So Tosowoong basically said “what if we just squeezed a beehive into a serum” and somehow made it work. This isn’t some diluted extract — it’s 70% raw propolis from a single apiary in Cheorwon that doesn’t touch pesticides.
The weird part? That apiary sits right near the DMZ. No joke — the bees are basically making honey under military surveillance. Untouched land for 70 years means the propolis is freakishly pure.
It’s a golden, sticky ampoule that costs about $18-22 depending on where you grab it. The claim that got me: “heals active breakouts in 48 hours.” I called bullshit. Bought it anyway.
70% Propolis Extract
Not a drop of water as the first ingredient — just raw bee goo from Cheorwon.
Fermented Bee Venom
Sounds terrifying. Actually calms inflammation faster than any BHA I’ve used.
Zero Essential Oils
They skipped the fragrant stuff. Your nose gets honey-vinegar vibes, not perfume.
Photo: Element5 Digital / Unsplash
Shortest INCI list I’ve seen in a serum. No filler, no “complex” with 40 ingredients you can’t pronounce. Just propolis, bee venom, and the carrier to make it spreadable.
- Propolis Extract (70%): Antibacterial + wound healing — literally seals broken skin
- Bee Venom (fermented): Triggers blood flow to surface, pushes out congestion
- 1,2-Hexanediol: The only synthetic. Stabilizes so it doesn’t ferment in your bathroom
Photo: Harper Sunday / Unsplash
It’s like honey that forgot to be thick. Drops off the dropper fast — almost watery, then turns tacky for exactly 8 seconds before disappearing. You’ll feel a slight pull on dry patches.
Week 2: I woke up with a cystic chin zit that looked deflated. Not gone, but noticeably smaller. The shocker? My dry patches around my nose stopped flaking. Didn’t expect that from a “bee product.”
Three weeks in: fewer active pimples, less redness, and my skin looks… fed. Still get the occasional breakout, but they heal in 2 days instead of 5. Texture is smoother but not poreless — don’t expect a filter.
It’s not magic — but it’s the closest thing to a spot treatment that also hydrates your whole face. I’d buy it again, and I hate repurchasing things.