The ingredient, explained

Bee Venom

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

AstringentSkin protecting

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Bee Venom is the venom collected from the honeybee, Apis melifera consisting chiefly of melittin

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Astringent: A technical role associated with tightening the skin surface.
Skin protecting: A technical role associated with protecting skin from external factors.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Laboratory and human research

Small vehicle-comparison trial found improved acne lesion grades and reduced skin-microorganism measures; separate bacterial experiments found antimicrobial effects.

What this does not tell us

Only 12 participants for two weeks. Purified bee species/preparation and acne population limit transfer; no universal safety or allergy-clearance conclusion.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 24063779 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.