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All the benefits of Manuka honey

One ingredient, a thousand everyday uses

All the benefits of Manuka honey One ingredient, a thousand everyday uses

Honey is one of those traditional remedies that seems to work for everything: delicious to eat, great for soothing a sore throat, and a true natural comfort. But there’s one type of honey that has recently taken things to the next level, becoming a key ingredient in the world of skincare: we’re talking about Manuka honey. It comes from New Zealand and is packed with beneficial properties so impressive that many brands have already chosen it to enrich creams, face masks, and more. But what exactly makes it so special compared to regular honey?

Manuka honey: what is it?

@rikasays Gorgeous gorgeous girls slug with honey and dont put video on #skincare #diyskincare #glassskin #fyp Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - Edison Lighthouse
@isabellapaige_ when it comes to skincare: quality, simple, and clean ingredients

Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka tree, which grows exclusively in New Zealand. Unlike the typical honey we have at home, it has a thicker texture and a more intense flavor. What truly sets it apart, though, are its incredible natural properties. For centuries, the Maori people have used Manuka honey in traditional healing practices, thanks to its beneficial effects on both skin and overall health.

The properties

@theacnenutritionist have you tried it yet!? #influenced #manuka #manukahoneymask #acne #acnecoach #acnescars #acneskincare #acneproblems #acnetreatment #clearskintips original sound - Sisley | Acne Nutritionist
@arwaakhu Green tea reduces oil production and fights acne causing bacteria Manuka honey has antibacterial properties that help heal and prevent breakouts #acneskin #greentea #skincare #tips #skinbarrier original sound - Todd Williamson

Manuka honey is a natural antibacterial, which is why it's widely used for blemish-prone and acne-prone skin, helping to fight the bacteria that cause breakouts. It also has strong anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for redness, irritation, or skin inflammation such as eczema, dermatitis, or sensitive skin. It immediately calms the skin and provides relief. It’s also a great healer and skin regenerator: it speeds up the healing of wounds, minor cuts, cracks, and scars by stimulating cell regeneration, helping the skin become smooth and firm again. Additionally, it boosts the production of collagen, making it a valuable ally in the fight against the first signs of aging. Rich in antioxidants, it protects the skin from stress, pollution, and external aggressors, helping to keep it healthy, radiant, and vibrant.

What makes Manuka honey different from regular honey?

The main difference lies in the qualities and composition of Manuka honey. It's the only honey that naturally contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a kind of active compound that gives Manuka honey strong antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO number on the label, the more potent and effective the honey is, especially for therapeutic or cosmetic use.

The MGO scale

@hinterlandfood Explaining MGO! In this video we share a brief explanation of what MGO is, which is useful to know to ensure you’re purchasing a honey beneficial to you. #honey #fyp #manuka #newzealand #mgo #manukahoney #storytime #methylglyoxal #health #wellbeing #bees #newzealand #organic I Got It - thuy

When it comes to Manuka honey in cosmetics, the MGO scale helps you understand how powerful the honey is. The higher the MGO number, the more antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits it has—perfect for skincare! Here’s how it works:

  • MGO 100+ / 250+: ideal for daily use, such as in moisturizers or facial cleansers. They help keep skin clean and fresh while preventing minor issues.
  • MGO 400+ / 550+: best for more sensitive skin or skin prone to acne, redness, or irritation. Use them in face masks or as a targeted treatment for imperfections.
  • MGO 800+ and above: these are the most powerful. They’re great for treating more serious skin issues like eczema, wounds, or scars. You’ll often find them in intensive treatments, such as masks or skin-repair products.

Products to try

In short, Manuka honey is one of those ingredients that's truly worth including in your beauty routine. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time to look for it on the shelves of your favorite store and discover all its amazing benefits. Here are some perfect products to start with!