Manuka Honey is one of the simplest natural skincare ideas you can try at home. It's a thick, sticky humectant, which means it draws moisture towards the skin, and many Australians use it in face masks and gentle cleansers for a softer, smoother look.
Interest in natural skincare keeps growing. People want shorter ingredient lists and products they can recognise, and Manuka Honey fits that. Bees make it by foraging on manuka (Leptospermum) flowers, and it contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound found in much higher amounts than in regular honey. MGO is the number on the jar, and it's why manuka honey is graded by strength.
This guide covers the benefits of manuka honey for skin, what the research actually shows, how to use it, five simple recipes, and which MGO level makes sense. We'll tell you what's well supported and what isn't.
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Key takeaways • Manuka honey works mainly as a humectant for skin. It helps skin hold moisture and feel softer. • Use a thin layer for 10–15 minutes, once or twice a week, after a patch test. • MGO 1200+ and MGO 1500+ is enough for most face masks. |
What Is Manuka Honey and Why Is It Used on Skin?
Manuka honey is a monofloral honey made from the nectar of Leptospermum (manuka) flowers. It contains methylglyoxal (MGO) in much higher amounts than regular honey, which is why it's graded by strength and popular in skincare routines.
Where Manuka Honey Comes From
Bees make manuka honey when they forage mostly on manuka flowers. Leptospermum is a plant genus in the Myrtaceae family, and the plants are sometimes called tea trees. Because the honey comes mainly from one type of flower, it's called monofloral.
What Does the Research Say About Manuka Honey on Skin?
The best case for manuka honey for skin is hydration and gentle care, not treatment. A review of honey in skin care by Burlando and Cornara (2013) describes honey's moisturising and antibacterial roles. Research by Mavric and colleagues (2008) identified methylglyoxal as a main antibacterial compound in manuka honey.
Benefits of Manuka Honey for Skin
Here are the benefits of manuka honey that people look for most often, each with an honest note on what to expect.
1. Hydration for Dry Feeling Skin
This is the best supported benefit. Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it pulls water towards itself, so a thin layer can leave skin feeling softer and less tight. That's useful in dry southern winters or in an air-conditioned office. Because you rinse a honey mask off, it isn't a true moisturiser, so follow it with your usual moisturiser. For many people, manuka honey for skin is simply a gentle hydrating treat once a week.
2. Smoother, Softer Feeling Skin
Honey is mildly acidic and contains natural sugars and enzymes. When you massage it in gently and rinse, it can lift surface dryness and leave skin feeling smoother. Think of it as a feeling, not a peel. Don't scrub hard, and skip this on irritated or sunburnt skin.
3. Manuka Honey for Acne Prone Skin
Breakouts happen when excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria block pores and the skin becomes inflamed. MGO slows the growth of some bacteria. Whether a thin layer of honey on your face does the same is not established. A short honey cleanse or a small dab on a blemish is a gentle option for some people, and it may leave skin feeling clean without stripping it.
It won't clear moderate or severe acne, and it won't treat scarring. If breakouts are painful, persistent or leaving marks, see your GP or a dermatologist. Don't pick at spots, and rinse honey off thoroughly so it doesn't leave a sticky film on oily skin. You'll find a simple aloe recipe for blemish-prone skin below.
4. Comfort for Irritated Looking Skin
Wind, sun, long showers and harsh products can leave skin looking red and feeling tight. Many people find the cool, smooth feel of a honey mask comforting, and using manuka honey for skin in a short mask is a gentle way to add moisture.
5. Antioxidants and the Look of Fine Lines
Honey contains phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants. Hydration also helps fine lines look softer, at least for a while. There's no good evidence that manuka honey for skin boosts collagen or removes wrinkles. The biggest step for the look of ageing skin is daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher; many people choose SPF 50+), because Australian UV is strong.
6. Post Blemish Marks and Scars: What Honey Can and Can't Do
Marks left by pimples usually fade with time, and keeping skin hydrated and protected from the sun helps it look its best while it recovers. Honey is not a scar treatment. For raised, deep or long-lasting scars, a dermatologist can discuss proven options. Sunscreen matters here too, because sun exposure can make marks darker.
7. Brighter Looking, More Even Tone
People often ask whether honey can whiten skin. It can't. Honey doesn't change your natural skin colour. What it can do is help dull-looking skin look fresher, because hydrated skin reflects light better and a gentle massage lifts surface dryness. Using manuka honey won't treat pigmentation or dark spots, so ask a GP or dermatologist about those. Skip lemon and lime juice, which can irritate skin and make it more sensitive to the sun.
8. Manuka Honey for Open Pores
Pores are the openings of hair follicles, and they release oil to keep skin supple. How big they look depends mostly on genetics, age, sun damage and oil production. Nothing can shrink them. A gentle honey cleanse can help pores look less congested by removing surface oil and dead skin, which is as far as manuka honey can go on this concern.
Which Skin Types Suit Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey suits most skin types, but how you use it should change with your skin.
