Cosmetic properties of honey. 1. Antioxidant activity

Abstract

Honey components (sugars, aminoacids, lactic acid) may behave as humectants and also enhance humectant properties in a formulation. Active principles of functional properties in honey vary according to visited flora, type of bee and localities where honey is produced. Studies of honey in dermo-cosmetic applications are scarce. In this work we review the topical use of honey through history, cutaneous interventions with honey, and toxicity. Hydrating power was measured with a corneometer in emulsions prepared with six honey types. Polyphenol contents and antioxidant properties of honey were measured to contrast Apis mellifera, imitation honey and pothoney types of Tetragonula carbonaria and three species of Melipona, with two methods (DPPH and TEAC). The Australian pot-honey of Tetragonula carbonaria was the most active with the DPPH method (IC50 83.33 mg/ml) and the Brazilian pot-honey of Melipona fasciculata was the most active with the TEAC method (307.2 μ moles Trolox equivalents/100g honey) as well as in polyphenol contents (718.7 mg gallic acid/100 g honey), and higher hydrating power of the emulsion (51.23%).