Propolis for Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)

A bee-made resin that's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Calms breakouts and hydrates at the same time.

Why it works for Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)

Helps damage the yeast behind fungal acne. Propolis is a bee resin, and in lab tests it breaks down the structure of several Malassezia yeast species. Most of the proof so far is from lab or animal studies. It is a useful supporting ingredient, not a main treatment.

How Propolis works

Resin collected by bees; flavonoid content gives antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Propolis ingredient page.

journal2026

Chantadee T et al., In Situ Thai Apis mellifera Propolis Film as Potential Protective Phytopharmaceuticals Against UVB-Induced HaCaT Keratinocyte Damage, Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2026

journal2025

Watanabe C et al., Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of propolis from Jeju Island, Korea, Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry 2025;89(6):787-794 — in-vitro: 70% ethanol extract of Jeju propolis + main component xanthoangelol showed strong competitive tyrosinase inhibition, supporting propolis as melanogenesis-inhibiting active

journal2021

Effect of propolis on wound healing in sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial, 2021 — accelerated wound healing from week 1 with greater effect days 14-28 vs control

journal2021

Martin BA et al., A New Approach to Atopic Dermatitis Control with Low-Concentration Propolis-Loaded Cold Cream, Pharmaceutics 2021;13(9):1346 — low-concentration propolis cold cream reduced atopic-dermatitis severity

Products with Propolis in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Propolis as a tracked ingredient.

iUNIK

Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

$25 · Essence

COSRX

Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule

$26 · Essence

Beauty of Joseon

Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

$17 · Serum

Benton

Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

$18 · Treatment

COSRX

Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

$22 · Toner

Skinfood

Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence

$22 · Serum

Full Propolis guide →Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) overview →