Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bee propolis has a long history of use in traditional medicine, but in recent years, there has been some scientific investigation into its potential benefits for acne. Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by bees from plant materials and contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other bioactive compounds known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A handful of in vitro studies have demonstrated that propolis extracts can inhibit the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria implicated in acne development. Some small clinical trials and topical product studies have also shown that formulations containing propolis may reduce acne lesion counts and improve skin inflammation when compared to controls or other common acne treatments. For example, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found that a gel containing propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera was more effective than erythromycin cream in reducing acne severity over 30 days.

However, these clinical studies are limited in size and often use propolis in combination with other active ingredients, making it difficult to isolate its specific effect. There is a lack of large, high-quality randomized controlled trials directly testing propolis alone for acne. As a result, while there is emerging scientific support for its use, the evidence is not yet robust, and propolis should be considered a complementary option rather than a primary treatment for acne.

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