Propolis and Beeswax in Cosmetics: A Market Survey and Literature Review on Their Relationship and Role in Allergic Contact Dermatitis

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Main Authors: Anton C. de Groot, Norbertus A. Ipenburg, Thomas Rustemeyer
Format: Artículo Open Access
Published: Wiley 2026
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author Anton C. de Groot
Norbertus A. Ipenburg
Thomas Rustemeyer
author_facet Anton C. de Groot
Norbertus A. Ipenburg
Thomas Rustemeyer
Anton C. de Groot
Norbertus A. Ipenburg
Thomas Rustemeyer
collection Wiley Open Access
contents Propolis and Beeswax in Cosmetics: A Market Survey and Literature Review on Their Relationship and Role in Allergic Contact Dermatitis Anton C. de Groot Norbertus A. Ipenburg Thomas Rustemeyer Contact Dermatitis ABSTRACT Background Cosmetics have been suggested as sources of exposure in patients with positive patch tests to propolis. It has also been proposed that beeswax in cosmetic products may cause allergic contact dermatitis due to contamination with propolis. Objectives To assess how often propolis is listed in cosmetics and to review evidence on the propolis–beeswax relationship, including whether residual propolis in beeswax can elicit dermatitis in propolis‐sensitised individuals. Materials and Methods Market survey of ingredient lists for 500 cosmetics and a literature review on allergy to beeswax and its association with propolis allergy. Results None of the 500 cosmetics contained propolis. Evidence on the propolis–beeswax relationship is inconsistent, but occasional co‐reactivity is reported. Conclusions Based on the available evidence, propolis is not or only rarely used in conventional cosmetics on the European market and is therefore unlikely to be a relevant exposure source for patients with positive patch tests to propolis. Reactions to beeswax in propolis‐sensitised individuals from residual propolis cannot be fully excluded but appear uncommon and mainly involve allergic contact cheilitis from lip balms. Within the scope of the present data, patients with positive patch tests to propolis do not need to avoid all cosmetics containing beeswax. 10.1111/cod.70108 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
doi_str_mv 10.1111/cod.70108
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spellingShingle Propolis and Beeswax in Cosmetics: A Market Survey and Literature Review on Their Relationship and Role in Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Anton C. de Groot
Norbertus A. Ipenburg
Thomas Rustemeyer
Contact Dermatitis
Propolis and Beeswax in Cosmetics: A Market Survey and Literature Review on Their Relationship and Role in Allergic Contact Dermatitis Anton C. de Groot Norbertus A. Ipenburg Thomas Rustemeyer Contact Dermatitis ABSTRACT Background Cosmetics have been suggested as sources of exposure in patients with positive patch tests to propolis. It has also been proposed that beeswax in cosmetic products may cause allergic contact dermatitis due to contamination with propolis. Objectives To assess how often propolis is listed in cosmetics and to review evidence on the propolis–beeswax relationship, including whether residual propolis in beeswax can elicit dermatitis in propolis‐sensitised individuals. Materials and Methods Market survey of ingredient lists for 500 cosmetics and a literature review on allergy to beeswax and its association with propolis allergy. Results None of the 500 cosmetics contained propolis. Evidence on the propolis–beeswax relationship is inconsistent, but occasional co‐reactivity is reported. Conclusions Based on the available evidence, propolis is not or only rarely used in conventional cosmetics on the European market and is therefore unlikely to be a relevant exposure source for patients with positive patch tests to propolis. Reactions to beeswax in propolis‐sensitised individuals from residual propolis cannot be fully excluded but appear uncommon and mainly involve allergic contact cheilitis from lip balms. Within the scope of the present data, patients with positive patch tests to propolis do not need to avoid all cosmetics containing beeswax. 10.1111/cod.70108 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
title Propolis and Beeswax in Cosmetics: A Market Survey and Literature Review on Their Relationship and Role in Allergic Contact Dermatitis
topic Contact Dermatitis
url https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.70108