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Beauty of Joseon
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
8.0Great
A cushiony propolis-and-niacinamide serum with a low price and a devoted following for glow, calm and smoother-looking pores.
Serum5$17.00
Botanicals & ferments· in 1 product
Propolis
Also listed as Propolis extract, Bee glue and Propolis cera
Emerging evidence Often 10–80% of a propolis extract solution in K-beauty ampoules
Propolis is a resinous substance bees make from plant buds and sap. Korean skin care uses propolis extract in ampoules and creams for a glowy, soothed look.
1PrPropolisBotanicals & ferments
What it does
The short version.
Propolis contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and esters with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. Cosmetic formulas use it to hydrate, calm and give a dewy finish, and small studies have explored it for blemish-prone skin. Composition varies a lot with plant source and region, so one propolis extract can behave differently from another.
Emerging evidence
Lab and animal data are extensive; human cosmetic trials are few and small, and product composition is not standardized.
In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 1 product we review, most often serums. Those products are mostly built for glass skin, pore refining and oil control. In formulas, it most often shares the label with niacinamide, salicylic acid and tea tree oil.
Reach for it for
Usually a good fit for
How to use it
Getting it right.
Apply a few drops of propolis serum or ampoule after toner, then moisturizer, once or twice daily after a patch test.
Layering
Friends & frenemies.
Go slow with
Not forbidden — just easier to over-do. Alternate nights or separate morning and evening.
Before you start
Propolis is a well-known contact allergen; positive patch tests occur in a few percent of people tested in dermatology clinics. Avoid it if you are allergic to bee products, balsam of Peru or poplar resin, and patch test first. Layering several botanical sensitizers such as tea tree adds risk.
References
- 1Propolis: a review of properties, applications, chemical composition, contact allergy, and other adverse effects — Dermatitis (2013), via PubMed
- 2Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care — Molecules (2020), via PubMed Central
Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.
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Every product with propolis.
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