Honey has, over the years, been hailed as a skin-saving agent. It’s a natural humectant that contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a true soother and healer of acne, eczema, and dry skin.

Honey comes in various forms that are perfect for skin. For example, raw honey that’s unpasteurized contains the natural enzymes and nutrients your skin desires. When it comes to skin-healing power, one type stands out, and that's manuka honey.

This post explains why honey is good for skin, why manuka is the best, in which ways you can use it effectively, and which precautions to take.

Why is Honey Good for Skin?

Honey has many great medicinal properties. As reported in the study, Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin, McLoone et al. indicate that honey exerts its effect at various levels. It balances the microbiome of the skin, promotes natural regeneration, and minimizes inflammation by healing the skin barrier.

This is the reason why it has been culturally used over centuries as a remedy of choice in the treatment of wounds, burns, and other chronic skin conditions. The skin benefits of honey include:

1. Moisturizing: Being a natural humectant, honey helps attract water into the skin and seals it there.
2. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial: Honey combats acne-germs, assists the healing of wounds, and decreases the chances of infection.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: Honey relieves redness, eczema, psoriasis, and chronic inflammation by providing a calming, anti-inflammatory remedy.
4. Antioxidants: Honey reduces the appearance of wrinkles and aging and improves skin tone.

Various Types of Honey For Skin

Raw Honey

Raw honey preserves its enzymes, antioxidants, and skin-healing agents. Its full therapeutic value is active when it’s natural and not processed. Raw honey is ideal for nourishing, moisturizing, and repairing the skin.

Avoid:

• Pasteurized honey
• Syrups and additives that are combined with honey
• Honey that’s falsely branded as natural and with an unverified source of origin

Other Top-Quality Honeys

• Buckwheat Honey: It’s dark, rich, and a high source of antioxidants. This honey is excellent for moisturizing dry skin.
• Eucalyptus Honey: It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a regular remedy in traditional medicine for skin.

Manuka Honey: The Best Choice For Skin

Manuka honey is a proven and scientifically approved medical-level product when it comes to skin healing. Originating from the Leptospermum scoparium plant of New Zealand, manuka honey is darker, thicker, and more concentrated than any standard squeeze bottle you can buy in the supermarket.

What Makes Manuka Honey Good for Skin?

The secret behind the strength of manuka is a naturally derived compound named methylglyoxal (MGO). It’s the agent that gives manuka honey its extraordinary antibacterial qualities. In contrast to other honeys, which get their antimicrobial effects from hydrogen peroxide, manuka retains its active compounds even in diluted or heated states. This makes it one of the most stable and reliable options for skin care.

Manuka is graded using the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating system to indicate its potency. A rating of UMF 10-plus implies that the honey contains authentic healing power with significant amounts of MGO and natural enzymes. 

Proven Benefits for Skin Health

The clinical evidence backing manuka honey is impressive. Researchers like McLoone et al. have found that manuka can destroy acne-causing bacteria, calm eczema and psoriasis, and even support the healing of serious wounds and cold sores. More studies in the AIMS Microbiology journal confirm makuna honey's benefits for skin, therapeutic use, and its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it a powerful remedy for redness, inflammation, and even very dry skin. It soothes while it disinfects, accelerating the healing process without irritating sensitive skin.

How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey

First, ensure you're purchasing certified UMF honey to avoid buying overpriced, ineffective jars. Avoid anything that doesn’t clearly state its UMF or MGO rating. When used correctly and consistently, manuka honey delivers results. Look for:

• A UMF of 10 or higher: This indicates therapeutic strength
• An MGO of 263+: This is the minimum standard for active healing
• Source Authenticity: A traceable source from New Zealand

Manuka Honey Benefits for Skin Care

Deep Hydration and Moisture Retention

One of manuka honey’s best traits is its natural humectant properties. This means it pulls moisture from the air and binds it to your skin, keeping it hydrated for longer. It’s ideal for dry skin, flaky patches, and post-acne marks.

