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 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).

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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