How is Honey made?

Honey starts as flower nectar collected by adult worker bees, which gets broken down into simple sugars which are then stored inside the honeycomb. The design of the honeycomb and constant fanning of the bees' wings causes evaporation, creating sweet golden honey.

Did you know? All worker bees are female! Male bees do not have stingers and are called drones - they only make up 15% of the hive.

Pictured: A worker bee busy collecting flower nectar.

Where did it all begin?

Jam-packed full of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals Honey has been used in medicine, skincare and food for thousands of years. In fact, the earliest record of beekeeping dates between 7,000 to 8,000 years old. Discovered on a wall in the Arana Cave near Valencia, Spain, a painting can be seen of a woman gathering wild honey from a hive on a cliff face.

How was Honey used throughout history?

A natural superfood and preservative, Honey was used by the women of the Emperor’s Court in Ming Dynasty China (alongside Ground Orange Seeds) to keep their skin fresh and blemish-free. Never spoiling, the Egyptians also used honey for baking, making cosmetics, paints and even for embalming the dead. In fact, it is claimed that Cleopatra herself used Honey in her daily beauty rituals to keep her skin smooth and firm. Throughout history, Honey has also been used as a topical treatment for wounds and illness. One of the oldest known wound dressings, Honey’s healing properties are mentioned in the Bible, Koran, and Torah. Even today honey is a popular home remedy for colds and sore throats!

Did you know? The word ‘Honeymoon‘ originally comes from the Old English hony moone. As well as referring to a new marriage’s sweetness, the term also relates to the European custom of giving newlyweds enough mead, “an alcoholic liquor made by fermenting honey and water,” to last a month.

Why is Honey so amazing?

An excellent source of polyphenols and flavonoids (both antioxidants), Honey is rich in enzymes with elasticizing qualities, thus acting as an effective ingredient in anti-ageing and firming products. Used as an emollient and protective ingredient in many cosmetics, Honey is often used in products specifically formulated for the treatment of chapped, dry and sensitive skin.

Pictured: The Sakura Tokyo Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion, both formulated with Honey.

Ready to start your Cleopatra beauty routine? Check out our bountiful ''Bee'' edit with every product featuring either Propolis, Beeswax or golden Honey. 

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