Manuka is the best of the best when it comes to the honey world. Produced by honey bees from the nectar of manuka flowers in New Zealand and Australia, research has shown that manuka honey is a ‘biologically active and clinically interesting substance’ thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-aging and immunoregulatory properties (as well as much much more). This beautiful manuka honey ingredient has been on my radar for a number of years now and this is why it is a key part of my formulation for my newest products, our holi (creme) filter face crème and holi (lift) our new ageless lifting and firming serum.

Gabrielle Mirkin who harvests manuka off the land in New Zealand (and who I interviewed previously) calls manuka honey the ‘true cellular beautician and one of nature’s multifunctional healing treasures’ and when ingested, manuka honey can have powerful effects at a cellular level, but when applied topically, it really is a superstar ingredient. You can read my interview with Gabrielle on Manuka here. We use her manuka honey in my formulas because it’s truly the best! 

So, why did I decide to formulate with manuka in holi (creme) and holi (lift)? 

Firstly, manuka honey is often championed for its antibacterial effects and topical application of manuka can help nurture clear, break-out free skin by regulating pH and preventing pathogenic infections on the skin microbiome. The antibacterial potency of manuka is due to its low pH, high osmolarity, hydrogen peroxide content and the content of the active ingredient, methylglyoxal, (MGO) in manuka. The low water activity of manuka honey also has been shown to be inhibitory to the growth of the majority of bacteria (as well as directly killing bacteria) and recent studies show that this is because manuka honey impacts Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by altering the bacteria’s shape and size. Honey is also mildly acidic with a pH between 3.2 and 4.5 and so this low pH is also inhibitory to pathogenic bacteria. I love that manuka honey can help people to keep their skin bacteria and break-out free.

Manuka honey is also considered a great natural treatment for skin conditions like seborrhea, rosacea, dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more thanks to its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Lab studies have shown that this is because manuka honey controls the activity of neutrophils and interacts with the type of white blood cells that produce inflammatory proteins and skin conditions. According to a small human study, reducing inflammatory skin lesions might be because the manuka honey helps control and calm multiple inflammatory pathways in the body. 

Manuka honey is also a perfect ingredient for anyone looking for healthy aging through nurturing supple, well hydrated skin health. Manuka honey is a natural humectant that helps it draw in, and retain moisture, into the skin. Manuka honey also has soothing and emollient effects and this helps to keep the skin young, supple and, in turn, slow wrinkle formulation. Studies also show that the active ingredient methylglyoxal found in manuka honey has been shown to increase the production of collagen in the skin too. This promotes structural growth of the skin barrier and helps in the battle against aging. The amino acids in manuka honey also harmonize perfectly with the pH balance of our skin, helping to keep skin supple, hydrated and less prone to early onset or advanced aging. 

It’s not just protective benefits that it brings to the skin though, manuka honey is also restorative. There has been lots of research into honey as a topical wound treatment and it is now thought that honey can regenerate tissues and assist with wound healing. Thanks to the small amounts of hydrogen peroxide in manuka honey, it is also thought to have mild skin lightening properties which can help with lightening hyperpigmentation and fading acne scars and evening skin tone (pair this alongside our lactic-based products for double power).

Manuka honey also supports the skin with a hit of antioxidant protection. It is thought to downregulate skin-damaging reactive oxygen species (caused by exposure to free radicals in today’s environments). Fighting against and minimizing the impact of these reactive oxygen species is critical for managing and slowing aging of the skin so manuka’s antioxidant properties also make it anti-aging too. The product is also anti-viral, anti-fungal, and more. It’s incredible for skin health and to help you get a healthy, well-cared for, glow. 

In holi (creme), our long awaited filter face crème moisturizer, the manuka honey works alongside six revolutionary trademarked active ingredients to soothe, nourish and prime skin as well as delivering ultimate hydration and helping with the appearance of skin texture. Buy yours here.

In holi (lift), our strong, yet zero-downtime ageless lifting and firming serum, manuka honey works alongside a roster of 12 revolutionary trademarked patented and trademarked actives that deliver anti-aging, youthful skin. Powerful, restorative yet calming, the manuka also works perfectly alongside french silk peptides, New Zealand red seaweed, pitaya, lactic acid, calcium ketogluconate, french silk peptides, aloe, rosehip, cucumber, rice bran, Vitamin E and more to deliver stunning results for skin of all ages. Buy yours here. 
Manuka honey is such a special ingredient, I can’t wait for you to incorporate it into your skin care routine.

Jena x 

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST****