One of the newest ingredients to hit the mainstream market is royal jelly. A honeybee secretion produced by young worker bees, royal jelly has recently gained popularity due to claims that the ingredient is very hydrating and may demonstrate some antioxidant activity. According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the active extract in royal jelly, royalisin, may further demonstrate some antibacterial activity, and the journal International Immunopharmacology reports that royal jelly may inhibit atopic dermatitis-like lesions, at least in mice. Yet the most promising claim about royal jelly is that its use may stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts, as suggested by a study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2004.
Still, the substantiated claims about royal jelly are relatively few, and there are some risks involved. According to Dr. Stephen Barrett, M.D., author of Quackwatch.com, “…royal jelly should be regarded as potentially dangerous because they cause allergic reactions. People allergic to specific pollens have developed asthma, hives, and anaphylactic shock after ingesting pollen or royal jelly…” Therefore, if you have a known allergy to bee stings, please do not try products containing bee pollen or royal jelly. Furthermore, even if you do not have a known allergy,
Overall, royal jelly products appear to have some promise, but don’t be drawn into all the hype just yet. If you want to try the craze, I recommend L’Oreal Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Moisturizing Conditioner ($4.99, Walgreens.com).