A brand new medical examine printed within the scientific journal Cosmetics highlights the potential of Australian Jellybush honey extract as a pure ingredient for lowering post-acne scarring, together with in people with darker pores and skin tones, the place efficient remedy choices might be extra restricted.
Supported by each lab and medical findings, the extract might supply formulators a brand new method to managing scar look and enhancing pores and skin restoration throughout all phototypes.
A pure extract with scar-healing potential
The examine was led by researchers from Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant, which additionally funded the analysis, in collaboration with Southern Cross Botanicals. It investigated the consequences of a 2% focus of Jellybush honey extract on a number of organic processes concerned in pores and skin restore.
“In vitro, the extract diminished IL-8 manufacturing by 42%, decreased reactive oxygen species by 14.6%, and elevated pro-collagen I synthesis by 28%,” the researchers reported. These modifications correspond to a discount in irritation and oxidative stress, together with improved collagen manufacturing, that are components that instantly affect scar growth.
The extract additionally accelerated new pores and skin formation in a lab-grown pores and skin mannequin and was proven to modulate gene expression tied to barrier perform, inflammatory response, and tissue reworking.
Scientific enhancements throughout various pores and skin tones
In a double-blind medical examine, 21 contributors with pimples scars, representing pores and skin phototypes II by way of VI, used both a placebo cream or a formulation containing 2% Jellybush honey extract over an eight-week interval.
“Pores and skin homogeneity improved by 15%, scar floor space decreased by 3%, and atrophic and hypertrophic scar dimensions had been diminished by 9% and 16%, respectively,” the researchers reported, and the enhancements in tone and texture had been noticed throughout all pores and skin varieties.
Helps balanced therapeutic with out overstimulation
One of many examine’s key findings is the extract’s capacity to assist wholesome wound therapeutic with out overstimulating the pores and skin or inflicting unwanted effects. “This calibrated exercise represents a key therapeutic benefit in wound administration,” the researchers wrote.
By serving to regulate collagen manufacturing, restrict oxidative stress, and strengthen the pores and skin barrier, Jellybush honey extract confirmed a balanced method to scar discount. These properties are particularly related when formulating for darker pores and skin tones, that are extra liable to inflammation-related hyperpigmentation and complicated scarring patterns.
Formulation relevance for inclusive skincare
The extract’s efficiency throughout all phototypes factors to alternatives in inclusive skincare formulation. The researchers famous its potential as a plant-based various to standard scar therapies akin to lasers or chemical peels, which regularly contain excessive value, discomfort, or threat, notably for melanin-rich pores and skin.
“This consideration of pores and skin coloration variety is especially necessary as people with extremely pigmented pores and skin are extra vulnerable to growing complicated scarring,” the authors wrote.
Along with medical positive factors, contributors reported private enchancment. “The numerous enchancment in self-assessment scores noticed after simply 4 weeks of Jellybush honey utility” suggests early outcomes had a significant influence on how people felt about their pores and skin, the researchers added.
Supply: Cosmetics, 2025, 12, 224. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics12050224, “Jellybush Honey Extract: A Answer for Enhanced Wound Therapeutic and Scar Discount Throughout Numerous Pores and skin Phototypes.” Authors: J. Leignadier, et al.
