Bee products have been used in medicine for centuries due to their therapeutic properties resulting from a wide range of biological activities. Recently, bee products have gained popularity as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Bee venom has shown promising potential for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects and it has also been recognized for its anti-aging properties. The desire to keep a young look and improve wrinkles caused by skin aging has resulted in an increased number of anti-wrinkle products with innovative ingredients. Bee venom has been recently incorporated into anti-aging face masks, with a formulation aimed at stimulating collagen and elastin production for a skin-tightening effect.
Botox treatments are the most common cosmetic procedure, this natural ingredient (which first made a buzz when it was named Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Middleton’s facial of choice) is now considered the gold standard in natural alternatives to tackling fine lines - sans needles. The venom itself increases blood circulation, gently plumping out and firming the skin, filling and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It also adds a rush of blood to the area and stimulates the production of collagen.
Findings have shown that a cosmetic product made with a blend of bee venom and other bee products (0.1% bee venom, 0.3% propolis, 0.5% honey, and 1% royal jelly) had a high antioxidant capacity of 85%. The formula also proved to be non-cytotoxic, with no irritation or allergic reaction in non-allergic individuals.
*One gram of venom is the equivalent of 10,000 bee stings
*Not Recommended for people with bee allergies; always do a patch test of any new product before applying to a large area.
