Research Paper : Anti-irritation and Moisturizing Effects of Manuka Honey

Kim, Hyun Sook; Jung, Eun Young; Lee, Hae Young

Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2012;18(2):397-403.
Published online April 30, 2012.

마누카 꿀의 보습효과와 피부 손상 회복 효과

김현숙, 정은영, 이혜영

Research Paper : Anti-irritation and Moisturizing Effects of Manuka Honey

Hyun Sook Kim, Eun Young Jung, Hae Young Lee

Abstract

We investigated the effects of skin hydration and anti-irritation of Manuka honey. The moisturizing effects and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) of Manuka honey in cosmetic products (O/W emulsion) were studied in vivo. 10% Manuka honey showed good skin hydration effects when compared with sodium hyaluronate which is a commonly using moisturizer. The skin protective effects of Manuka honey against 1.5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were also found. Twice a day application of the Manuka honey to skin reduced local inflammation remarkably. Irritant reactions were assessed by various aspects of skin function erythema (skin color reflectance), hydration (electrical capacitance) and TEWL. In the human skin test, 5-day treatment of the Manuka honey was found to reduce SLSinduced skin erythema and improve barrier regeneration. Taken all together, Manuka honey should be a very useful cosmetic ingredient, as a moisturizer, and a protecting agent from various skin irritations.

Key Words: Manuka honey, Skin protection, Anti-inflammation, Moisturizer