Common Name(s): Propolis wax
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits from the waxy fraction of bee propolis.
Why It's Used: Used for its concentrated lipophilic propolis bioactives (cape, flavonoid esters) in a waxy form.
How It Works: Propolis wax contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester (cape โ one of the most potent natural antioxidants), pinocembrin, galangin, and other flavonoid esters in a beeswax-like matrix.
Typically Found In: Antimicrobial skin care,wound healing products,bee-derived formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antimicrobial
Secondary Functions: Emollient,antimicrobial,antioxidant
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
Halal Status: Conditional
Source Notes: Bee-derived propolis wax; animal origin; requires bee product allergy testing.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Rare propolis allergy; cross-reactive with pollen and beeswax allergies.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional โ propolis sensitivity
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile when pure. test for bee product sensitivity. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Honey,royal jelly,other bee products
Avoid Combining With: Test for propolis/bee product allergy cross-reactivity
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Propolis cape (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) is one of the most potent natural antioxidants with ic50 values comparable to synthetic antioxidants; propolis wax concentrates lipophilic cape and flavonoid esters.
Last Verified: Cosing database,inci dictionary
Primary Sources: 2026-03-28