Let’s explore how and why honey has been used in beauty products for thousands of years, and how it fits in with today’s trend for combining beauty and food.
The history of honey
Honey in skincare dates as far back as 4,000 BC when Egyptians used it in balms and ointments for its healing and moisturising properties. The Greeks and Romans followed suit, using honey in medicinal salves and anti-aging treatments.
In Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, honey is used for its ability to nourish and balance the skin, especially when it’s combined with herbs and botanicals.
How honey is used in beauty today
You’ll still find honey in all sorts of beauty products, from cleansers, balms and masks, through to moisturisers, lip care, oils and hair care. It’s used to cleanse and purify without stripping moisture, to provide hydration while soothing and to nourish, restore and strengthen skin and hair.
There are a ton of honey-infused beauty products on the market today, including:
- Farmacy Beauty Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer – a rich, ceramide-packed cream that deeply nourishes dry skin and restores the skin barrier.
- Gisou by Negin Mirsalehi Honey Infused Hair Oil – enriched with Mirsalehi honey, this lightweight oil adds shine, reduces frizz and protects hair from damage.
- Nuxe Group Rêve de Miel Lip Balm – cult-favourite lip balm with honey and plant oils to keep lips soft and hydrated.
- I’m From Honey Mask – made with 38.7% pure honey, this luxurious mask delivers an instant glow while deeply hydrating the skin.
- COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule – a honey and propolis-infused serum that brightens, soothes, and strengthens the skin.
Why is honey still a popular beauty ingredient?
- It’s a natural multi-tasker that can be used for lots of different results and products. It’s also gentle and suitable for a range of skin and hair types.
- Honey has been used in beauty for centuries, modern science has validated many of its traditional uses, including moisturisation, antioxidant benefits, antibacterial properties and being anti-inflammatory.
- Trusted across cultures and generations.
- Clean beauty and natural trends have kept it relevant.
- Now used in high-performance formulations, creating even more effective products.
- Beauty and food are completely intertwined in beauty marketing right now.
- It smells nice. Sometimes it really is that simple.
Search trends in honey
Honey beauty – 68k searches worldwide monthly, up 18% this year
Honey skincare – 13k searches worldwide monthly, up 23% this year
Honey lipcare – 167k searches worldwide monthly, up 53% this year
Honey perfume – 49k searches worldwide monthly, up 16% this year