is a concentrated extract that is available in different concentrations for cosmetic products.
Other uses of propolis extract
In addition to cosmetics, propolis extract is also used in naturopathy, for example in lozenges for sore throats, in tinctures or in dental care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Its strong antimicrobial properties make it a natural all-rounder in daily care and prevention.
Relevant cosmetic ingredients with propolis extract – explained in detail
Propolis extract is particularly popular as a cosmetic ingredient, but is usually used in combination with other natural substances that complement or enhance its effect. Below, we take a closer look at three key ingredients that are frequently used with propolis extract in cosmetic products:
- Propolis extract itself
Propolis extract is usually a brown, resinous mass. As it is a complex natural mixture, it does not have a clear chemical formula. In its solid state, it has a melting point of around 60 to 70 °C. It is highly soluble in alcohol but not in water. Under the INCI name ‘propolis extract’, it is also known as bee resin or kit resin. It has a wide range of effects: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing – making it ideal for the care of blemished or damaged skin.
- Flavonoids – the antioxidant helpers
Flavonoids are plant pigments and an important component of propolis extract. A well-known example is quercetin, with the chemical formula C₁₅H₁₂O₆. These substances are solid, have a high melting point (e.g. approx. 316 °C for quercetin) and are poorly soluble in water, but highly soluble in ethanol. They appear under the INCI name ‘flavonoids’. Their main effect is to provide antioxidant protection for the skin, neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation – ideal for anti-ageing and acne care products.
- Beeswax – nourishing and protective
Beeswax is also a natural component of propolis extract and is often used separately in cosmetic formulations. It is a yellowish to brown, waxy substance consisting of complex esters. Its melting point is around 63 °C. Beeswax is insoluble in water but highly soluble in oils. In the INCI nomenclature, it is listed as ‘Cera Alba’ (white beeswax) or ‘Cera Flava’ (yellow beeswax). It has a moisturising and film-forming effect and protects the skin from drying out – ideal for lip care, hand creams or protective ointments.
We enjoy working with these propolis-containing active ingredients:
| Name | Supplier | INCI Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propolis Extract | Suzhou Greenway Biotech Co.,Ltd | Propolis Extract | |
| Extracto Hidroglicólico De Propoleo | Neyber SAS | Propolis Extract | |
| APIPROTECT ZNSN | Provital | Propanediol , Propolis Extract | |
| PROPOLIS Oléoactif® TL | Hallstar | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil , Propolis Extract | |
| Bio Apis® SP | AQiA Química Inovativa | Honey Extract , Propolis Extract , Pollen Extract , Royal Jelly Extract | |
| PRO.COLOR DC | AQiA Química Inovativa | Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract , Propolis Extract , Beeswax , Candelilla Cera | |
| TRIBOXYL AAC | AQiA Química Inovativa | Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract , Propolis Extract , Beeswax , Candelilla Cera , Carbocysteine |
Conclusion
Propolis extract is a true all-rounder from nature and particularly valuable in cosmetic skin care. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an ideal active ingredient for products for problematic, blemished or sensitive skin.
Cosmacon GmbH develops tailor-made formulations with propolis extract that are both modern and highly effective.
Together with our partner, Tojo Cosmetics GmbH, we offer flexible solutions – whether private label or white label – to successfully position your product line in the cosmetics market.
Get advice now – for care products with real effectiveness and to strengthen your brand!
Literature:
Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activities, and Chemical Composition of Korean Propolis from Different Sources. Dekebo A, Geba C, Bisrat D, Jeong JB, Jung C.Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 22;25(21):11352
In-Vitro Effect of Manuka Honey / Propolis Toothpastes on Bacteria and Biofilm Associated with Caries and Gingivitis. Jungbauer G, Lechner R, Stähli A, Sculean A, Eick S.Oral Health Prev Dent. 2025 Mar 27;23:203-210
Prevalence of Contact Allergy to Propolis-Testing With Different Propolis Patch Test Materials. Antelmi A, Trave I, Gallo R, Cozzani E, Parodi A, Bruze M, Svedman C.Contact Dermatitis. 2025 May;92(5):349-357.