Bee Products in Cosmetic Industry: Propolis Extract a Potent “microbiome friendly” Active Ingredient

Abstract

Propolis is a multifunctional material used by bees in the construction and maintenance of their hives. The main chemical classes present in propolis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds. While use of products containing propolis have a long history, recently there has been renewed interest in it, and it is now increasingly being used in cosmetic industry with a promising role in future. The main objective of this study is to determine the chemical profile of several propolis extracts through HPTLC, in relationship with known markers such as pinocembrin, pinobaskin and other phenolic compounds. The results indicated that the extract of propolis diluted in 1,3-Propanediol has the richest profile and selected for further in vitro investigation. The in vitro study consists of testing a product solution within a sterile dilution medium and challenging this preparation with a prescribed inoculum of suitable micro-organisms. Based on the evaluation of a score algorithm, the tested product was characterized as microbiome friendly. Moreover, evaluation of the productʼs influence on the pathogenic microbiota indicated a selective action against Propionibacterium acnes, Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, Malassezia globosa, Candida glabrata and Streptococcus viridans. Finally, the findings of this study suggest that the specific propolis extract can play an important role as an active ingredient in cosmetic products intended for the scalp skin, armpit, and intimate area. The authors declare no conflict of interest.