Jarrah Honey for Skin: Science-Backed Benefits and How to Use It
Jarrah honey's antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties have been confirmed by independent laboratory research, making it a well-supported choice for topical skin use. Fernandes et al (2022) published in Medical Mycology confirmed antifungal activity. Its high antioxidant content — three times higher than Manuka — may also support collagen protection and anti-inflammatory skin responses.
Key Points
- Fernandes, Guttentag & Carter (2022), Medical Mycology — confirmed antifungal activity in Jarrah honey
- 3x more antioxidants than Manuka (Pavy & Dragar, 2011) — antioxidants are relevant to skin ageing and repair
- Dual antimicrobial activity makes it relevant for acne-prone and reactive skin
- Practical guide: DIY face mask, spot treatment, and daily use instructions included
There's a reason honey has been used on skin for thousands of years across cultures that had no laboratory to justify the practice. It worked. What modern science is now doing is explaining exactly why — and the story for Jarrah honey is a compelling one.
The same bioactive compounds that make Jarrah honey one of the most potent antimicrobial honeys in the world are also present when you apply it to your skin. The same antioxidants that set it apart from Manuka are active on your face and hands just as they are in your gut.
This guide covers the research, the mechanisms, and the practical how-to — so you can use Jarrah honey for your skin with confidence.
The Antifungal Research: Fernandes et al (2022)
In 2022, researchers Fernandes, Guttentag & Carter published a study in Medical Mycology confirming antifungal activity in Western Australian Jarrah honey (Fernandes et al, 2022).
This is significant for skin applications because fungal organisms are involved in a range of common skin conditions — including certain types of acne, dandruff, and dermatitis. The confirmation of antifungal activity in Jarrah honey adds a distinct dimension to its bioactive profile that goes beyond antibacterial activity alone.
This research used WA Jarrah honey specifically — not a generic honey extract. The antifungal activity appears to be a characteristic of genuine, bioactive Jarrah honey, which is another reason why independent lab validation and authentic sourcing matter.
Antioxidants and Skin: The Collagen Connection
Antioxidants are particularly relevant to skin health for one core reason: oxidative stress is a primary driver of skin ageing. Free radicals — generated by UV exposure, pollution, and metabolic processes — damage collagen fibres and accelerate the visible signs of ageing.
Dietary antioxidants can help manage this oxidative burden from the inside. But applied topically, antioxidant-rich substances may also provide direct local benefits.
Jarrah honey contains two to three times more antioxidants than Manuka honey (Pavy & Dragar, WA Jarrah Honey Committee, 2011). The specific phenolic compounds and flavonoids that produce this antioxidant activity are the same ones associated with anti-inflammatory and protective skin responses.
Research summarised by Brennan (2018) noted the role of Jarrah honey's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of skin application — suggesting potential benefits for skin protection, repair, and the conditions associated with reactive or aging skin.
Antimicrobial Properties and Acne-Prone Skin
Acne has a bacterial component — specifically, the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) in hair follicles. The antimicrobial properties of bioactive honey have been studied in this context, with preliminary research suggesting potential for use in acne management.
Jarrah honey's dual antimicrobial system — both hydrogen peroxide activity and non-peroxide activity — makes it particularly relevant. Its low pH, osmotic effects, and bioactive compounds create an environment that is inhospitable to many microorganisms.
Importantly, Jarrah honey achieves this without the drying, irritating effects often associated with conventional acne treatments. Raw honey is inherently moisturising — it draws moisture from the air (hygroscopic) and retains it against the skin — which means it can address the antimicrobial issue without compounding dryness or sensitivity.
🍯 Jarrah Platinum TA50+ — Topical and Internal Use — High-TA Jarrah honey, independently validated for dual antimicrobial and antifungal activity. 250g and 500g.
How to Use Jarrah Honey on Your Skin
DIY Jarrah Honey Face Mask
The simplest place to start. This basic mask is suitable for most skin types and takes under 5 minutes.
What you need: - 1–2 teaspoons of Jarrah Platinum TA50+ - Clean, dry skin
Method: 1. Cleanse your face as normal and pat dry. 2. Apply 1–2 teaspoons of Jarrah honey directly to the face, avoiding the eye area. 3. Leave for 15–20 minutes. The honey will feel warm and mildly tingly — this is normal. 4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 5. Follow with your usual moisturiser if desired.
Frequency: 2–3 times per week is a reasonable starting point. Adjust based on your skin's response.
Tip: For sensitive or very dry skin, mix a small amount of Jarrah honey with a few drops of natural oil (rosehip, jojoba) before applying to soften the application.
