From Cleopatra to You: The Ancient Ingredient That’s Still Transforming Skin

In a world overflowing with beauty products, one ancient ingredient continues to stand out: Manuka honey. Hailing from the pristine landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, this golden elixir isn’t just a sweet treat — it’s a skin and wellness powerhouse treasured for centuries. From Cleopatra’s rumored honey baths to today’s luxury skincare lines, the world has long turned to honey for its nourishing properties — but Manuka honey takes it a step further. Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium bush — commonly known as the Manuka tree. Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring compound that has been studied for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties¹,². The higher the MGO number, the higher the concentration of methylglyoxal per gram of Manuka honey.

1. Glow From Within: A Natural Skin Brightener

One of Manuka honey’s most beloved benefits is its ability to hydrate, brighten, and balance the skin. It may maintain moisture without making the skin oily, making it an option for dry or combination skin types.

QUICK TIP Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey to clean skin and leave on for 20 minutes as a hydrating face mask, then rinse off with warm water for a dewy glow.

2. A Sweet Spot for Unsettled Skin

Manuka honey has a naturally thick, cushiony texture that sits like a gentle barrier on the skin. It can be used as a targeted spot treatment especially when skin feels out of balance.

QUICK TIP Dab a tiny amount of Manuka honey directly onto spots before bed and rinse off in the morning.

3. Soothing Sensitive Skin

When your skin feels extra delicate, simplicity matters. Manuka honey blends beautifully into balms and creams, bringing a soft, cocooning feel to your routine – especially on days when your skin needs a little extra care.

Try mixing it into a natural balm or add it to your body lotion as a weekly treatment.

4. Lip Treatment & Natural Exfoliator

Dry, chapped lips? Mix a bit of Manuka honey with sugar or ground oats for a gentle lip exfoliator. It supports to buff away dead skin while leaving your lips soft and hydrated. Follow with a dab of pure honey to seal in moisture.

5. Scalp & Hair Reviver

The uses of Manuka honey extend well beyond the face. Often called a superfood, it makes nourishing addition to scalp and hair rituals.

TRY THIS Add a teaspoon of Manuka honey to your conditioner or mix with coconut oil for a deeply moisturising hair mask.

A Ritual Worth Keeping

Incorporating Manuka honey into your self-care rituals is not just about skincare — it’s about connecting to something ancient, simple, and effective. Whether it’s a spoonful in warm tea, or a weekly glow mask for your skin, Manuka honey invites us to slow down and let nature do its work.