What are the positive and negative effects of bee venom in beauty products?
Hello: I’m wondering what bee venom does to the skin, why it is a new trend in face creams and cleansers, and what negative side effects it might have (other than being risky for people who are allergic to bees). What are the chemical effects? Is it all marketing, or is it actually of use? And, a bonus question if anybody knows, how is it extracted? Thank you for your time.
Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC)
Bee venom, also known as Apitoxin, consists largely of Melittin. Melittin is an active substance that stimulates an enzyme called phospholipase A2. It has been shown to have the ability to destroy cells and therefore there is interest in its use to treat HIV and cancer. With respect to cosmetic use , more studies need to be done as there is a paucity of evidence- based medicine to support its use in beauty products.