Why We Must Develop More User-Friendly Propolis Products
Natural propolis is composed of approximately 45–55% plant resin, 25–35% beeswax, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen, and 5% minerals. In other words, resin and beeswax together account for 70–90% of raw propolis. Critically, the resin, wax, and oil components are insoluble in water, meaning the over 150 physiologically active substances found in propolis—such as flavonoid compounds—are embedded within water-insoluble matrices. Because of this, raw propolis cannot be directly consumed, and the beneficial bioactive ingredients must first be extracted before human ingestion.
In the early stages, beekeepers would soak raw propolis in edible alcohol (ethanol) or strong spirits, allowing it to dissolve over time. They would then consume the resulting extract themselves or share it with family and friends. However, this method results in a very high alcohol content and an extremely strong, often unpleasant odor, making it unsuitable for widespread use. Moreover, this crude approach poses serious hygiene and safety concerns, as contaminants such as pesticide residues and antibiotics introduced during beekeeping cannot be adequately removed.
1st-Generation Propolis Extraction: Alcohol-Based Method
With regulatory systems maturing and the industry developing, Japan led the way in industrializing alcohol-based propolis extraction. A significant innovation was the "aging" or "maturation" method, where raw propolis was soaked in alcohol for extended periods, often as a selling point. Many products using Brazilian propolis entered the market through this approach.
While this 1st-generation alcohol extraction technology contributed to the commercialization of propolis, it has a major flaw: residual ethanol levels remain high (50–70%), severely limiting its appeal to broader consumer segments. Efforts in the mid-1990s to add small amounts of edible glycerin to improve solubility and taste were ultimately ineffective in solving the underlying problem.
2nd-Generation Propolis Extraction: Emulsification Technology
From the late 1990s, countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK began developing emulsification-based solubilization techniques using emulsifiers and synthetic additives. These processes extract propolis using ethanol and then reduce ethanol levels via concentration. To make the extract water-soluble, they add emulsifiers such as:
These are commonly known as surfactants. The challenge is that these substances are added in significant quantities, and while the origin countries are considered “advanced nations,” consumers often trust their products uncritically, unaware of the additives used. This method is known as the 2nd-generation propolis extraction technology.
Is It Safe for Vulnerable Populations?
The 1st-generation method leaves excessive alcohol residue, and the 2nd-generation method relies heavily on synthetic emulsifiers. Can these types of propolis truly be recommended for children, the elderly, the ill, or pregnant women?
The key question arises:
Is it impossible to produce propolis that excludes both alcohol and emulsifiers?
3rd-Generation Innovation: Water-Soluble Propolis Without Alcohol or Emulsifiers
No—it is possible.
Unique Biotech Co., Ltd. has successfully developed and patented technology to create water-soluble propolis without residual alcohol, emulsifiers, or synthetic additives. This innovation has addressed key consumer pain points—such as harsh odor and inconvenient intake—that previously hindered the popularization of propolis, despite its known functionality.
More recently, Unique Biotech has advanced the technology further to mass-produce water-soluble propolis powder, which dissolves readily in water and opens up opportunities for various bioindustry applications.
Meeting Consumer Demand: The “Delicious Propolis” Project
In line with consumer demands for both functionality and palatability, Unique Biotech launched the “Delicious Propolis Development Project”, focusing on delivering health benefits in pleasant, convenient formats. The company has released several innovative products:
Delicious Propolis Powder Stick
– A melt-in-your-mouth powder packaged in stick form, requiring no water.
Delicious Chewable Propolis Tablets
– Easy-to-chew tablets that offer a tasty and enjoyable experience.
Delicious Propolis Jelly
– The latest format, featuring a soft jelly texture especially appealing to younger users.
Propolis: Functional and Natural
Propolis is a compound made by bees by mixing resin collected from plant surfaces with their own secretions. It contains over 150 bioactive compounds beneficial to human health.
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety officially recognizes propolis for its oral antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The Role of Purity in Functional Foods
Functional foods should be processed in a way that maximizes their inherent biological activity, while minimizing unnecessary additives and excipients. Consumers deserve products that deliver pure, active ingredients in the safest and most effective way possible.
This requires continuous investment and unwavering commitment—without which no company or product can earn lasting trust or affection from the public.
