Common Name(s): Mel,mel (honey),natural bee honey,multi-active humectant antimicrobial

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides hygroscopic moisture retention from the supersaturated sugar content, broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection from glucose oxidase-generated h2o2 and bee defensin-1, wound healing activity from hydrogen peroxide oxidative signalling, and antioxidant protection from honey's polyphenol content.

Why It's Used: Honey's antimicrobial mechanism (h2o2 + defensin-1 peptide) provides broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including mrsa — with the unique property that no documented antimicrobial resistance exists against honey after thousands of years of use.

How It Works: Glucose oxidase in honey catalyses glucose + o2 → gluconolactone + h2o2 (0.5-1 mm) providing sustained low-level h2o2 antimicrobial activity. bee defensin-1 (royalisin) provides direct membrane-disrupting antimicrobial peptide activity. the 70-80% sugar content provides 0.5-0.6 water activity insufficient for microbial growth — the combined mechanisms explaining honey's extraordinary preservation properties.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging,wound care,antimicrobial skin care

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: No - animal-derived

Halal Status: Conditional - bee-derived; widely held permissible, confirm certifier stance

Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: bee-derived; permissibility widely accepted but fatwa varies by jurisdiction. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Manuka honey (from leptospermum scoparium) provides the highest medical-grade antimicrobial activity from methylglyoxal (mgo) content supplementing the h2o2 mechanism — umf/mgo certification ensures standardised antimicrobial potency for clinical wound care applications.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,mel honey multi-active humectant antimicrobial review