Since manuka honey also contains amino acids, it nourishes and retains moisture. It also offers a serious upgrade over synthetic creams that just sit on top of your skin. If you use it consistently, you’ll notice:

• Your skin feels more plump and hydrated
• Less flakiness and irritation
• Greater resilience in your skin barrier

Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties

Manuka honey contains MGO, which gives it exceptional antibacterial properties. It fights acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), reducing breakouts without drying your skin. Its antimicrobial properties also prevent infection and speed up the healing process. It's especially effective on inflamed pimples, scratches, and minor wounds.

This makes manuka honey an effective treatment for:

• Acne, including hormonal or cystic types
• Post-shave irritation and razor bumps
• Ingrown hairs and small cuts

Anti-Inflammatory Effects for Sensitive and Reactive Skin

Inflamed, red, or reactive skin needs ingredients that calm, not aggravate. That’s where manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties shine. It helps reduce redness, calms eczema and psoriasis, and relieves chronic inflammation without triggering flare-ups.

Its soothing properties make it safe for:

• Sensitive skin
• Eczema and psoriasis
• Damaged or over-exfoliated skin

Powerful Wound Healing and Regeneration Properties

Backed by both traditional medicine and modern clinical research, manuka honey has been shown to accelerate wound healing, even in serious cases like ulcers, burns, and cold sores. McLoone et al. indicate that manuka honey's low pH, high sugar concentration, and enzyme profile promote tissue regeneration and prevent bacterial overgrowth. 

It doesn’t matter if you have scratches or surface-level skin wounds. Manuka honey can:

• Speed up recovery from minor burns or blemishes
• Treat stubborn dry patches or cracked skin
• Soothe and heal cold sores

Antioxidant Properties for Anti-Aging

Finally, manuka honey is rich in antioxidants that help defend your skin against free radical damage. Over time, this means fewer fine lines, better elasticity, and a more even tone. It also supports long-term skin health by neutralizing oxidative stress, which is one of the main drivers of premature aging. With regular use, your skin will look smoother and hydrated.

A Tested & Proven Manuka-Honey Based Moisturizer: Evil Goods Whipped Tallow Honey Balm

If your skin is dry, reactive, acne-prone, or just straight-up tired of synthetic junk, this balm is your skin’s new best friend. Evil Goods Whipped Tallow Honey Balm combines the proven strength of manuka honey with ultra-nourishing, skin-identical ingredients.

All-in-One Skin Repair Moisturizer

The Whipped Tallow Honey Balm is a repair cream that targets real skin issues like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dry skin. This is why it works:

• Manuka Honey (UMF 15+): It contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing benefits to help heal blemishes, reduce redness, and repair a damaged skin barrier.
• Grass-Fed Tallow: A skin-loving fat that mimics your body’s natural oils. It's rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K to deeply nourish and protect your skin.
• Cold-Pressed Olive Oil: It’s high in squalene and antioxidants that moisturize and improve your tone, leaving your skin radiant.
• Organic Vitamin E: It speeds the healing process and guards skin against free radicals.
• Pot Marigold Extract (Calendula): A plant-powered anti-inflammatory that soothes eczema and psoriasis flare-ups.

Skin Results To Expect:

• Soothed itchy skin
• Faster skin healing
• Relief of chronic skin inflammation
• Deep hydration without clogging pores (non-comedogenic)

Real Ingredients, Amazing Results

• Zero toxins, no parabens, no phthalates, no seed oils, and no synthetic fragrance
• Feels like whipped silk. It absorbs fast and leaves you with soft, hydrated skin
• Made in the U.S. with organic, skin-loving ingredients
• Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping

Shop our Whipped Tallow Honey Balm today for real skin repair.

How to Use Honey in Your Skincare Routine

Adding manuka honey to your daily skincare routine can be transformative if you're dealing with acne, dry skin, or sensitive skin. You don’t need fancy tools or ten-step routines, just the right kind of honey and the right method.

