Propolis: What Is It & Why We Use It in Our Balms
- Anat Edwy
What Is Propolis?
The word 'Propolis' originated from the Greek words "Pro" - to protect - and "Polis" - community.
Thanks to Propolis, bee populations have protected themselves against infections for millions of years.
Propolis is a brown, sticky, resinous substance gathered by bees from the surface of the buds of evergreen trees such as birch and poplar.
Bees use Propolis as a hive defence and in constructing and repairing their hives, such as sealing openings, repairing cracks and smoothing out the internal walls to create a protective barrier against external invaders like wasps. Bees also use Propolis as a protective sealant against weathering threats like wind and rain.
Propolis protects the hive against fungus and is also a natural disinfectant used to clean and sterilise the inside of the hive.
A History of Propolis in Human Use
Propolis has been used by mankind for many centuries. Egyptian priests used it for embalming mummies, and Roman soldiers took it with them on their military expeditions and used it topically and internally to treat wounds, ulcers, and boils and as an analgesic. The Incas used it to prevent and reduce fever.
Why We Use Propolis in Our Balms
We use Propolis because of its long history as a natural protector and healer - the same qualities that make it so effective in the hive. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help protect skin from infection, while its natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory qualities support the skin's own healing process. These are the same properties that saw it used for treating wounds, ulcers, and boils for centuries.
At It's All Good, we use sustainably sourced 100% NZ Propolis alongside Raw beeswax, which also has excellent therapeutic qualities.
Protect Yourself and Your Family, Like the Bees Do
She'll Be Right + is a multi-purpose, gentle and effective Propolis & calendula balm that soothes and comforts inflamed or irritated skin while reducing itching, swelling, and the appearance of scarring. It forms a protective barrier to support natural recovery and is ideal for:
● Mosquito and sandfly bites
● Minor cuts, burns and grazes
● Cold sores and fungal-affected skin
● Dry or cracked skin
● Tattoo and cuticle care
● Skin prone to eczema and psoriasis
Made with shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula, Propolis, beeswax and vitamin E, and packed in a recyclable, reusable metal container. Shop She'll Be Right + here.
Survival Balm
Survival Balm is the ultimate all-purpose balm for all skin requirements and emergencies when you're out in the wild. Specifically formulated for active outdoor lovers and the whole family, use it for:
● Mild burns, grazes and cuts
● Chafing, itching and swelling
● Dry skin
● As an insect repellent and mild (physical) sunscreen*
● As a natural deodorant
Made with shea butter, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, tamanu oil, karanja oil, calendula oil, non-nano zinc oxide, beeswax, Propolis, and essential oils of vanilla and eucalyptus citrodora. Packed in a recyclable, reusable metal container. Shop Survival Balm here.
Whichever balm you choose, both harness the protective power of Propolis — just like the bees do. Browse our full range of balms and body care to find your fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is propolis?
Propolis is a sticky, resinous substance bees gather from evergreen tree buds to defend, seal, and disinfect their hives. It's been used by humans for thousands of years for its protective and healing properties.
Is propolis safe for sensitive or irritated skin?
Yes, for most people. Propolis is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which is why it's gentle enough to use on already-irritated skin - that's the whole reason it's in a soothing balm like She'll Be Right +. It's specifically formulated to calm bites, stings and irritated skin. As with any new skincare product, we'd recommend patch-testing on a small area first if you have particularly reactive skin. The exception is anyone with a known bee allergy, who should avoid propolis-based products altogether, since it's a bee-derived ingredient.
What's the difference between She'll Be Right + and Survival Balm?
She'll Be Right + is focused on soothing bites, stings, scarring and irritated or fungal-affected skin. Survival Balm is a broader outdoor-adventure companion - it also works as an insect repellent, mild physical sunscreen, and natural deodorant, on top of treating burns, grazes and dry skin.
Where does It's All Good source its propolis from?
We use sustainably sourced 100% NZ Propolis, alongside NZ raw beeswax, in our balms.