Propolis Extract — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: PROPOLIS EXTRACT
Also known as: Bee Propolis
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 85665-41-4
- Category
- botanical
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- serum, treatment
Is Propolis Extract safe in cosmetics?
Propolis Extract is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Cross-reacts with Balsam of Peru. Allergen for bee-sensitive individuals. Commonly found in serum, treatment.
What is Propolis Extract?
Bee-derived ingredient with antibacterial properties. Can cause contact allergy in bee/pollen sensitive individuals.
Allergy & Safety Information
Propolis Extract is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Botanical / Plant Extract Ingredients
Botanical extracts are derived from plants and used in cosmetics for their purported soothing, antioxidant, or active properties. However, the "natural" origin of botanicals does not make them inherently safe — plant extracts contain complex mixtures of compounds, some of which are potent allergens.
Relevance for Propolis Extract: Essential oil-containing botanicals (lavender, tea tree, citrus), Asteraceae family plants (chamomile, calendula, arnica), and propolis-containing extracts are among the most common botanical allergens. The processing method affects allergenicity: cold-pressed extracts retain more proteins than highly refined versions.
How to Identify Propolis Extract in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Propolis Extract, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Serum, Treatment. These product categories are the most common sources of Propolis Extract exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Propolis Extract? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Propolis Extract and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Propolis Extract safe for sensitive skin?
Propolis Extract may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Propolis Extract?
Propolis Extract is commonly found in serum, treatment.
What does Propolis Extract do in cosmetics?
Propolis Extract functions as a botanical in formulations. Cross-reacts with Balsam of Peru. Allergen for bee-sensitive individuals.
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Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Propolis Extract causing YOUR skin reactions?
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