Common Name(s): Bee propolis extract,bee glue extract
CAS Number: 85665-41-4
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides caffeic acid phenethyl ester (cape) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory alongside broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Why It's Used: Bee resin with pharmaceutical-grade bioactivity โ propolis cape and flavonoid content provides antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity that has been compared to nsaids in anti-inflammatory potency.
How It Works: Cape (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) inhibits nf-kb with potency comparable to pharmaceutical nsaids. very high flavonoid content (galangin, chrysin, kaempferol) provides antioxidant activity. broad-spectrum antimicrobial vs bacteria, fungi, viruses. wound healing via collagen synthesis stimulation.
Typically Found In: Anti-acne products,antimicrobial formulas,wound healing,antioxidant products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No โ bee-derived
Halal Status: Conditional โ bee products are halal (fatwa varies by jurisdiction)
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Potential allergen for bee venom-sensitive individuals. propolis allergy is independent from bee venom allergy โ patch test recommended.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Propolis cape's nf-kb inhibition (ic50 ~1.8ฮผm โ comparable to aspirin's ic50 for cox inhibition) provides pharmaceutical-comparable anti-inflammatory potency from a bee resin compound. the same cape that provides hive antimicrobial protection for the colony provides potent topical anti-inflammatory activity when formulated into cosmetics.
Last Verified: Cosing database,sforcin & bankova propolis review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12