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| - Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that bee venom and placenta cream can make you look younger significantly. Our fact check deems this claim as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, a high-end anti-ageing cream containing bee venom, placenta, and gold can make users look significantly younger. It also claims the product is being sold at a massive discount, now available for less than £100 compared to its original price of £750.
Fact Check
Can bee venom in skincare make you look younger?
No, not really. Bee venom has been marketed as an anti-ageing ingredient which claims to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims remains scarce. For example, a 2015 study involving 22 women found that using a bee venom facial serum twice daily for 12 weeks reduced wrinkle depth and count in comparison to a placebo. However, the small sample size and lack of long-term data make it difficult to consider bee venom a proven anti-ageing treatment. Likewise, social media influencers also suggest bee venom for skin tag removal, but we lack the necessary evidence for this as well.
Dr Sachin Gupta, a Dermatologist from Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana, says, “Brands often market bee venom as an anti-ageing ingredient, but there’s little proof it really works. It may boost collagen and offer mild anti-inflammatory benefits, but the research isn’t strong enough to say it reduces wrinkles or reverses ageing. For better results, stick to well-researched ingredients like retinoids, proven to improve skin texture and elasticity. Peculiar ingredients like bee venom sound appealing but shouldn’t be your first choice.”
Does placenta in creams help with skin rejuvenation?
Not really, as is being claimed in the post. Placenta extract is popular for its skin regeneration properties, but most of the claims are anecdotal rather than backed by solid science. Placenta contains proteins and growth factors that can help in skin hydration. But, there’s no strong evidence that it can dramatically rejuvenate the skin or reverse ageing.
A 2022 study did show that human placental extract can increase collagen, elastin, and hyaluronan production, which are important for skin elasticity and structure. However, this was a lab study, and we lack large-scale, long-term studies to confirm these effects in the real-world. In short, placenta in skincare may offer minor benefits like hydration, but it is far from a proven solution for looking younger.
As for the safety concerns, human-derived ingredients are banned in the EU due to disease transmission concerns. The safety of these extracts is still unclear, with not enough research on long-term effects, skin reactions, or potential hormonal activity. We still need more data to confirm their safe use in skincare.
One of the social media posts is post claims that one can get fair and glowing skin by applying a mixture of ENO and lemon.
Dr Rashi Soni, a Dermatologist from Rashi Hospital, Hingoli, Maharashtra, states, “Placenta is often promoted as a powerful ingredient for rejuvenating skin, but there isn’t enough solid science to back up those claims. It might help with moisture and a bit of skin repair, but it won’t give the dramatic anti-ageing results many expect. For real skin rejuvenation, stick to proven ingredients like retinol and antioxidants, which have been well-researched and shown to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.”
Is Kate Middleton really using this product containing bee venom and placenta?
Yes, according to several media sources. But, that doesn’t guarantee dramatic results. Kate Middleton is reported to use Rodial’s skincare products, including those containing bee venom, placenta, and gold particles. However, it’s important to note that just because a celebrity uses a product, it doesn’t mean it will work the same for everyone. Celebrity endorsements or use of luxury skincare products are often highly individualised and influenced by factors like overall skincare routine, diet, and professional treatments. Consumers should not assume they will achieve identical results just by using the same product.
Can gold in skincare provide anti-ageing benefits?
Not conclusively. Very few studies suggest that gold nanoparticles (GNPs) may offer anti-ageing benefits, but the evidence is still scarce and largely from in vitro research. For example, a 2012 study found that GNPs reduced glycation of collagen (damage to skin proteins from sugar) by 56.3%, which is likely to help prevent wrinkles. Another 2023 study showed that GNPs remain stable in skincare creams. However, this study did not provide enough proof to confirm significant anti-ageing effects. Gold in skincare is more about luxury and appeal rather than proven effectiveness, at least for now.
Should you trust high-priced skincare products with peculiar ingredients?
Not necessarily. High-priced skincare products often market peculiar or exotic ingredients like bee venom, gold, and placenta to justify their cost. However, the price does not always reflect effectiveness. Many luxury brands rely on the allure and charm of rare or unique ingredients. But, scientific evidence often does not support these. For example, ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C provide more consistent anti-ageing results. Plus, these are available at various price points. Focus on evidence-based ingredients rather than getting drawn to luxury skincare products, assuming that a higher price guarantees better results.
Is bee venom therapy safe and effective for treating health conditions?
Bee venom has shown some potential benefits in recent studies. But, the supporting research is not yet conclusive and mostly from lab or animal studies. The effectiveness of bee venom for conditions like breast cancer, and bee venom’s potential use for arthritis, is still unclear in comparison to traditional treatments for arthritis or cancer. Side effects, such as swelling, pain, and redness, are common. Additionally, it can be dangerous or even fatal for people with allergies. In fact, a 2015 review found that 29% of people experienced adverse reactions. It’s extremely important to approach bee-venom therapy with caution and ensure you always seek the expertise of a qualified healthcare professional.
THIP Media Take
The claim that bee venom and placenta cream can make you look younger is mostly false. There’s little scientific evidence supporting their anti-ageing effects. Consumers should focus on proven skincare ingredients and always consult a dermatologist for their skincare concerns. Lastly, affordable products may also offer similar or better results.
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