When it comes to honey, most people think of the sweet, sticky golden liquid drizzled over pancakes or stirred into a cup of tea. But did you know that not all honey is created equal? In this blog post, we're going to delve into the fascinating differences between high-quality New Zealand Manuka Honey compared to the regular honey you’ll find on supermarket shelves.

Manuka Honey: Nature's Elixir of Radiance:
Manuka honey has taken the skincare world by storm, and we at Bees Brilliance have harnessed its unique properties to create high quality skincare products. Derived from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium), a native plant in New Zealand. The Manuka bush exclusively blooms in the top of the South Island of New Zealand between December and February, the specific timeframe when the honey utilised in Bees Brilliance products is sourced. During this short 8 to 10-week period, the Manuka flowers are in full bloom, allowing honeybees to gather the precious nectar.

Skin-loving Properties:
The chemical properties of Manuka honey and Manuka essentials oils are well studied, and is known for their potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Manuka honey has a long history of traditional use among indigenous communities in New Zealand for its medicinal properties. It is often used to assist and support wound healing, soothe sore throats, and may aid digestive health. These characteristics are attributed to a compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO), which is found in high concentrations in Manuka honey. At Bees Brilliance all our Manuka honey is tested for its Methylglyoxal (MGO) content at independent certified laboratories. Manuka honey is often graded based on its MGO content. The higher the MGO level, the more potent the antimicrobial properties. There are different grading systems, but generally, a higher MGO rating indicates a higher quality and potentially higher therapeutic value.

Everyday table honey does not have a standardised grading system based on specific compounds like MGO. Compared to regular supermarket honey, Manuka honey boasts a much higher MGO content. MGO is what sets Manuka honey apart as a skincare superstar as studies have shown it can effectively inhibit the growth of a range of pathogens in wounds and skin conditions. It can support and help combat the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, when used in combination with a low-pH product to assist on a journey to a clearer complexion.

Manuka honey's anti-inflammatory benefits are a key component of its skin-enhancing capabilities. Inflammation is a common factor in skin issues such as redness, irritation, and puffiness. Manuka honey, when used in topical products, may assist inflammatory symptoms and is an ideal ingredient for skincare products designed to address conditions like eczema and rosacea, where inflammation plays a significant role.

The combination of these three remarkable properties - antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory - makes New Zealand Manuka honey a unique and sought-after ingredient in skincare products. When harnessed correctly, it can help individuals achieve healthier, more radiant skin while also offering potential therapeutic benefits for a variety of skin-related concerns. Manuka honey in topical skincare products provides a natural barrier against harmful bacteria while nourishing and moisturising the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

The humectant properties of Manuka honey help draw and retain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness. This makes it a perfect ingredient for hydrating skincare products that leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Quality & History:
Bees Brilliance takes great care in sourcing their Manuka honey. Matthew Cropp, a fourth-generation beekeeper, created Bees Brilliance with his wife Julene, inspired by his family's beekeeping legacy and his father's expertise.  With a passion for natural products, they diversified the business, creating a range of high-quality skincare products infused with New Zealand Manuka Honey's healing properties, achieving success through innovation and dedication. Their entrepreneurial journey, rooted in tradition, led to the establishment of a thriving venture combining beekeeping heritage with skincare innovation. From cleansers and masks to moisturisers and serums, this skincare innovation caters to a wide array of skincare needs. At Bees Brilliance, the team are the beekeepers, therefore you can guarantee high quality workmanship as they harvest the honey.

At Bees Brilliance we use the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) guidelines to authenticate and grade our Manuka Honey. All batches of Manuka Honey are independently tested at MPI certified laboratories for the Methylglyoxal (MGO) grades and the certificates are available for authenticity.

Supermarket Honey vs. Manuka Honey: The Verdict
While supermarket honey is undoubtedly cheaper and a delicious treat, it lacks the key unique properties that Manuka honey brings to the table. Manuka honey, with its high MGO content and extraordinary healing capabilities, is a true gem for skincare.

At Bees Brilliance, we understand the exceptional qualities of Manuka honey and its future in skincare. We use the finest Manuka honey in our products to deliver exceptional results. If you're in search of skincare that goes beyond the ordinary and delivers real results, it's time to explore the wonders of Manuka honey and our brand Bees Brilliance. Your skin will thank you for it.