According to L'Occitane, which has a Honey Harvest range of products, ingredients such as propolis, honey and royal jelly strengthen, soften, nourish and soothe skin. L'Occitane's Honey Foaming Jelly (HK$145) is a bee-rich mix of propolis, honey and royal jelly. On contact with water the formula turns to a silky mousse.
Some brands have taken the bee for their starting point in setting up business. Greek brand Apivita began with a line of soaps and shampoos made from honey, propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen. These eventually became the Propoline range, which spans hair and body care items. Products include treatments for colds and sore throats, and even toothpaste. According to the brand, propolis contains active ingredients such as organic acids, polyphenols, flavonoids and resins.
Burt's Bees is a natural-born brand that grew out of a bee-keeper's stock of beeswax that was made into candles and lip balm and sold at craft fairs in the United States. The products range from beeswax and royal jelly to lip balm.
BEES
The humble bumble-bee is a rich source of ingredients for the cosmetics industry. Beeswax, royal jelly, propolis and honey are some of the many benefits. Beeswax also serves a practical purpose in helping to bind oil and water.