Another buzzzing ingredient to add to the list of bee-related ingredients.
Like the name suggests, this ingredient is suited for royalty. Royal jelly is actually a by-product of bees. Yes, add this to the list bee-related ingredients, on top of honey, propolis, beeswax, bee venom and now royal jelly.
Royal jelly refers to the secretion that is produced by worker honeybees. It has a white, milky consistency. Royal jelly is predominantly used to feed the bee larvae (bee babies) when they are first born. Royal jelly is extremely important to the livelihood of bees because it is what allows young bees to grow into a queen bee. We did say royalty. And it is because of this reason that led many to speculate that the skin benefits of royal jelly are plentiful.
Another reason behind the believed benefits of royal jelly are the components found in royal jelly. It contains up to 13% of protein, as well as other vitamins (A, E, C and B), fatty acids, antioxidants and more. Other than topical benefits, royal jelly has begun being consumed as a supplement as it helps to lower blood pressure and treat menopausal symptoms. But other than health benefits, how does royal jelly benefit the skin? Well, read on more to find out.
Benefits
Anti-aging
- Royal jelly is sometimes referred to as “the elixir of youth” due to the jam-packed goodness (flavoinoids, polyphenols) that helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental threats that damage the skin and cause premature aging.
Reduces wrinkles
- Other than slowing down the aging process, royal jelly also helps increase collagen production by delivering nutrients to the cells to boost its regeneration process.
Brightens the skin
- By boosting the skin’s regeneration process, the skin will appear less dull, resulting in brighter and less pigmented skin.
Healing powers
- On top of protecting the skin, royal jelly promotes cell growth that aids the healing process against small wounds, irritation and scarring.
- Royal jelly can also be used to relieve and soothe inflammation.
Very hydrating
- Royal jelly contains a fatty acid (10HDA) that increases the skin’s hydration levels and restore the skin’s barrier. This actively prevents TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and dehydration.
Tackles acne
- When used by bees, royal jelly is also used to prevent any infection to their hive as it is antibacterial. When used topically, it can fight acne-causing bacteria and plus the healing benefits, help treat acne scarring.
What to note?
- Those with a bee or honey allergy should stay clear of royal jelly in case of an allergic reaction.
- As with all new ingredients and products, we advise customers to conduct a patch test at least 24-48 hours prior to application.
Products we recommend and where to find them
COSRX Full Fit Propolis
This line by COSRX mainly focuses on using black bee propolis extract as their main ingredient. However, there are 2 products that consists of royal jelly. This line of products promises to help hydrate and nourish the skin, improve the skin’s protective barrier and provide antibacterial properties.
- Light Cream: Infused with almost everything bee – black bee propolis extract, honey extract and royal jelly extract. Like the name suggests, it has a lightweight, gel-like cream consistency that absorbs easily into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.
- Nourishing Magnet Sheet Mask: This to-go sheet mask is enriched with propolis, honey extract and royal jelly for an instance long-lasting hydration and nourishment pick-me-up, all in 15 minutes.
You might bee thinking "Why are bee-related skincare products so popular?". Well, this is because they all contain vitamins, proteins and antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin and each ingredient is subjective to their own benefits. This is the same for royal jelly. Royal jelly may be less well-known that honey or propolis but this is because it is fairly new but that doesn't mean it isn't effective. If you have questions, feel free to leave a question down below and we'll get back to you!
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