Honey has been used in beauty regimes since the time of Cleopatra and is just as popular today. It’s easy to see why. Honey’s natural properties and wholesome image satisfy the increasing demand for products with minimal artificial ingredients.
Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. It’s also an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive-skin and baby products. And honey has no additives or preservatives — it’s one of the few products that can be packed and sold straight from nature. It requires no processing or refining.
The most popular health and beauty products on the market today containing honey are in the skin care category, particularly bath and shower products, face creams and skin lotions. Of beauty products that contain honey, hair care is the category experiencing the most growth.
Research is currently underway to develop a process that uses honey to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), ingredients that are included in skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin.
Look for future use of honey in sun care and sun screen products, as companies develop products that combine traditional sun blocking properties with moisturizing and anti-irritant functions.
Today, honey is used in an ever-increasing number of consumer products for both men and women. Look for a wide range of products that contain honey, from skin moisturizers and body scrubs to hair conditioners and bubble baths. Or try one of the following “beauty recipes” for yourself.
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