Ingredient Spotlight: Is propolis the brightening, hydrating and anti-aging solution?

Ever feel confused when reading through the ingredients list of your skincare products? You’re not alone! It can feel intimidating perusing through an overwhelming list of foreign terms, while you decide which product is best for your specific skin type and the skin issues you’re trying to remedy. Understanding the hero ingredients on your skincare products is essential, and it doesn’t take a genius to demystify these elements. 

First on our list, the ever so trendy propolis! Also referred to as bee glue, propolis is a natural resin compound produced by honeybees that provide a multitude of skincare benefits. The ingredient delivers anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to help soothe and relieve irritated skin. It’s known as a miracle worker, which effectively repairs damaged skin and heals acne and even wounds! 

Propolis drenches the skin in pure hydration, giving it that youthful, glass-like appearance. It also treats skin from the inside, even considered by the experts as an alternative gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin. 

Looking for skincare products formulated with propolis you can add to your current routine? Here are our top recommendations: 

If you’re looking for a multi-benefit product to effectively brighten hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, look no further. The Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum brightens and hydrates skin to reveal smoother and youthful skin. Enriched with pure ascorbic acid, it soothes tired skin exposed to ultraviolet rays. Use a few drops directly on cheeks and forehead and gently spread onto skin, or mix a few drops with your moisturizer to dilute potent product. 

 Crowd favorite COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule is a lifesaver for dry and irritated skin, especially with the cooler months upon us. Steeped in 83% Black Bee Propolis Extract, the restorative formula heals inflamed skin and eliminates acne-causing bacteria. It also gives you plump, glass-like skin for that much coveted radiant, dewy look. Generously apply after your toner or essence for both day and night. 

Skin looking dull from the chill in the air? Pair the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule with the bestselling COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream, a do-it-all cream formulated with Black Bee Propolis Complex, honey extract, and royal jelly extract. The lightweight, gel-like cream easily absorbs into skin for noticeably glowy skin that’s plump with hydration.

Need a pick-me-up after a long day? Pamper your skin with the COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask as the last step of your skincare routine! The 3-in-1 mask is formulated with more than 87% propolis extract and natural beeswax to provide intense hydration. It calms and regenerates skin while you sleep to leave your face soft and supple. Use the multi-functional cream as an overnight mask, a wash-off mask or even a hydrating cream!  

You can also finish off your nightly routine with a sheet mask. Apply the Mediheal Line Friends E.G.T Timetox Ampoule Mask on your face and call it a day! It helps promote skin regeneration to delay skin aging and improve wrinkles. Packed with peptides and astaxanthin, skin immediately feels tighter upon use. BTS fan or not, there’s a Mediheal sheet mask variant just for you!

Which skincare ingredient should we discuss next? We’re all ears! Leave it in the comments below and we might just feature it in our next blog post!