Propolis Extract is the INCI name for propolis. The term propolis comes from Greek: \u2018pro\u2019 means \u2018before\u2019 and \u2018polis\u2019 stands for \u201ccity\u201d. Bees use the resin at the entrances to their hives to protect their \u2018city\u2019, 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u00b0C to seal cracks and crevices.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Propolis typically consists of:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2013 55% natural resin and pollen balm<\/p>\n 30% wax<\/p>\n 10% essential and fatty oils<\/p>\n 5% pollen.<\/p>\n Trace elements: zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, silicon, copper<\/p>\n Vitamins: A, B3 (niacin), E<\/p>\n Bioactive compounds: flavonoids (powerful antioxidants)<\/p>\n These ingredients make propolis extract a powerful, natural complex with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It is found in numerous cosmetic products, including:<\/p>\n – Cleansing gels and foams,<\/p>\n – face masks,<\/p>\n – care creams for blemished or irritated skin and lip care products.<\/p>\n – Lip care products<\/p>\n – Shampoos for sensitive scalps.<\/p>\n Important: People with allergies to bee products should have an allergy test before using propolis products.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n 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 \u00b0C. It is highly soluble in alcohol but not in water. Under the INCI name \u2018propolis extract\u2019, it is also known as bee resin or kit resin. It has a wide range of effects: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing \u2013 making it ideal for the care of blemished or damaged skin.<\/p>\n Flavonoids are plant pigments and an important component of propolis extract. A well-known example is quercetin, with the chemical formula C\u2081\u2085H\u2081\u2082O\u2086. These substances are solid, have a high melting point (e.g. approx. 316 \u00b0C for quercetin) and are poorly soluble in water, but highly soluble in ethanol. They appear under the INCI name \u2018flavonoids\u2019. Their main effect is to provide antioxidant protection for the skin, neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation \u2013 ideal for anti-ageing and acne care products.<\/p>\n 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 \u00b0C. Beeswax is insoluble in water but highly soluble in oils. In the INCI nomenclature, it is listed as \u2018Cera Alba\u2019 (white beeswax) or \u2018Cera Flava\u2019 (yellow beeswax). It has a moisturising and film-forming effect and protects the skin from drying out \u2013 ideal for lip care, hand creams or protective ointments.<\/p>\n We enjoy working with these propolis-containing active ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nProven ingredients include numerous valuable micronutrients.<\/h3>\n
Propolis extract in cosmetics<\/h3>\n
Extraction and production \u2013 sustainable and gentle<\/h3>\n
Other uses of propolis extract<\/h3>\n
Relevant cosmetic ingredients with propolis extract \u2013 explained in detail<\/h3>\n
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