The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low Concern

Propolis Extract

Extract of bee propolis (bee glue)

Safety Flags
Allergen: Known contact allergen; propolis is a recognised sensitiser, patch test strongly advised; avoid with bee-product allergy
Safety Notes

Rich in flavonoids and phenolics; antioxidant and antibacterial. Notable contact-allergy risk (propolis is on standard patch-test series); contraindicated for people with bee-product or propolis allergy. Not vegan

Function & Common Use

Function

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, soothing, skin conditioning

Category

Active Ingredient

Common In

Soothing serums, spot treatments, lip care, honey/propolis masks, ampoules

Origin

Animal derived (bee origin)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

Not verified in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit specified

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit established

Korea (MFDS)

Not verified in source checked

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified for topical cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Propolis Extract safe to use in skincare?

Propolis Extract has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Rich in flavonoids and phenolics; antioxidant and antibacterial. Notable contact-allergy risk (propolis is on standard patch-test series); contraindicated for people with bee-product or propolis allergy. Not vegan

Is Propolis Extract allowed in India?

Propolis Extract is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Not verified in source checked.

What is Propolis Extract used for in cosmetics?

Propolis Extract functions as: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, soothing, skin conditioning. It is commonly found in: Soothing serums, spot treatments, lip care, honey/propolis masks, ampoules.

Can Propolis Extract cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Propolis Extract has an allergen flag (Known contact allergen; propolis is a recognised sensitiser, patch test strongly advised; avoid with bee-product allergy). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction
EU
Permitted - listed in EU CosIng; not in Annex II or Annex III
US FDA
Permitted for cosmetic use; no restriction identified
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; general cosmetic ingredient under MFDS negative list system
Australia (TGA)
Permitted as cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; no specific restriction found
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in source checked

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS85665-41-4
EC288-100-0

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