manuka honey
Benefits of Manuka Honey for Skin
Manuka honey from New Zealand is prized for its antibacterial and hydrating qualities. Learn how it may help support clearer, calmer, well-moisturized skin.
Key takeaways
- ✓Manuka honey comes from the nectar of New Zealand's Manuka tree and is known for its potent antibacterial qualities.
- ✓Manuka honey is traditionally used to help combat acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- ✓The same compounds that make Manuka honey antibacterial also give it anti-inflammatory qualities.
- ✓Manuka honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin.
What Makes Manuka Honey Unique?
Manuka honey comes from the nectar of New Zealand's Manuka tree and is known for its potent antibacterial qualities. It contains high levels of methylglyoxal, the compound that gives Manuka honey its distinctive antibacterial and anti-inflammatory character. This is why it has been treasured in skincare and traditional wellness for so long.
Not all honey is the same. Manuka's unique composition sets it apart, and it pairs beautifully with our small-batch, tallow-based creams for a wholesome, nourishing routine.
Naturally Antibacterial
Manuka honey is traditionally used to help combat acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Its high methylglyoxal content gives it natural antibacterial qualities, and customers report it supports a clearer-looking complexion when used gently as a spot treatment or mask.
Research on honey confirms its long-documented antibacterial activity (source). While Manuka honey is not a medical acne treatment, it has earned its place in natural skincare for good reason.
“The same compounds that make Manuka honey antibacterial also give it anti-inflammatory qualities.
Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory
The same compounds that make Manuka honey antibacterial also give it anti-inflammatory qualities. It is traditionally used to soothe and calm irritated skin, and many customers report it helps reduce the look of redness and visible inflammation.
For skin that feels reactive or stressed, gentle ingredients like Manuka honey may help support a calmer, more comfortable complexion.
Deeply Moisturizing
Manuka honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin. This may help support softer, more supple-feeling skin, especially when paired with a barrier-supporting cream.
Humectants attract water, while tallow helps seal it in, so the two work wonderfully together. Customers often report that combining Manuka honey with our tallow skincream leaves their skin feeling hydrated and balanced.
Traditionally Used to Support Healing
Because of its antibacterial qualities, Manuka honey has traditionally been used to support the skin's natural recovery and to help protect against infection. It has a long history of use in this role, reflected in modern reviews of honey's place in wound care (source).
As always, for any wound that is deep, infected, or not healing, please see a healthcare provider. Manuka honey is a gentle skincare ingredient, not a substitute for medical care.
How to Add Manuka Honey to Your Routine
You can dab a small amount on a blemish as a spot treatment, smooth it on as a hydrating mask, or mix it with other natural ingredients like our tallow skincream. A little goes a long way. We always recommend pure, additive-free ingredients, because that is the standard our family holds to in every small batch we make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Manuka honey on my face daily?+
Yes, many people use it as a gentle mask a few times a week or as an occasional spot treatment. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a tallow-based moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Does Manuka honey help with acne?+
Manuka honey has natural antibacterial qualities and is traditionally used to help combat acne-causing bacteria. Customers report a clearer-looking complexion, though it is not a medical acne treatment.
Is Manuka honey safe for sensitive skin?+
Its soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities make it a popular choice for sensitive skin. As with any new ingredient, patch test first.
How is Manuka honey different from regular honey?+
Manuka honey contains higher levels of methylglyoxal, giving it stronger antibacterial qualities than ordinary honey.
Can I combine Manuka honey with tallow?+
Yes, beautifully. Manuka honey draws moisture in as a humectant, and tallow helps seal it. Together they make a deeply nourishing pairing.
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