Active Ingredients Glossary · H
INCI: Mel / Honey
Honey is one of humanity’s oldest skincare ingredients—it was used for skin and hair as far back as ancient times. Today, it is making a comeback in modern cosmetics as a natural humectant that leaves skin and hair supple. In Korea, it is the signature ingredient of the KUNDAL brand.
What does honey do in cosmetics?
Honey consists mainly of sugars such as fructose and glucose—and these are precisely what make it interesting for cosmetic use: sugars are natural humectants; they attract water and hold it in. On the skin and hair, honey therefore acts like a moisture magnet. It also contains amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, and trace elements, which vary depending on the type of honey.
In Korea, honey has a firm place in skincare culture—the brand KUNDAL has built its entire Honey & Macadamia line around it: honey extract provides moisture, while macadamia oil delivers smoothing lipids. The combination spans everything from shampoo and hair treatment to shower gel and body lotion.
Effect: What’s Been Proven
Three out of five bars: Honey’s moisture-binding effect is well understood chemically and documented in laboratory data—it works reliably as a humectant. Soothing and antioxidant properties have also been described. However, most clinical studies on honey focus on wound care using specialized medical honey—these findings cannot be directly applied to regular cosmetics. Fair summary: In skincare products, honey provides smoothness, shine, and a well-nourished feeling—you shouldn’t expect more than that, but you shouldn’t expect less either.
Usage & Combination
Honey-based skincare is part of your daily routine: use it every day in the shower and when washing your hair, with no need to let your skin adjust and without causing sun sensitivity. In your hair, the combination of honey and oils really shines—moisturizing and smoothing—and on your skin, it leaves you feeling soft and nourished after a shower.
Pairs well with
✓ Macadamia oil & other plant oils—moisture plus lipids, the KUNDAL principle
✓ Hyaluronic acid – two humectants that complement each other
✓ Aloe vera—soothing moisturizing care for the body and face
Note
! If you’re allergic to bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly), avoid honey-based cosmetics
! Honey in cosmetics is a skincare product, not a medical device—medical wound honey is something else
Honey in the BONSANA lineup
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K-Beauty with Honey: Discover KUNDAL
Shampoo, treatment, body wash, and lotion with honey & macadamia—shipped from our warehouse in Switzerland, delivered quickly to you.
View the KUNDAL collection →Frequently Asked Questions About Honey in Cosmetics
What are the benefits of honey in shampoo?
Honey acts as a natural humectant: It helps lock in moisture in the hair, making it smoother and shinier. In the KUNDAL line, it’s combined with macadamia oil, which provides additional smoothing lipids.
Are honey-based cosmetics suitable for sensitive skin?
Generally yes—honey is considered mild and well-tolerated. However, anyone allergic to bee products should avoid honey-based cosmetics and, as a general rule, test new products on a small area of skin first.
Do honey-based skincare products leave a sticky residue?
No. In cosmetics, honey is incorporated as an extract and is either rinsed out or absorbed—leaving behind no sticky film, but rather a soft, nourished feeling on the skin and hair.
Why does KUNDAL rely on honey and macadamia?
This combination addresses both aspects of skincare: honey locks in moisture, while macadamia oil provides smoothing fatty acids. That’s why this duo serves as the signature ingredient throughout the entire line—from shampoo to body lotion.
