Propolis, also known as "bee glue," is derived from tree resin which bees transform into a workable glue to protect and insulate their hives. "It is an antiseptic meant for preventing bee-hive from microbial infections along with preventing decomposition of intruders."*
At temperatures above 30C, it’s like ‘sticky cement’ and below 20C, it’s rock hard. The only way to collect it is to scape it off hive surfaces or from a propolis mat placed above the frames. 
At Skyezone, we cultivate a variety of Australian natives, especially tea tree and lemon myrtle, and have several 400-year-old Red gum eucalyptus within 50 meters of our beehives. These trees provide the base resin which the bees convert into propolis.
While harvesting propolis is a delicate, time-consuming process, it is totally worth the effort for the outstanding benefits it ultimately provides.
Propolis is packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and more, making it an excellent addition to selected Skyezone skincare and haircare products.
Skin Benefits
Heals Skin: Propolis speeds up the healing process for wounds, scars, and blemishes, promoting healthy tissue regeneration. We use it in our Scar Healing Balm.
Soothes Irritation: Its anti-inflammatory compounds calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, which is why it's in our Karma Skin Cream and Rosacea Relief.
Anti-Ageing: Rich in antioxidants, propolis protects your skin from free radicals, preventing premature ageing and keeping your skin looking youthful. You can find it in our Honey Dew Intensive Face Therapy.
Fights Acne: Propolis has antibacterial properties that help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Hair Benefits
Reduces hair loss: Propolis helps promote hair growth by reducing scalp inflammation and strengthening hair roots. You can find it in our Define 24/7 hair paste.
Improves Scalp Health: Its antimicrobial properties keep the scalp healthy, preventing issues like dandruff and dermatitis. It's in our Scalp & Hair Tonic.
Want to Incorporate propolis extract into your daily routine?
Due to a limited supply of propolis at the moment, we can’t offer propolis extract drops for personal consumption, but we hope to in the future. However, if you manage to get some, the general dosage for boosting the immune system is 5 drops per day in a drink, food, or under your tongue, with a maximum of 20 drops per day, if you’re feeling poorly.
My video clips on propolis show what’s involved:
Harvesting Propolis -> Making the Extract
A new bee swarm just arrived as I write this, taking our apiary to seven hives in just over two years! 
Adding propolis to more products
Each of the following products is formulated with natural botanicals and ingredients for a specific task. Now they will be, or have been, enhanced with the inclusion of our home-grown and harvested propolis extract.
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Honey Dew – Intensive Face Therapy
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PubMed Research Studies into Propolis
- Antibacterial Properties of Propolis
- Anticancer Activity of Propolis and Its Compounds.
- ...Research on propolis and its application in wound healing...
- Antibacterial Effect of Propolis and its Application in Mouthwash Production.
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Biological Properties and Therapeutic Applications of Propolis.
*...."It is collected and brought very painstakingly by honey bees to be used for sealing cracks and crevices occurring in their hives. It is an antiseptic meant for preventing bee-hive from microbial infections along with preventing decomposition of intruders. Additionally, propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The biological characteristics of propolis depend upon its chemical composition, plant sources, geographical zone and seasons. More than 300 compounds have been identified in propolis such as, phenolic compounds, aromatic acids, essential oils, waxes and amino acids. "....
We hope you have found this brief post on propolis to be of interest.
Yours in skincare,
Jennifer & the team at Skyezone.
Published February 2025