Honey For Everyday Uses:

Manuka honey is incredibly versatile. Here's how to use it effectively:

• As a Cleanser: Apply a small amount of manuka honey directly to damp skin. Massage gently and rinse with lukewarm water. It lifts dirt without stripping oils.
• For Spot Treatment: Dab on blemishes or cold sores for an overnight antibacterial boost.
• As a Moisturizer: Mix a tiny bit with your favorite balm or apply directly under the Evil Goods Whipped Tallow Honey Balm for double-action.

Honey DIY Masks for Targeted Skin Repair:

• Glowing Skin Mask:
  • Mix 1 tsp raw honey with 1 tsp aloe vera gel.
  • Apply a thin layer to clean skin for 15–20 minutes.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and moisturize.
  • Great for hydration, reducing redness, and calming irritation.
• Acne-Fighting Mask:
  • Combine 1 tsp manuka honey with a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon.
  • Use 2–3 times per week to target acne-causing bacteria.
• Dry Skin Hydration Mask:
  • Mix manuka honey with mashed avocado or plain yogurt.
  • Restores elasticity and leaves skin hydrated and smooth.

Tips for Using Honey for Different Skin Types

• Sensitive Skin: Always patch test before full application. Choose UMF-certified manuka honey for its soothing properties.
• Dry Skin: Use masks up to 3x weekly and follow with a nourishing balm from Evil Goods.
• Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Stick to pure, raw manuka honey and avoid adding oils unless your skin tolerates them.

Best Application Practices for Honey

• Always rinse with lukewarm water, not hot.
• Pat dry, never rub.
• Use clean hands or a small spoon to scoop honey to prevent contamination.
• Store your honey tightly sealed and away from water, heat, or sunlight.

Make it a habit, not a one-off. Regular use of manuka honey builds up skin health over time, restoring balance, soothing irritation, and promoting long-term skin repair.

How to Select the Best Honey for Skin

What to Look For

Always choose raw honey that’s unpasteurized and unfiltered. Raw honey is rich in natural enzymes that give it its therapeutic properties and make it effective for skin repair, wound healing, and skin hydration.

If you want radiance and results, go for UMF-certified manuka honey. A UMF of 10+ or MGO 263+ is considered medical-grade honey, ideal for treating eczema, acne, or active inflammation. Anything lower may still be helpful for general moisturizing, but won’t deliver the same level of results.

What to Avoid

Stay away from honey that’s:

• Labeled “pasteurized” or “ultra-filtered”
• Missing source info or origin details
• Mixed with corn syrup or other additives

These products won’t offer the same honey benefits and could even trigger sensitivity or skin reactions. When it comes to your skin, shortcuts don’t work. The best results come from clean, potent, and traceable honey.

Scientific Evidence & Traditional Use of Honey

Long before skincare aisles were packed with lab-made formulas, honey was used as a medicinal agent. From ancient times, indigenous people, including the Egyptians and Greeks, used raw honey to treat wounds, burns, and various skin conditions.

Today, modern science backs what traditional medicine knew centuries ago. Clinical studies have confirmed that manuka honey, in particular, has powerful antibacterial properties and supports wound healing even in cases resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA infections.

According to a study published in AIMS Microbiology, manuka honey displayed strong action against chronic inflammation, helped reduce bacterial load, and sped up the healing process of infected skin ulcers. The review by McLoone et al. also documented its role in decreasing infection and promoting tissue regeneration in burn patients and found that manuka honey can soothe and help heal skin burns.

In addition to this, honey’s low pH and natural enzyme activity create an environment that promotes healing while reducing swelling and redness. This makes it ideal for treating acne, eczema, cold sores, and even minor cuts.

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Manuka Honey & Tallow Balm

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Common Myths About Honey

There’s a lot of noise around using honey in skincare. Here’s what you really need to know, backed by facts.

