Honey has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat wounds, burns, and various skin conditions, including acne. The rationale behind its use lies in its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Historical and folk remedies often recommend applying raw or manuka honey topically to acne lesions to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Some ancient medical texts, such as those from ancient Egypt and Greece, reference honey’s use for skin health.

From a scientific standpoint, there is some in vitro evidence that honey, particularly medical-grade varieties like manuka honey, can inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), the bacteria associated with acne. Honey’s high sugar content and low pH also create an environment unfavorable for microbial growth. However, clinical studies directly evaluating honey’s effectiveness for acne are limited and generally small in scale, with mixed results. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on historical use rather than robust clinical trials.

In summary, honey’s use for acne is primarily grounded in traditional medicine, with modest scientific plausibility but limited clinical validation. It may provide some benefit for mild acne or as an adjunct to other treatments, but should not be considered a first-line therapy based on current evidence.