Kanuka Honey for Rosacea and Acne: Two Trials, Different Results

Kanuka honey’s trial results depend on the condition and comparator.¹²

The rosacea trial compared two treatment packages

The 2015 New Zealand study¹ randomized 138 adults to Honevo, 90% medical-grade kanuka honey plus 10% glycerine, or cetomacrogol moisturizer cream. Twice-daily applications lasted 30 to 60 minutes, over eight weeks.¹

The main outcome, a two-point improvement on a seven-point clinician-rated scale, occurred in 24 of 68 honey participants versus 12 of 69 controls; one honey participant was excluded. Improvement did not necessarily mean clear skin.¹

The assessor was blinded, but participants knew their treatment. Quality-of-life scores showed no clear between-group advantage. HoneyLab funded the study and supplied Honevo.¹

The comparator attracted published criticism

In correspondence, critics questioned the different formulations and participants’ knowledge of treatment. The investigators replied that their purpose was to compare the honey product with a control skin treatment; they defended the masked assessments and statistical analysis.³

That exchange helps define the finding: a honey-and-glycerine product against a particular moisturizer. It did not isolate honey from glycerine or compare kanuka with another honey.³

The acne trial did not show a clear added benefit

The 2016 trial² randomized 136 people aged 16 to 40. Everyone used a triclocarban antibacterial soap twice daily for twelve weeks. The treatment group also applied the honey formulation after washing.²

Among those assessed at twelve weeks, 4 of 53 with added honey versus 1 of 53 using soap alone achieved the main two-point acne-rating improvement. The comparison was not statistically significant. The small number improving and substantial withdrawals limited precision.²

Participants rated improvement more favorably with honey on one secondary measure, but they knew which treatment they had. This cannot replace the primary finding. Fifteen honey participants and fourteen controls withdrew; five honey participants cited nonadherence because treatment was inconvenient. HoneyLab funded this trial too.²

The studies do not create a prescription comparison

Neither study compared its honey formulation with a prescription treatment or kitchen honey.¹²

The practical burden belongs beside the outcome. Two applications lasting half an hour or longer may be difficult to fit around work, commuting or childcare. Before buying a product, check whether the advertised evidence used the same formulation and whether its schedule is workable for you.

For diagnosed rosacea, the American Academy of Dermatology⁴ describes a plan built around gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, with treatment matched to the features present. Its options for acne-like rosacea bumps include azelaic acid and ivermectin. Persistent color and visible vessels can require other approaches.⁴

Our rosacea prescription evidence guide examines those comparisons. Chapter 10’s “Describe Your Own Face” and “Triggers and What Helps” in Skin, Head to Toe explain how to record location, warmth, stinging, bumps and product use before deciding what to change.

First establish what the facial symptoms are

The NHS⁵ notes that rosacea can resemble acne, dermatitis or lupus. Getting the condition identified matters more than choosing a honey by its label. It advises medical assessment for rosacea symptoms.⁵

If rosacea comes with eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, a red eye or a gritty sensation, NHS⁵ advice is to seek urgent assessment because keratitis can be serious. A facial skincare trial is not an eye treatment.⁵