What is propolis?

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and bark, prized for its potent antimicrobial, healing, and soothing properties.[1][3]

  • Origin: Gathered by honeybees from tree resins, then mixed with beeswax and enzymes to create a protective seal in the hive.[4]
  • History: Used since ancient times in folk medicine for wound healing, infection prevention, and skin care.[2][4]
  • Composition: Contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and essential oils - compounds known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.[1][5]
  • Why We Love It: Supports skin repair, calms irritation, and helps keep feet healthy, protected, and resilient - naturally.[1][2][6]

What is propolis made up of?

  • 10-15%
    Flavonoids
    → antimicrobial shield
    Flavonoids help fight bacteria and fungi, supporting healthy, protected skin.[5][11]
  • 5-10%
    Phenolic acids
    → skin repair support
    Phenolic acids speed up skin healing and reduce inflammation.[5][11]
  • 2-5%
    Terpenes
    → calming agent
    Terpenes soothe irritation and support the skin’s natural healing process.[5][11]
  • 1-3%
    Essential oils
    → barrier protection
    Essential oils help reinforce the skin barrier and provide mild antimicrobial action.[5][11]
  • 20-30%
    Beeswax
    → moisture lock
    Beeswax in propolis helps lock in moisture and protect skin from dryness.[5][11]
  • traces
    animo acids
    → healing support
    Amino acids support skin regeneration and resilience.[5][11]

Bee medicine, timeless remedy

History of Propolis

Propolis has been used for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to Greece and Rome, for its healing and protective powers. Bees use it to seal and sterilize their hives, while humans have long valued it for wound care and skin health - making it a timeless natural remedy.[2][4][7]

repair and defend, naturally

Why We Use It

We use propolis for its unique ability to speed up skin repair, fight bacteria, and calm irritation. Its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for active feet, helping to keep them comfortable, healthy, and protected.[1][2][6]

pure, bee-friendly sourcing

Where We Get It

Our propolis is responsibly harvested from healthy hives, ensuring purity and potency while supporting sustainable beekeeping and local ecosystems.[8][9]

safe for you, safe for the bees

Why It Matters

Choosing propolis means choosing a renewable, biodegradable ingredient that’s safe for your skin and supports responsible beekeeping. It helps us create products that are effective, gentle, and environmentally conscious - so you can feel a good buzz with every step![1][9][10]

Propolis FAQs

Why do The Feats products include propolis?

We use propolis for its ability to repair, protect, and soothe skin - naturally supporting healthy, comfortable feet.[1][6]

What does propolis do for my skin?

Propolis repairs, protects, and soothes skin with its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping keep feet healthy and resilient.[1][2][6]

Is propolis suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, propolis is gentle and effective for most skin types, but those with bee product allergies should patch test first.[1][2]

How is your propolis sourced?

Our propolis is responsibly harvested from healthy hives, supporting sustainable beekeeping and environmental balance.[8][9]

Does propolis have a scent or texture in your products?

Not at all. Propolis has a mild, earthy scent and blends seamlessly, enhancing skin feel without overpowering fragrance or stickiness.[1][5]

Scientific sources

  1. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/propolis-for-skin
  2. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323144
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/propolis
  4. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/propolis
  5. PubChem (NIH): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Propolis
  6. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-390/propolis
  7. Sforcin, J. M., & Bankova, V. (2011). "Propolis: Is there a potential for the development of new drugs?" Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 253-260. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110009997
  8. Supplier transparency reports
  9. Ethical Consumer: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/health-beauty/shopping-guide/beeswax
  10. Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702020-PROPOLIS/
  11. Przybyłek, I., & Karpiński, T. M. (2019). "Antibacterial properties of propolis." Molecules, 24(11), 2047. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/11/2047

Key Scientific Papers Supporting Propolis Use

  • Sforcin, J. M., & Bankova, V. (2011). "Propolis: Is there a potential for the development of new drugs?" Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 253-260. Reviews the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of propolis, highlighting its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Link
  • Przybyłek, I., & Karpiński, T. M. (2019). "Antibacterial properties of propolis." Molecules, 24(11), 2047.
    Demonstrates the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of propolis and its potential for use in skin care and infection prevention. Link
  • PubChem (NIH): Propolis Compound Summary. Provides a comprehensive overview of propolis’s chemical constituents and their biological activities. Link
  • Silici, S., & Kutluca, S. (2005). "Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of propolis collected by three different races of honeybees in the same region." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 99(1), 69-73. Examines the chemical diversity of propolis and confirms its antibacterial and skin-protective properties. Link

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