What is Propolis and What Can it Do For Your Skin?
Known as “bee glue”, propolis can do great things for your skin, whatever skin type you have. It’s used in so many k-beauty products because it’s perfect for oily, acne-prone skin because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. But it’s also fantastic for drier, dull skin:
“…smoothes out wrinkles and has antiaging properties. A huge role here is played by antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids which neutralize an unfavorable effect of free radicals on the skin. Bee glue lightens and smoothens the skin, reducing signs of fatigue and moisturizes it…”
(NCBI, link below)
I didn’t know all this when I tried it: I just thought it (Cosrx Full Fit Synergy Propolis toner) looked like a nice thing to try! Little did I know that I’d hit on a winner first time and it would be constant repurchase for my skincare routine… And a gateway drug: I had to try more propolis in as many k-beauty products as possible!
I’ve noticed my skin always looks dull and less healthy when I skip propolis and so I always want it in my routine in some form.
K-Beauty + Propolis: Toner step
Cosrx Full Fit Synergy Propolis toner has been a staple in my routine for ages – it’s great as a single layer with other toners but it also lends itself well to the 7 skins method, which you can read about here.
The K-Beauty Cosrx Propolis toner will hydrate, brighten and even moisturise a little because of the propolis. Full disclosure: for my combination skin, more than 5 layers of the Cosrx Propolis toner can get a little sticky. However, I can still get the benefits of the 7 skin method by using different products for the last two layers!
For oily skin, you would might want to use a lighter toner in conjunction with this for the 7 skins method, but if you have drier skin, you could use this for all 7 layers.
K-Beauty + Propolis: Serum and Ampoule step
Whilst the Cosrx propolis toner was my first love, there are other great propolis products to try, too. The obvious choice is the Cosrx Full Fit Synergy Propolis Ampoule: the toner and ampoule are designed to work together to boost the effects of each product. The ampoule much thicker and more luxurious than the toner so go lightly with it if you have combination or oily skin. You don’t need much to get the desired effect and you’re already hydrated from the toner: the ampoule adds a deeper moisturising element, as well, of course, more lovely propolis!
But, if you’re looking for extra hydration and a little extra oompf from your serum step, then Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum is what you need. Not only do you have a good concentration of propolis, you’re also getting 2% niacinamide. At 2%, niacinamide can help with barrier repair and pigmentation (helping your skin to look more even). Plus there’s lots of nice antioxidant ingredients and hyaluronic acid in this serum. A great all-rounder! All skin types can use this serum easily.
Let’s say you’re looking to step up your game: you want propolis and a treatment serum all in one. The answer is Dr Ceuracle Royal Vita 33 Ampoule! This k-beauty serum has a soothing and smoothing moisturising effect with lots of vitamins (antioxidants) in tow: B3, B5 and C (niacinamide, panthenol and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a nice, gentle Vitamin C derivative). This serum will brighten, soothe and moisturise your skin, plus give you anti-aging effects with all those vitamins! Because it’s more moisturising than the Beauty of Joseon, oily and combination skin might just want a couple of drops and dry skin might want a few extra drops.
K-Beauty + Propolis: Moisturiser step
If you’re happy with your routine but want a burst of hydration, Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is an excellent product to add. I haven’t mentioned the gorgeous smell of propolis yet but this product is one of my favourites because it just smells so sweet and honey-like. There’s no added fragrance and yet it smells divine! The Benton gel is like splashing water on your skin but in a much more convenient format – it’s a gel-to-water formula that’s squeezes out as a gel but turns to water when you spread it. Perfect! No risk of the product running through your fingers as you apply it. There’s no occlusives in this so it’s not a last step that will lock in moisture: I consider it an extra step for when my skin needs a boost in hydration and, of course, more propolis goodness. Great for all skin types.
In case you haven’t heard of sleeping or overnight masks, it’s another name for a special kind of moisturiser. These masks are leave-on products that you can use daily or add to your routine a few times a week to give your skin a pick-me-up spa-like treatment. The masks tend to contain great ingredients and are like an overnight version of a sheet mask. The Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask is a lovely gel texture that spreads really well and is instantly soothing, just like a great sheet mask! This is a 3-in-1 product that can be used instead of cream, as an overnight mask as well as your cream or as a wash-off mask. Great for all skin types because it’s so light on the skin.
For the ultimate – but light – moisturising experience, Cosrx Propolis Light Cream is such a good choice. There’s lots of propolis, of course, but also soothing and extra moisturising ingredients: it’s decadent and light all at the same time. As the UK gets colder, this is definitely one that will help with the change in temperature. This is another great product that can be used for any skin type, as it’s a gel cream so it won’t be heavy!
Final Word
There’s lots of propolis products to choose from because it’s such a great ingredient – if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it. It’s one of the few things I’ve stuck with throughout my whole Korean skincare journey because it works so well: try it, your skin will thank you!
NCBI link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894/#__ffn_sectitle