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Skin type |
How to use it |
How often |
Watch for |
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Dry |
10–15 minute mask, then a rich moisturiser |
1–2 times a week |
Rinse fully so skin doesn't feel tacky |
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Oily or blemish-prone |
Short mask or a small dab on blemishes |
Once a week |
Don't overdo it; avoid greasy add-ins like oils |
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Combination |
Mask the dry areas, or cleanse all over |
Once a week |
Uneven rinsing |
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Sensitive |
5 minute mask after a 24-hour patch test |
Once a week or less |
Stop at any redness, itching or swelling |
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Mature |
Hydrating mask with yoghurt and avocado |
1–2 times a week |
Pair with daily sunscreen |
How to Use Manuka Honey on Your Face
Apply a thin layer of manuka honey to clean, slightly damp skin, leave it for 10–15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and follow with moisturiser. Most people use it once or twice a week after a patch test.
Using manuka honey for skin takes about five minutes of effort. Here are the main ways to do it.
Patch Test First
Before you start using Manuka Honey For Skin, test a small amount. Dab a pea-sized amount on your inner forearm or behind your ear, leave it for a few minutes, rinse, then wait 24 hours. If you see redness, itching or swelling, don't use it on your face.
How to Make a Manuka Honey Face Mask
1. Cleanse your face with your usual gentle cleanser and leave skin slightly damp.
2. Scoop about one teaspoon of manuka honey and spread a thin layer over your face, avoiding the eye area.
3. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water, using clean fingertips to loosen the honey.
5. Pat dry, apply moisturizer, and use sunscreen in the morning.
Skip alcohol wipes and very hot or very cold water. They tend to dry out and irritate skin.
Spot Application
For a single blemish, clean the area, dab on a small amount of honey, leave it for 15–30 minutes, then rinse. Don't leave it on overnight.
Manuka Honey Cleanser
Smooth half a teaspoon of honey over damp skin, massage for 30–60 seconds, then rinse well. To remove light makeup, mix one teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of milk first.
Honey Tapping
Honey tapping is a facial massage that uses patting motions on Honey Coated Skin. It's one way of using manuka honey that turns a mask into a short ritual. Any benefit probably comes mostly from the massage and the relaxation, and the claims you may see about lymph drainage or pore tightening lack good evidence.
1. Cleanse and dry your face and neck.
2. Spread about one teaspoon of honey over your face and neck.
3. Pat your skin with your fingertips in a light, steady rhythm, working from the neck up to the forehead.
4. If the honey gets too sticky, add a few drops of water.
5. Continue for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize.
Limit honey tapping to twice a week. Avoid it on irritated skin, broken skin, active wounds or rosacea-prone skin with visible broken capillaries.
Where It Fits in Your Routine
Add manuka honey to your evening routine. Cleanse, use the mask or tapping routine, rinse, then apply your normal moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
5 Manuka Honey Face Mask and Skincare Recipes
These recipes keep things simple. Each one uses Manuka Honey For Skin in small amounts, so one jar goes a long way. Patch test every new combination, and use clean hands and a clean bowl each time.
1. Hydrating Mask
You'll need: 1 tablespoon Manuka Honey, 1 teaspoon plain unsweetened yoghurt, 1 teaspoon mashed avocado.
Method: Mix until smooth, apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Best for: dry or mature skin. This is a gentle way to try manuka honey if you're new to it.
2. Blemish Prone Mask
You'll need: 1 teaspoon manuka honey, 1 teaspoon pure aloe vera gel (no added fragrance or alcohol).
Method: Mix and apply to clean skin, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Best for: oily or blemish-prone skin. We leave out tea tree oil, because it's a common skin irritant.
3. Gentle Oat Scrub
You'll need: 1 tablespoon manuka honey, 1 tablespoon finely ground oats, a little water.
Method: Mix into a paste, massage very lightly over damp skin for 30 seconds, then rinse well.
Best for: normal and combination skin. Skip it on irritated, sunburnt or very sensitive skin.
4. Brightening Glow Mask
You'll need: 1 tablespoon manuka honey, 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt, 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel.
Method: Mix, apply a thin layer, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Best for: Dull Looking Skin. It's an easy swap for lemon-based masks, which can irritate skin.
5. Milk and Honey Cleanser
You'll need: 1 teaspoon manuka honey, half a teaspoon of milk.
Method: Mix, massage over damp skin for 30–60 seconds, then rinse.
Best for: a gentle end-of-day cleanse.
Avoid mixing honey with cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, charcoal or glue, and don't make homemade sunscreen. These can irritate skin or give you no real protection.
Which MGO Level Is Best for Skin?
For skin, Manuka Honey MGO 1200+ to Manuka Honey MGO 1500+ is a prudent starting point for masks and cleansers.
Does a higher MGO make manuka honey work better for skin?. A face mask sits on your skin for 10–15 minutes and is then rinsed off, so a High Range Manuka Honey jar is usually plenty.
Not sure which jar suits you? Try our Which Manuka is for me? guide. When you're choosing manuka honey for skin, check these points before you buy:
• The jar states an MGO number and UMF equivalent.
• The seller can show lab testing or batch information.
• The origin is stated clearly.
• The price is sensible for the grade.
