Honey works as a skin healer mainly through antimicrobial action—it releases hydrogen peroxide and contains compounds like methylglyoxal (especially in manuka honey) that fight bacteria. In cosmetic products, honey at 1-10% concentration acts as a moisturizer, soothes skin, and may help with wrinkles, while medical-grade honey at much higher concentrations (up to 70%) is used for wound and burn treatment.

This was a review study, meaning the authors analyzed and summarized existing research on honey in skin care rather than conducting new experiments. They looked at honey's chemical composition and how it's been used historically and in modern dermatology.

Funding not disclosed in abstract