Written by Yongkap Hur
Propolis Specialist
CEO, Unique Biotech Co., Ltd
Why We Must Develop More User-Friendly Propolis Products
Natural propolis is composed of approximately 45–55% plant resin, 25–35% beeswax, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen, and 5% minerals. In other words, resin and beeswax together account for 70–90% of raw propolis. Critically, the resin, wax, and oil components are insoluble in water, meaning the over 150 physiologically active substances found in propolis—such as flavonoid compounds—are embedded within water-insoluble matrices. Because of this, raw propolis cannot be directly consumed, and the beneficial bioactive ingredients must first be extracted before human ingestion.
In the early stages, beekeepers would soak raw propolis in edible alcohol (ethanol) or strong spirits, allowing it to dissolve over time. They would then consume the resulting extract themselves or share it with family and friends. However, this method results in a very high alcohol content and an extremely strong, often unpleasant odor, making it unsuitable for widespread use. Moreover, this crude approach poses serious hygiene and safety concerns, as contaminants such as pesticide residues and antibiotics introduced during beekeeping cannot be adequately removed.
1st-Generation Propolis Extraction: Alcohol-Based Method
With regulatory systems maturing and the industry developing, Japan led the way in industrializing alcohol-based propolis extraction. A significant innovation was the "aging" or "maturation" method, where raw propolis was soaked in alcohol for extended periods, often as a selling point. Many products using Brazilian propolis entered the market through this approach.
While this 1st-generation alcohol extraction technology contributed to the commercialization of propolis, it has a major flaw: residual ethanol levels remain high (50–70%), severely limiting its appeal to broader consumer segments. Efforts in the mid-1990s to add small amounts of edible glycerin to improve solubility and taste were ultimately ineffective in solving the underlying problem.
2nd-Generation Propolis Extraction: Emulsification Technology
From the late 1990s, countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK began developing emulsification-based solubilization techniques using emulsifiers and synthetic additives. These processes extract propolis using ethanol and then reduce ethanol levels via concentration. To make the extract water-soluble, they add emulsifiers such as:
Propylene glycol fatty acid esters
Polysorbates
Polyglycerine fatty acid esters
These are commonly known as surfactants. The challenge is that these substances are added in significant quantities, and while the origin countries are considered “advanced nations,” consumers often trust their products uncritically, unaware of the additives used. This method is known as the 2nd-generation propolis extraction technology.
Is It Safe for Vulnerable Populations?
The 1st-generation method leaves excessive alcohol residue, and the 2nd-generation method relies heavily on synthetic emulsifiers. Can these types of propolis truly be recommended for children, the elderly, the ill, or pregnant women?
The key question arises:
Is it impossible to produce propolis that excludes both alcohol and emulsifiers?
3rd-Generation Innovation: Water-Soluble Propolis Without Alcohol or Emulsifiers
No—it is possible.
Unique Biotech Co., Ltd. has successfully developed and patented technology to create water-soluble propolis without residual alcohol, emulsifiers, or synthetic additives. This innovation has addressed key consumer pain points—such as harsh odor and inconvenient intake—that previously hindered the popularization of propolis, despite its known functionality.
More recently, Unique Biotech has advanced the technology further to mass-produce water-soluble propolis powder, which dissolves readily in water and opens up opportunities for various bioindustry applications.
Meeting Consumer Demand: The “Delicious Propolis” Project
In line with consumer demands for both functionality and palatability, Unique Biotech launched the “Delicious Propolis Development Project”, focusing on delivering health benefits in pleasant, convenient formats. The company has released several innovative products:
Delicious Propolis Powder Stick
– A melt-in-your-mouth powder packaged in stick form, requiring no water.
Delicious Chewable Propolis Tablets
– Easy-to-chew tablets that offer a tasty and enjoyable experience.
Delicious Propolis Jelly
– The latest format, featuring a soft jelly texture especially appealing to younger users.
Propolis: Functional and Natural
Propolis is a compound made by bees by mixing resin collected from plant surfaces with their own secretions. It contains over 150 bioactive compounds beneficial to human health.
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety officially recognizes propolis for its oral antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The Role of Purity in Functional Foods
Functional foods should be processed in a way that maximizes their inherent biological activity, while minimizing unnecessary additives and excipients. Consumers deserve products that deliver pure, active ingredients in the safest and most effective way possible.
This requires continuous investment and unwavering commitment—without which no company or product can earn lasting trust or affection from the public.
Written by Yongkap Hur
Propolis Specialist
CEO, Unique Biotech Co., Ltd