Propolis, 1 kg

Why Raw Bee Propolis Remains a Key Ingredient Across Multiple Industries

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from tree buds and process with their own enzymes to protect the hive from bacteria and fungi. By nature it is a genuine botanical resin with pronounced biological activity, which is why it fits naturally alongside the Resins and Resinoids category, home to natural resinous materials used in fragrances, balms and functional formulations. The 1 kg packaging is aimed at manufacturers who need a reliable, steady supply for regular production runs, whether it is a balm workshop, a tincture bottling line or a factory producing creams and ointments at scale.

Historically, propolis has been most in demand in the pharmaceutical and food industries, where it forms the basis of alcohol and water extracts, drops, lozenges, syrups and dietary supplements. In dental care it appears in toothpastes, mouth rinses and gum gels thanks to its astringent and protective qualities. Veterinary use includes treatments for hooves, udders and animal skin conditions. In cosmetic manufacturing propolis is valued for creams targeting problem skin, lip balms, post-depilation ointments, cuticle treatments and repairing serums. It is typically added to emulsions during the cooling stage at temperatures below 40-45 degrees Celsius to preserve heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. For hot-poured products such as solid balms or candles, propolis can be melted in a water bath at 60-70 degrees, with the pieces pre-crushed to dissolve evenly into the oil phase.

In perfumery and fragrance work, propolis is prized for its dense, honeyed-resinous facet, which develops beautifully alongside other natural resins. It blends well with Benzoic Resin Essential Oil, lending compositions a warm balsamic depth, and pairs effectively with Incense Resinoid, which contributes a smoky resinous edge often found in ceremonial and oriental fragrance profiles. For a lighter, floral counterpoint, a drop of Narcissus Jonquil Absolute can balance the heaviness, which is particularly useful when developing poured candles or scented sachets where a layered scent profile matters. In household chemistry propolis is used as a component of natural cleaning and antiseptic formulas, while in candle manufacturing it serves as both a fragrance and functional additive, giving the finished product a distinct resinous character.

Typical dosage in formulations ranges from 1 to 5 percent of the total batch weight depending on the desired strength of action and scent intensity, while tinctures and extracts are calculated individually based on the required concentration of active compounds. Propolis pairs well with vegetable oils, waxes, honey and glycerin, but reacts poorly with strong oxidizing agents, so it should not be combined with aggressive acids in a formulation. Store the raw material in an airtight container, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its structure and activity throughout its shelf life. Over long storage propolis may harden slightly, which does not affect its functional properties and is easily resolved by gentle warming before use.

Resinous Repair Balm with Propolis

Propolis 35 g

Beeswax 65 g

Shea butter 90 g

Sweet almond oil 110 g

Incense resinoid 3 g

Frankincense essential oil 6 ml

Break the propolis into small pieces and melt it in a double boiler together with the beeswax and shea butter at around 65 degrees Celsius until fully dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in the sweet almond oil and incense resinoid until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Let it cool to about 40 degrees, then add the frankincense essential oil and pour into jars, allowing the balm to set at room temperature for several hours before sealing.