Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Propolis Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Propolis Extract is often called "bee glue" because bees use it to seal and sterilize the hive, but in skincare, its power lies in a specific group of phenolic compounds—most notably Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE). Unlike synthetic antioxidants that simply neutralize surface free radicals, CAPE and the high flavonoid content of Propolis act as a biological modulator. This means Propolis doesn't just "calm" the skin; it helps regulate the skin's response to external stressors (like UV or pollution) and micro-irritation. It is the premier choice for "reactive" skin types—those whose skin feels hot, itchy, or "bumpy" without a clear cause—as it provides a steadying influence that helps the skin remain in a state of rest rather than a state of defense.