The ingredient, explained

Mel

Mel has published research relevant to cosmetic safety assessment.

HumectantEmollientMoisturising

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Naturally occurring substances, honey, a saccharic secretion gathered and stored by honey bees

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

Humectant: Helps attract and retain moisture.
Emollient: Helps soften and smooth the skin surface.
Moisturising: A technical role associated with increasing skin water content.

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

Safety assessment

The report reviews safety evidence for honey ingredients in cosmetic formulations and emphasizes controlling impurities such as pesticides and endotoxins.

What this does not tell us

Grouped cosmetic safety evidence does not establish wound treatment efficacy, and honey source or processing can change composition.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 40673535 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 5 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.