Manuka Honey for Acne: What to Know Before Using It on Your Skin
Manuka honey acne is a popular search topic for people interested in natural skincare. Manuka honey is widely recognised for its naturally occurring compounds and has been researched for antimicrobial activity, which has led to interest in its possible use on blemish-prone skin.
However, it is important to understand what the evidence actually shows before putting honey on your face. While Manuka honey has interesting properties, research specifically proving that ordinary Manuka honey clears acne is limited.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Australian Manuka honey is produced by bees collecting nectar from plants in the Leptospermum genus. Australia has a wide diversity of native Leptospermum species, which contribute to the distinctive characteristics of Australian Manuka honey.
One of its best-known compounds is methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is naturally formed from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which occurs in the nectar of some Leptospermum flowers. As honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO.
This is why Manuka honey products are often labelled with MGO ratings such as MGO 100+, MGO 550+ and MGO 850+. The rating describes the concentration of MGO; it does not indicate a guaranteed acne treatment effect.
Why Is Manuka Honey Interesting for Acne-Prone Skin?
Honey has properties that have attracted scientific interest in dermatology, particularly its antimicrobial effects.
Manuka honey contains MGO, a compound associated with antibacterial activity. However, laboratory activity against microorganisms does not automatically mean that applying honey to acne will produce the same results in people.
This distinction is especially important when reading online claims about Manuka honey for acne.
What Does the Acne Research Actually Show?
There is a useful clinical study to know about, but it needs to be interpreted correctly.
A randomised controlled trial involving 136 people with facial acne tested a product containing 90% medical-grade Manuka honey and 10% glycerine alongside antibacterial soap. After 12 weeks, researchers found no evidence that adding the honey product was more effective than the antibacterial soap alone.
That study is important because Manuka are different plants, even though both belong to the Leptospermum genus. Therefore, the results should not be presented as direct proof that Manuka honey treats acne.
At present, there is not strong clinical evidence showing that food-grade Manuka honey is an effective standalone acne treatment.
Can Manuka Honey Help With Bacteria?
Acne involves several factors, including excess sebum, follicular blockage, inflammation and changes in the skin microbiome.
Manuka honey has demonstrated antimicrobial effects in laboratory research, which is one reason researchers continue to investigate it. However, laboratory findings are not enough to establish an effective acne treatment.
Current American Academy of Dermatology guidance recommends established acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, salicylic acid and azelaic acid, depending on the patient’s circumstances.
Should You Put Manuka Honey Directly on Acne?
Applying food-grade honey to your face is not the same as using a formulated acne treatment.
Food honey is produced primarily for eating and is not necessarily designed, tested or preserved for facial skincare. Individual skin can also react to natural ingredients.
Possible problems include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning or irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Contact dermatitis
People with sensitive skin or known allergies to honey or bee-related products should be particularly cautious.
What About MGO-Rated Manuka Honey?
You may see products labelled MGO 550+, MGO 850+ or MGO 1200+ marketed for various wellness or skincare purposes.
MGO is a useful measurement of a Manuka honey’s methylglyoxal concentration. However, a higher MGO rating does not mean that the honey has been proven to be more effective for acne.
In other words:
MGO rating = measurable MGO concentration
Acne treatment = requires clinical evidence
These are not the same thing.
Manuka Honey vs Medical-Grade Honey
Another important distinction is between ordinary honey and medical-grade honey.
Medical-grade honey products are specifically prepared for clinical or wound-care applications. Research into medical honey should not automatically be applied to a jar of food-grade Manuka honey used as a homemade facial mask.
If a dermatologist recommends a medical honey product for a particular skin problem, follow the product’s intended-use instructions rather than substituting ordinary kitchen honey.
Is Manuka Honey Good for Acne Scars?
There is also a difference between treating active acne and treating acne scars.
Manuka honey has not been established as a reliable treatment for acne scars. Scarring can involve changes deep within the skin and may require specific dermatological treatments depending on the type of scar.
Treating active acne early and appropriately can be more useful for reducing the risk of additional scarring.
How to Be Careful With Honey on Your Face
If you are considering trying Manuka honey as part of your skincare routine, a few basic precautions can reduce the chance of irritation.
Patch test first: Try a small amount on a limited area rather than applying it immediately across your whole face.
Check the ingredients: This is especially important with honey-based skincare products containing additional ingredients.
Avoid damaged skin: Do not experiment with new topical ingredients on severely irritated or broken skin.
Stop if irritation occurs: Wash the product off if you experience burning, redness, itching or swelling.
For persistent or moderate-to-severe acne, professional assessment is more appropriate than relying on DIY treatments.
Can You Still Enjoy Manuka Honey?
Absolutely. Manuka honey can be enjoyed as a premium food and natural sweetener.
It can be added to:
- Porridge
- Toast
- Greek yoghurt
- Smoothies
- Fruit
- Warm drinks
Its MGO content and distinctive flavour make it different from many ordinary honeys, but these characteristics should not be confused with a clinically established acne treatment.
Final Thoughts
The interest in Manuka honey acne comes largely from honey’s antimicrobial properties and the presence of naturally occurring compounds such as MGO. However, evidence specifically supporting food-grade Manuka honey as an effective acne treatment remains limited.
A randomised clinical trial of medical-grade Manuka honey did not find a significant additional benefit for acne when added to antibacterial soap, and that study should not be treated as direct evidence for Manuka honey.
For people dealing with acne, established treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, salicylic acid and azelaic acid have stronger clinical support in current dermatology guidance.
Manuka honey can still be appreciated for its distinctive flavour and naturally occurring MGO, but it is best to keep expectations realistic when it comes to skincare. If acne is persistent, painful or leaving scars, a dermatologist can help identify an appropriate treatment plan.