Honey: Chemical Composition and Moisturizing Potential for The Skin – A Review

Author(s): Pedro Henrique Fonseca Veloso, Lilianny Mendes Soares Araújo, Vanessa de Andrade Royo

Human skin is the largest organ of the body and plays essential roles such as thermoregulation, immune response, and serving as a protective barrier against external agents. The outermost layer, the epidermis, includes the stratum corneum, which is primarily responsible for the skin’s barrier function, retaining moisture and protecting it against microorganisms and pollutants. The composition of this skin layer includes proteins, lipids, and hygroscopic substances known as the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), which help regulate hydration and skin permeability. In this context, honey stands out as a cosmetic ingredient due to its complex composition, rich in sugars, amino acids, proteins, organic acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytoconstituents. This set of substances gives honey humectant, moisturizing, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, enhancing water retention by the stratum corneum and supporting the integrity of the skin barrier. In addition, it contains unique elements such as polyhydroxy acids and phenolic compounds that improve the skin's appearance. These features make honey a high-performance cosmetic ingredient, justifying its use in various formulations aimed at skin hydration and dermal health.