In the world of high-performance skincare, few natural ingredients have earned as much praise as manuka honey. Hailed for its antibacterial and healing properties, it’s a favorite in everything from cleansers to face masks. But recently, a quiet revolution has been happening behind the scenes—led by a more concentrated, more potent sibling: manuka extract.

If you love what manuka honey does for your skin, you’re about to be even more impressed. Here’s why manuka extract is emerging as the superior choice for fastidious skincare aficionados.

🍯 First, What Makes Manuka Special?

Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand. It’s packed with:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO) – a powerful antimicrobial compound

• Antioxidants – to protect skin from environmental damage

• Natural humectants – to retain skin moisture

These properties make it excellent for acne-prone, inflamed, or dry skin. But here’s where the story evolves.

🌱 What Is Manuka Extract?

Manuka extract is a highly concentrated derivative, made by a process called steam distillation, which uses the leaves and bark of the same manuka tree—not the honey. It contains unique compounds like:

• Leptospermone – a natural antimicrobial agent

• Flavonoids and triketones – antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

• Beta-triketones – highly active molecules shown to reduce redness, bacteria, and irritation

Because it’s made from different parts of the plant, manuka extract brings a broader phytochemical profile to the table than honey alone.

💎 Why Manuka Extract > Manuka Honey in Skincare

🔬 1. Scientifically More Potent

While manuka honey is known for its antimicrobial MGO content, manuka extract contains beta-triketones, which have been shown in lab studies to be even more effective against certain skin pathogens, including P. acnes and S. aureus—the bacteria linked to acne and inflammation.

💧 2. Lightweight and Absorbable

Manuka honey is naturally sticky and heavy, making it best suited for masks or leave-on products. In contrast, manuka extract can be infused into serums, moisturizers, and toners, making it more adaptable to everyday skincare routines.

🔥 3. Superior for Acne and Sensitivity

Because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, manuka extract is a go-to ingredient for acne-prone and reactive skin and rosacea. It calms redness, reduces swelling, and helps prevent future breakouts—without the mess or stickiness of honey.

🧴 4. Better for Product Formulation

Manuka honey can degrade when heated or mixed with certain ingredients, limiting how it can be used. Manuka extract is heat-stable, pH-flexible, and synergizes well with other actives, making it the smarter choice for modern, high-performance skincare products.

✅ How to Use Manuka Extract

Look for manuka extract or Leptospermum scoparium extract in ingredient lists. It’s typically found in:

• Calming serums

• Blemish spot treatments

• Hydrating creams for sensitive skin

• After-sun and redness relief formulas

Pair it with ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol for enhanced skin repair and glow. 

💬 Final Thought

Manuka honey walked so manuka extract could run.
While the honey is still beloved in natural beauty circles, manuka extract is the next evolution—delivering stronger results, cleaner formulations, and better user experience. If you’re serious about skincare that works and feels good, it’s time to trade the jar for the lab-powered leaf.

Note that all the Forbidden Beauty SkinCare moisturizer range have Manuka Extract as a core ingredient.