Storing your honey: keep it in an airtight jar, away from heat and light. Crystallized honey is normal. To soften it, stand the jar in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water. Don't use honey that smells off or looks contaminated.
Is Manuka Honey Safe for Your Skin?
Manuka honey for skin is generally gentle, but natural doesn't mean risk free. Using manuka honey safely comes down to a few simple rules:
• Patch test every time you try a new product or recipe.
• Avoid it if you're allergic to honey, bee products or pollen.
• Skip broken, weeping or infected skin. See your doctor for wounds, burns, eczema, dermatitis, rosacea or persistent acne.
• Protect from the sun. Rinse well, and wear broad spectrum sunscreen every morning.
• Babies: honey shouldn't be eaten by babies under 12 months, and you should check with a doctor before using it on a baby's skin.
“This article is general information and isn't medical advice. Manuka honey isn't a medicine.”
Manuka Honey and Skin: Myths vs Facts
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Myth |
Fact |
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Honey bleaches or whitens skin |
It doesn't change natural skin colour. It may help dull skin look brighter. |
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A higher MGO is always better for skin |
Not for masks. MGO 550+ to 850+ is enough for most people. |
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Leaving honey on overnight is stronger |
It raises irritation risk without clear benefit. Use 10–15 minutes. |
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Natural means no reaction |
Allergies and irritation can happen. Patch test first. |
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Honey shrinks pores |
Pore size can't be shrunk. Cleansing may make pores look less congested. |
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Honey is a scar or wound treatment |
Only Medical Grade Manuka Honey, sterile dressings are used for wounds. See a clinician. |
Conclusion
Manuka honey for skin is a gentle, natural way to add hydration and a little ritual to your routine. It's a humectant first. Start with a patch test, use a thin layer for 10–15 minutes once or twice a week, and choose Manuka Honey MGO 1200+ and Manuka Honey MGO 1500+ jar unless you want a premium grade for other reasons. See your GP or dermatologist for any ongoing skin concern. Browse Australian manuka honey range and find the jar that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manuka honey good for your skin?
Manuka honey for skin is good for hydration and a softer, smoother feel, because honey is a humectant that helps skin hold moisture. Lab studies show antibacterial activity, but good evidence for acne, scars or wrinkles is limited. Patch test first, and see your GP for ongoing skin problems.
Can I put manuka honey directly on my face?
Yes, for most people. Apply a thin layer to clean, slightly damp skin after a patch test, and rinse it off after 10–15 minutes. Avoid broken, weeping or irritated skin, and skip it entirely if you're allergic to honey, bee products or pollen.
How long should I leave manuka honey on my face?
Leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Sensitive skin may do better with five minutes. Longer contact doesn't give better results and can increase the chance of irritation or an allergic reaction.
Does manuka honey help with acne?
Manuka honey shows antibacterial activity, and a gentle honey cleanse suits some people with blemish prone skin. See your GP or a dermatologist for persistent, painful or scarring acne rather than relying on honey alone.
Can manuka honey reduce wrinkles?
No ingredient in a honey mask removes wrinkles. Manuka honey hydrates, and well hydrated skin can make fine lines look softer for a while. The biggest step for the look of ageing skin is a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Can honey whiten or lighten skin?
No. Honey doesn't change your natural skin colour or bleach it. It may help dull looking skin look brighter by hydrating and gently lifting surface dryness. For dark spots or Skin pigmentation, ask a GP or dermatologist, and wear sunscreen daily.
What MGO rating is best for skin?
For most face masks and cleansers, MGO 1200+ and MGO 1500+ is a wise choice.
How often can I use a manuka honey face mask?
Manuka honey for skin masks, once or twice a week suits most people. Dry skin may handle twice weekly, while sensitive or oily skin often does better with once. Rinse thoroughly, moisturise afterwards, and pause for a few days if skin feels tight or irritated.
Can you leave manuka honey on your face overnight?
Overnight contact raises the risk of irritation and allergic reaction, and there's no clear extra benefit. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with your moisturiser.
How can I tell if manuka honey is real?
Check that the jar states an MGO (or UMF-equivalent) number, ask the seller for lab testing or batch information, and look for clear origin details. Be wary of very low prices for high grades. Authentic manuka honey is thick and rich, but taste alone can't prove it.
Does manuka honey shrink pores?
No. Pore size is largely set by genetics, age and oil production, and nothing you put on the surface can shrink pores. A gentle honey cleanse may help pores look less congested by removing surface oil and dead skin.
What is honey tapping and is it safe?
Honey tapping is a facial massage where you pat honey into the skin with your fingertips for a few minutes. It's generally low risk on healthy skin, up to twice a week. Avoid it on irritated, broken or rosacea-prone skin, and rinse well afterwards.
References
• Burlando B, Cornara L. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013.
• Mavric E, Wittmann S, Barth G, Henle T. Identification and quantification of methylglyoxal as the dominant antibacterial constituent of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honeys from New Zealand. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008.
• Jull AB, Cullum N, Dumville JC, et al. Honey as a topical treatment for wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015.
• Mandal MD, Mandal S. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011.
