Everything You Need to Know About Manuka Honey Skincare

As someone with sensitive skin, I try to be mindful of the ingredients I put on my skin, so I rarely get lost when I find something that works. In my trials, both mandelic acid and PDRN were successful; now Manuka Honey Skin Care has joined their ranks.

I came up during the golden age of health podcasts (anyone else subscribe to Thrive Market?), and I’ve long been familiar with manuka honey as an immune-boosting ingredient. To be fair, I grew up making homemade face masks with whatever I had in the fridge—yoghurt, lemon, turmeric, even eggs. While I mostly rely on store-bought topicals now, I still love edible ingredients in skin care products, if they actually have science to back them up. It seemed inevitable that I would jump on the Manuka honey train too.

FashionFavorite Manuka Honey Skin Care Products

best facial mask

Activist Manuka Honey Mask

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Best facial cleanser

Flamingo Estate Manuka Honey Soap Brick

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Best for mature skin

Manuka Health Eternal Renewal Regenerating Cream

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Best for dry skin

Naturopathica Manuka Honey Whipped Oil

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Manuka honey differs from traditional honey in that it is extracted from the nectar of the Manuka flower, which is native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. According to board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, it’s rich in antioxidants, provides antibacterial benefits to acne-prone or irritated skin, and acts as a humectant and emollient to help hydrate while preventing moisture loss.

Relatively few skin care brands use Manuka honey as a main ingredient due to its high cost and difficulty in obtaining authentic raw materials. However, the ones that do work can be very effective: Since incorporating it into my daily routine, I’ve noticed fewer breakouts and a noticeable increase in moisture.

A scoop of this magical golden elixir may not keep the dermatologist away forever, but it will certainly help. Here are the best manuka honey products—from bar soaps to masks to moisturizers—that are worth trying right now.

best facial mask: Activist Manuka Honey Mask

• Why we love it: Theoretically safe for consumption, Dr. Green assures us that this mask contains 100% raw manuka honey, which gently moisturizes and soothes the skin. “With no additional ingredients, this mask can be used in many different ways to rejuvenate skin—as a mask to repair cell damage, as a cleanser to boost hydration, and as a topical treatment for acne lesions to reduce bacterial growth,” she explains. If using it as a mask, leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing. As a cleanser, apply a small amount to damp skin, massage gently, then rinse.
• Editor experience: “There’s nothing more indulgent than using pure Manuka honey all over your face. So when I want to feel better than everyone else, or when my skin needs some spot-on care, I reach for this mask (and always make sure to post the tube mask on Instagram ). Of course, it’s very sticky, so I wouldn’t recommend using it on days when you’re running around the house. I make sure to wear a very secure headband and leave it on for half an hour so it doesn’t ruin my hair.”Iman Balagam, Writer
• Main ingredients: manuka honey
• Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone skin
• size: 80ml