Can Bee Venom Really Give You Firm, Flawless Skin?

Bee venom has been a big trend in the West with Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton using it for flawless glowing skin. But can this exotic ingredient really give you firm, flawless skin? We spoke to Federico Natalini, the founding partner of LR Wonder Company India that has launched beauty products containing bee venom to get more clarity.

What is bee venom?

Bee venom is a naturally occurring substance produced by honey bees that is considered by many today as a wonder cure. It is a natural cosmetic with therapeutic effects known since ancient times. “When we talk about the wonder effects of Bee Venom, we are essentially talking about mellitin (a basic peptide consisting of 26 amino acids), the key component of honeybee venom. Our skin reacts to mellitin by increasing the production of collagen and elastin which naturally fills wrinkles and firms the skin. Due to this anti-aging action which occurs in a short period of time it is commonly referred to as the "natural botox" alternative!” Says Federico. 

How is it used in beauty products?

“Today, the advanced techniques available make it possible to extract the precious (and expensive, about 8 times the value per gram of gold) bee venom without killing the precious bees, an essential component of our ecosystem. Cosmetic products containing mellitin induce a vasodilation effect on the skin, with the subsequent production of collagen and elastic fibers, essential to providing a tight, youthful freshness to the face,” says Federico.

The surprising benefits of bee venom for your skin

1. Bee venom has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which can sooth acne prone skin.

2. In reaction to the melittin, our body increases the production of collagen and elastin which naturally fill wrinkles and firms the skin. "A natural botox”: it counteracts skin aging by activating a natural physiological response, unlike traditional botox. 

3. Softens wrinkles and imperfections! The natural plumping effect and optimal hydration relax the facial features and give a more rested and youthful appearance.

4. It does not cause allergies as the quantity contained is much lower than that of a bee sting, moreover, being contained in cream or serum, its penetration is only up to the surface level.