Bee venom: composition, effect on skin and safety

What bee venom is

Bee venom or apitoxin is a mix of peptides, enzymes and biogenic amines that worker honey bees produce in the venom gland and use to defend the hive. The venom dissolves in water, oil and honey, tastes bitter and, once dried, becomes a whitish powder stable for years.

Composition

• Melittin (40–60 %) – the main peptide; dilates blood vessels and increases cell-membrane permeability. Responsible for the feeling of warmth and tightening.
• Phospholipase A2 (10–12 %) – an enzyme and the venom's main allergen.
• Apamin (2–3 %) and MCD peptide (2–3 %) – smaller peptides acting on nerve endings and mast cells.
• Hyaluronidase (1–3 %) – an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in tissue and eases penetration of other components.
• Biogenic amines (histamine, dopamine, noradrenaline) – in traces; contribute to redness.

How it works on skin

At cosmetic concentrations venom does not penetrate deeply like a sting. Melittin and hyaluronidase increase the permeability of the surface layers and stimulate micro-circulation. The skin flushes slightly, tingling and warmth are felt, then a tightening sensation – which is why venom is popularly called "natural Botox", although its mechanism has nothing to do with botulinum toxin.

With regular use (8–12 weeks) users most often describe smoother texture, a taut feel, less visible fine lines and a fresher complexion.

What the research says

In an independent study of a bee venom serum (South Korea, 12 weeks) participants most often reported healthier and younger-looking skin and an improved appearance of fine wrinkles in their self-assessment, with the best results after 12 weeks. This is self-assessment – an indication, not proof. Bee venom is also the least researched bee product: published papers are few, analyses are expensive and literature data often diverge from practice.

How it is collected without harming bees

The device consists of an impulse generator and a glass plate with a mesh of fine wires placed at the hive entrance. A landing bee feels a mild impulse, releases a drop of venom onto the glass and flies away – the stinger stays intact. The venom is dried at about 40 °C, removed while wearing a mask and stored in dark glass. Bees are irritable for a few days after collection, so it is done rarely and far from people.

History

Bee venom is thought to have been used in Egyptian civilisation some 5,000 years ago; the first written records were left by Hippocrates (460–377 BC). Today it is used in apitherapy and, in very small concentrations, in skincare.

Safety and who must not use it

• People allergic to bee venom and bee products.
• People with sensitive skin, kidney and liver disease.
• Children under 12, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Do not apply to wounds, mucous membranes or damaged skin.

An allergy can also appear in people who were not sensitive before, so do a 30-minute forearm patch test before the first use of every product. Cosmetic products with venom are not medicines and do not treat diseases.