Honey is a naturally occurring sweetener produced by bees of the genus Apis. It is produced by bees from the nectar of certain flowering plants. Primarily consumed as food, honey is highly regarded as a cosmetic ingredient.

Cosmetic use

Honey is added to cosmetics and personal care products as a humectant, a flavouring agent and as a skin-conditioning agent. Also it is reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is used in the formulation of a wide range of products including baby and bath products, eye and facial make-up, fragrances, colouring and non-colouring hair products, personal cleanliness products and suntan and sunscreen products.

Honey is a mixture of glucose, fructose, sucrose and other naturally occurring sugars. It generally has a moisture content of 14% to 18%.