The Science of Royal Jelly in Skin Care

Royal jelly (RJ) is often treated as, well, royalty in skin care, praised for its nourishing and rejuvenating properties. This unique substance, produced by bees, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and its potential benefits in modern skin care have been getting attention for decades.

Like all skin care ingredients, however, royal jelly might not be right for every skin type and concern. Here, we break down what this buzzy ingredient is, its active compounds, which skin types it’s best for, and how to incorporate it into your skin care regimen.

Royal jelly is a substance produced by bees with strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.

It can be applied as a rinse-off mask or leave-on serum or cream.

People with allergies to bees or pollen should not use royal jelly.

What Is Royal Jelly?

Royal jelly is a creamy, nutrient-rich secretion produced by worker bees to feed the queen bee and developing larvae in a hive. This substance is solely responsible for the queen bee’s growth, fertility, and longevity. The queen bee, who exclusively consumes royal jelly, can live up to five years, whereas worker bees live only a few weeks. This longevity and vitality have led to the use of RJ in various health and beauty products.

In skin care, RJ is used for its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which have been shown to nourish and hydrate the skin, providing strong anti-aging benefits (3).

Active Compounds in Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is a complex substance with a unique composition that contributes to its effectiveness in skin care. Some of its key active compounds include:

Proteins and peptides. Royal jelly is composed of about 12% to 15% proteins, including major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (4). These proteins help in skin repair and rejuvenation, making royal jelly a popular ingredient in anti-aging products.

Lipids. The lipid content in RJ, which includes fatty acids like 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), plays a significant role in its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. These fatty acids also help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.

Vitamins and minerals. RJ is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12, as well as folic acid and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help improve skin texture, promote cell regeneration, and protect against oxidative stress.

Amino acids. Essential amino acids in RJ contribute to collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This makes royal jelly an excellent ingredient for preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Antioxidants. RJ contains several powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin.

Benefits of Royal Jelly in Skin Care

Royal jelly is often used in skin care for its anti-aging benefits, but it may also help the skin in these ways:

Anti-aging. Due to its high content of proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, RJ helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting collagen production and cell rejuvenation.

Moisturization. Royal jelly’s lipid content makes it an effective moisturizer, helping to hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity. It is particularly beneficial for dry and mature skin.

Healing and soothing. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of RJ help to soothe irritated skin and promote healing, making it useful for conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and minor wounds.

Estrogenic effects. Some studies suggest that RJ may have estrogenic effects, which could be beneficial for skin health, especially in post-menopausal women (5). However, these effects are mild and not fully understood, so more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Side Effects of Royal Jelly in Skin Care

Royal jelly is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, but there are two notable side effects to be aware of before using products containing this ingredient:

Allergic reactions. One of the most significant risks associated with royal jelly is the potential for allergic reactions. People with allergies to bee products or pollen should not use royal jelly or other bee-derived ingredients, as royal jelly can cause reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis.

Estrogenic effects. Although the estrogenic activity of royal jelly is mild, women with a history of breast or ovarian cancers should talk to their doctors before using products containing royal jelly.

For Which Skin Types Is Royal Jelly Best?

Royal jelly can be beneficial for nearly all skin types, but it is particularly well-suited for dry, mature, or sensitive skin in women due to its moisturizing and soothing properties. However, those with oily or acne-prone skin should check the product’s ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain other ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter that could clog pores.

How to Apply Royal Jelly to the Face

You can apply RJ to your face like a face mask, letting it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinsing off. Alternatively, you can apply a serum or cream that contains RJ as part of your regular skin care routine. If you have very dry skin and are going to also use a moisturizer, apply your moisturizer after the RJ serum. If applying in the morning, don’t forget to finish with sunscreen.

Bottom Line: Should I Use Royal Jelly?

There is some scientific evidence to support the claims that royal jelly can help to improve the skin’s smoothness and texture and reduce signs of aging. However, royal jelly products tend to be on the expensive side because so little of the raw material is produced in each hive. That said, if you want to give royal jelly a try, there are generally few side effects (as long as you are not allergic to bees or pollen) and it can be suitable for most skin types. It is definitely not one of the best anti-aging ingredients, but is an interesting natural option to treat skin aging.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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