Propolis Skin Benefits: What the Research Shows

Propolis is a resin that bees make from tree buds and mix with wax. Studies on its skin effects centre on wounds and skin ulcers, while claims about everyday skin care rest on much thinner evidence. This guide sorts the two apart.

We sell a beeswax-based propolis ointment, so read this with that in mind. Where the evidence is thin or our product page is silent, we say so. For related skin guides, see our natural soap for eczema guide and our almond oil for skin guide.

What Is Propolis?

Propolis is the glue honeybees make to build, repair and protect their hives. DermNet NZ describes it as partially digested resin from tree buds and barks mixed with beeswax.

• The makeup: DermNet lists balsams and resins, waxes, essential oils, pollen, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. It is a complex mixture, not one compound.
• The origin matters: Composition varies with the plants the bees visit. In the 2025 patch-test study below, Brazilian and Chinese propolis gave very different reaction rates.
• Our ointment: The product page says Miel d'Anicet makes it in the Laurentians of Quebec from honey, beeswax and propolis of its own apiaries. We have not independently tested the contents.

Does Propolis Help Wounds and Skin Ulcers?

Research suggests it may. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies reported that propolis promoted a higher percentage of healing in skin ulcers than classically used interventions.

• The caveat: A 2022 review of clinical studies notes that most published data are in vitro or in animals and that few clinical studies have been done.
• The gap: The same review says the type of application and the concentration need to be standardized for each kind of wound, and that more clinical work is needed on safety.
• The setting: These studies concern ulcers and surgical, venous or diabetic wounds managed in clinics. They do not show that a retail ointment helps a scrape at home.

Does Propolis Help Eczema or Dry Skin?

The evidence is early. A triple-blind randomized study of a propolis cold cream in people with atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, found disease severity decreased with the propolis cream compared with the same beeswax cream without propolis.

• The finding: Both creams improved quality of life, so the plain beeswax cream helped too. Propolis added a further drop in severity in that study.
• The limit: The authors call it a preclinical study and used a low propolis concentration, noting that higher concentrations can trigger allergic reactions.
• The read: One study is a lead, not proof. It does not tell you how a propolis ointment will work on your skin.

Is There Proof Propolis Improves Acne or Skin Tone?

We found none in the sources we read. We did not find a controlled trial of a retail propolis product for acne, skin tone or wrinkles, so we make no such claim.

• Listing language: Our product page uses words such as healing, antibacterial and antifungal. Those are the vendor's descriptions, and we have not traced them to a trial of this ointment.
• How to judge claims: Ask what was tested, at what concentration and on whom. Studies on wounds do not carry over to cosmetic goals.

Can Propolis Cause an Allergic Reaction?

Yes. DermNet NZ calls propolis an increasingly important allergen, with European studies reporting positive patch-test rates of 1.2% to 6.6%.

• The 2025 numbers: A 2025 study in Contact Dermatitis patch-tested dermatitis patients: 6.2% in Genoa reacted to propolis, mostly to Brazilian propolis (5.1%), and 0.9% of Swedish patients reacted to Chinese propolis.
• Cross-reactions: DermNet says propolis allergy often cross-reacts with balsam of Peru, and that people with known allergies to conifer, poplar, salicylates or balsam of Peru are advised to avoid propolis.
• Beeswax: DermNet says cross-reaction with beeswax is uncommon but can occur, possibly because of propolis contamination.
• The timing: In a person already sensitized, reactions begin within hours to days. DermNet puts first sensitization at 10 to 15 days.

Is Our Propolis Ointment the Same as the Studies?

We cannot say it is. The studies used defined propolis preparations, and the reviews call for standardized concentrations, while our product page does not state the propolis concentration or give a full ingredient list.

• What the page says: A 35 g Miel d'Anicet ointment on a beeswax base, made in Quebec, in stock with 100 units at the time of writing.
• What it does not say: The propolis percentage, the propolis origin or the other ingredients. Those are the details the allergy and wound studies turn on.
• Buyer reviews: The page carries buyer reviews. They are personal reports, not test results.

How Do You Use a Propolis Ointment on Skin?

Patch-test first, then apply a thin layer to small areas of dry or irritated skin. These are general steps from the allergy guidance above and our product page, not medical advice.

1. Patch-test. Dab a small amount on the inner forearm and wait a day or two. Skip the product if the spot turns red, itchy or swollen.
2. Start with clean, dry skin. Wash your hands and the area, then pat dry.
3. Use a thin layer. Smooth a small amount over the area. Keep it away from the eyes and inside the mouth.
4. Stop if the skin reacts. Redness, itching, a rash or swelling means stop and wash the area.

When Should You See a Doctor About Skin Problems?

See a doctor for a deep, infected or slow-healing wound, a burn that is more than minor, or any rash that does not settle within a few days of stopping a product. Seek urgent care for swelling of the lips or tongue or trouble breathing.

The wound research above took place in clinics, under care. A retail ointment is not a substitute for medical care of an ulcer or a diabetic or venous wound. This guide is information, not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the skin benefits of propolis?

The best-studied use is in wounds and skin ulcers, where a 2023 review reported higher healing percentages than conventional treatments. Evidence for acne, skin tone or wrinkles is lacking in what we read.

Is propolis good for eczema?

Evidence is early. One triple-blind study found a low-dose propolis cold cream reduced atopic dermatitis severity compared with the same cream without propolis. Propolis can also trigger allergy, so patch-test first.

Can you be allergic to propolis?

Yes. European patch-test studies report 1.2% to 6.6% of tested patients react, and a 2025 study found 6.2% in Genoa, mostly to Brazilian propolis. Stop using it if a rash appears.

Is propolis the same as beeswax?

No. Propolis is resin that bees gather from tree buds; beeswax is wax the bees secrete. They are often found together, and cross-reaction between the two is uncommon but can occur.

Is propolis good for wound healing?

Reviews report that propolis promoted healing in skin ulcers in clinical studies, but they call for standardized concentrations and more safety work. See a doctor for deep, infected or slow-healing wounds.

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