Spot Treatment for Blemishes
For targeted use on pimples or blemishes:
- Apply a small amount of Jarrah honey directly to the blemish using a clean cotton tip or fingertip.
- Cover with a small piece of medical tape or a bandage to hold in place overnight.
- Remove in the morning and cleanse as normal.
The honey's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties work while you sleep.
Soothing Irritated or Reactive Skin
Raw Jarrah honey has a naturally soothing, anti-inflammatory effect on reactive skin. For general redness, minor irritation, or post-sun exposure:
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area.
- Leave for 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse gently with cool water.
Scalp and Hair Use
Given the antifungal research (Fernandes et al, 2022), Jarrah honey has potential relevance for scalp conditions with a fungal component. A diluted honey treatment (honey mixed with warm water to thin the consistency) can be applied to the scalp, left for 20 minutes, and rinsed thoroughly.
What to Look for in Honey for Skin Use
Not all honey is suitable for skin applications. Heat-treated, commercially processed honey has lost most of the bioactive compounds that make raw honey useful — the enzymes, phenolics, and antimicrobial factors are largely denatured.
For topical use, you want: - Raw honey — minimally processed, not heat-treated - Independently validated — a confirmed TA rating is your assurance that bioactive activity is present - Authentic Jarrah — not blended or adulterated. The Islam, Barbour & Locher (2024) authentication research (PeerJ, 2024) highlights why Jarrah honey authentication matters as demand grows.
Forest Fresh Jarrah Platinum TA50+ meets all three criteria. Five independent lab validations per batch. Raw and pure. Authenticated Jarrah from WA's Varroa-free forests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Jarrah honey on my face every day? A: Yes, though most people find 2–3 times per week as a mask is sufficient. As a spot treatment or very thin application, daily use is generally well-tolerated. Patch test on your inner arm before using on your face if you have very sensitive skin.
Q: Will Jarrah honey clog my pores? A: Honey has a low comedogenic rating — it is generally considered non-pore-blocking. Its antimicrobial properties actually make it more likely to keep pores clear than to clog them. However, individual skin responses vary — patch test first if you're concerned.
Q: Is Jarrah honey better than Manuka honey for skin? A: Both have antimicrobial properties, but Jarrah honey has three times more antioxidants (Pavy & Dragar, 2011), confirmed antifungal activity (Fernandes et al, 2022), and dual antimicrobial activity (peroxide + non-peroxide). For skin applications where antifungal and antioxidant properties are relevant, Jarrah's profile is broader.
Q: Can I use Jarrah honey on sunburn? A: Raw honey has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that many people find beneficial for minor skin irritation including mild sunburn. Apply a thin layer to cooled skin (not immediately after sun exposure while skin is still hot). This is for minor, superficial irritation — seek medical attention for severe sunburn.
Q: How do I store Jarrah honey for skin use? A: The same as for eating — room temperature, out of direct sunlight, in a sealed jar. Forest Fresh Jarrah honey comes with the Crystallisation-Free Guarantee™, so it stays smooth and easy to apply throughout its shelf life. Do not refrigerate as this causes hardening that makes topical application awkward.
Q: Is it safe to use Jarrah honey around the eyes? A: Avoid direct contact with the eye area. The skin around the eyes is delicate and proximity to the eye itself carries risk. Keep honey applications at least 1cm away from the eye margins.
Q: Which Forest Fresh product is best for skin use? A: Jarrah Platinum TA50+ is the recommended choice for topical applications — it carries the highest independently validated level of antimicrobial and antifungal activity. The raw, unprocessed form is essential for preserving the bioactive compounds that provide skin benefits.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult your healthcare professional before using honey as part of a health or medical regimen. Forest Fresh Honey products are food products, not medicines. Not suitable for children under 12 months. These statements are based on traditional use and emerging scientific research.
Written by Matt Fewster, 5th generation of the Fewster family and co-founder of Forest Fresh Honey.
Sources: - Fernandes, Guttentag & Carter (2022), Medical Mycology — Antifungal activity of Jarrah honey: https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/60/Supplement_1/myac072P100/6706084 - Pavy & Dragar, WA Jarrah Honey Committee (2011) — Antioxidants 3x Manuka: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/35350b70-4b13-4876-abd6-b146f468c4e8/downloads/media-release%20on%20antioxidant%20of%20jarrah%20honey.pdf - Irish, Blair & Carter (2011), PLOS ONE — Antimicrobial activity: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0018229 - Islam, Barbour & Locher (2024), PeerJ — Jarrah honey authentication: https://peerj.com/articles/achem-33/