Myth: Honey Causes Acne

False. High-quality honey, especially manuka honey, has strong antibacterial and healing properties that actually fight acne-causing bacteria. Its ability to calm inflammation, regulate moisture, and disinfect makes it a smart option for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Myth: The Sugar in Honey Makes Breakouts Worse

Wrong again. Surface sugar isn’t absorbed like dietary sugar. Honey’s pH, enzyme activity, and antimicrobial properties work on contact to clean and protect skin. It clears pores and doesn’t clog them.

Myth: All Honey is the Same

Not even close. Only natural raw honey contains the full spectrum of natural enzymes and healing compounds. When it comes to wound care or serious skin concerns, only manuka honey with a verified UMF of 10+ delivers medical-grade benefits like tone improvement.

Precautions & Best Practices of Using Honey For Skin Care

1. Patch Test First

Even though manuka honey is known for its soothing properties, always patch test before a full-face application if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.

2. Keep It Clean

Use a clean spoon or spatula to scoop honey. Avoid double-dipping to prevent bacterial contamination.

3. Don't Use on Infants

Topical application of honey is not recommended for babies under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

4. Avoid Eyes

Keep honey away from your eye area. It can irritate the eyes and doesn’t belong on the delicate skin around them.

5. Store Properly

Keep honey in a cool, dark place. Always seal the container tightly to protect its natural enzymes and therapeutic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honey Is Best for Skin Tone?

Manuka honey is perfect for skin tone improvement. Its many benefits include antioxidant properties that help fade dark spots, reduce dullness, and support overall skin health. While it doesn’t bleach the skin, it helps retain moisture and encourages a visibly brighter, more even tone over time.

Can I Use Any Honey for My Face?

No. Always use natural raw honey, ideally UMF-certified manuka honey. Processed varieties lose their natural enzymes and may contain additives that compromise your skin barrier function or cause irritation.

Can I Apply Honey on My Face Every Day?

Yes, especially if you’re using manuka honey. It’s gentle enough for daily use and supports hydrated skin, calms inflammation, and promotes wound healing. Start with 2–3 times per week and adjust based on your skin type.

What Should I Mix With Honey to Get Fair Skin?

Combine manuka honey with natural brighteners like lemon juice (if your skin isn’t sensitive), aloe vera, olive oil, or yogurt. These ingredients support glowing skin and help with tone correction. Patch test first to avoid irritation.

What Are the Disadvantages of Applying Honey on the Face?

While rare, potential issues could include:

• Allergic reactions, especially with pollen sensitivities
• Sticky residue if not rinsed properly
• Contamination if not applied with clean hands or tools

Always patch test and use high-quality honey to avoid side effects.

Can Honey Remove Dark Spots?

Yes. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help fade blemishes, promote skin healing, and reduce pigmentation over time.

How Do I Use Honey for Glowing Skin?

Apply a thin layer of raw or manuka honey to clean skin. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow with an Evil Goods Tallow Balm for maximum glow.

Repair Your Skin With Manuka Honey and Tallow Today

If you're looking to get glowy, healthy skin or to maintain it, skip the processed stuff and go for raw, UMF-certified manuka honey. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and packed with properties that help your skin actually heal.

When paired with beef tallow, the results go even deeper. Tallow mimics your skin’s natural oils, supports the skin barrier, and delivers fat-soluble vitamins your skin can absorb. Stop feeding your skin chemicals and feed it real nutrition.

Shop Evil Goods today.

References

1. Johnston, M., McBride, M., Dahiya, D., Owusu-Apenten, R., & Nigam, P. S. (2018). Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview. AIMS Microbiology, 4(4), 655.
2. McLoone, P., Tabatabaei, S. M., Hamill, A. W., & Simpson, A. J. (2016). Honey: A therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin. Central Asian Journal of Global Health, 5(1).

Dr. Elena Dinkollari

MD, Dermatologist & Endocrinology Assistant

Doctor Approved