Skin whitening
In 2011, Han et al. reported that royal jelly dose-dependently inhibited melanin biosynthesis in the B16F1 mouse melanocyte cell line by reducing tyrosinase activity. Royal jelly also lowered mRNA levels of tyrosinase. The investigators concluded that royal jelly may be a viable option in the skin-lightening arsenal.3
Safety
There are some reports of contact dermatitis from the use of topical royal jelly.15 Far more significant, while rare, adverse reactions have been linked to oral use of royal jelly, including acute asthma, anaphylaxis, and even death.2,16,17
Conclusion
Royal jelly is one of several bee products found to have beneficial health effects in humans. Various dermatologic applications of royal jelly have been employed in recent decades. More research is necessary, though, to determine just how useful this bee product may be for a range of cutaneous conditions.
References
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2. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2013;77(4):789-95.
3. Am J Chin Med. 2011;39(6):1253-60.
4. J Med Food. 2012;15(6):568-75.
5. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2004 Apr;68(4):767-73.
6. Int Wound J. 2015;12(2):137-42.
7. J Food Sci. 2008 Nov;73(9):R117-24.
8. J Eur Acad Dermatol. Venereol. 2013;27(10):1269-77.
9. Pharmacogn Mag. 2013;9(33):9-13.
11. J Wound Care. 2008;17(3):108-10.
12. Nutr Res Pract. 2010;4(5):362-8.
13. J Res Med Sci. 2011;16(7):904-9.
14. J Med Food. 2011;14(9):899-906.
15. Contact Dermatitis. 1983;9(6):452-5.
16. Trop Biomed. 2008;25(3):243-51.
17. J Dermatol. 2011;38(11):1079-81.
Dr. Baumann is chief executive officer of the Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in the Design District in Miami. She founded the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at the University of Miami in 1997. Dr. Baumann wrote the textbook, “Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice” (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002), and a book for consumers, “The Skin Type Solution” (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006). She has contributed to the Cosmeceutical Critique column in Dermatology News since January 2001. Her latest book, “Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients,” was published in November 2014. Dr. Baumann has received funding for clinical grants from Allergan, Aveeno, Avon Products, Evolus, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Mary Kay, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Neutrogena, Philosophy, Topix Pharmaceuticals, and Unilever.