Is Manuka Honey Good for Psoriasis? What to Know

Many people find Manuka honey soothing for psoriasis-prone skin, and early research into its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties is promising. While psoriasis is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, Manuka honey may help calm and hydrate the dry, itchy, scaly skin it causes — making it a gentle, soothing option to use alongside the care your doctor recommends.

What is psoriasis, briefly?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system tells the skin to produce new cells far too quickly. Instead of shedding normally, those cells pile up on the surface as thick, scaly plaques that can be red, silvery, itchy, tight and sometimes cracked. There is currently no cure, but the symptoms can be managed well with a combination of medical treatment and good daily skincare.

What makes Manuka honey different from regular honey?

Manuka honey comes from bees that pollinate the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand and Australia. What sets it apart is a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives Manuka much stronger antibacterial properties than ordinary honey. Manuka is also valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it acts as a natural humectant — meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin and hold it there.

The strength of Manuka honey is often shown as a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating. A higher number reflects a higher concentration of the compounds Manuka is prized for.

Is Manuka honey good for psoriasis?

For the dry, scaly, uncomfortable skin that psoriasis causes, Manuka honey may genuinely help. Here’s how it’s thought to support psoriasis-prone skin:

• It hydrates dry, flaky skin. As a humectant, Manuka honey helps the skin draw in and retain moisture, which can ease the dryness, tightness and flaking of plaques.
• It may calm irritation. Manuka’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the redness and itch that make flares uncomfortable.
• It may help protect cracked skin. Psoriasis plaques can crack, and Manuka’s antibacterial action works against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus that can infect broken skin.

It’s helpful to understand what a topical like Manuka can and can’t do: it soothes and supports the skin on the surface, while the underlying immune condition is managed with your doctor. The two work best together — good skincare alongside the right medical care.

What does the research actually say?

The research on Manuka honey specifically for psoriasis is still limited, but the early signs are encouraging. Laboratory and animal studies suggest compounds in Manuka honey may help reduce the kind of inflammation linked to psoriasis lesions, and its antibacterial strength against skin bacteria is well documented — which matters for cracked or broken plaques.

As with any natural remedy, it’s best to keep expectations realistic: Manuka honey is a promising, gentle, soothing ingredient for psoriasis-prone skin, used as part of a broader care routine rather than as a standalone fix.

How do you use Manuka honey for psoriasis safely?

Applying raw honey to your skin is sticky and impractical, and raw honey can lose effectiveness once diluted. For everyday use, a well-formulated skincare product containing Manuka is far more practical. A few pointers:

• Patch test first. Try any new product on a small area before using it more widely, and stop if irritation occurs.
• Keep up your treatment. Use Manuka as a soothing part of your routine, alongside — not instead of — the care your doctor recommends.
• Check in with your dermatologist if you’re using prescribed treatments, so everything works well together.
• Be allergy-aware. Avoid if you’re allergic to honey or bee products.

Where Honey Biotics Intense Moisturiser fits in

 

If you’d like to try Manuka honey for psoriasis without the mess of raw honey, our Intense Moisturiser is a TGA-listed medicine that helps soothe the patches and scaling of psoriasis. It’s a steroid-free cream made in Australia with UMF15+ Manuka honey, designed to calm and hydrate dry, irritated, scaly skin.

Because it’s steroid-free, it’s suitable for regular, ongoing use as part of your daily routine — working alongside whatever treatment your doctor recommends for the underlying condition. As always, patch test on a small area first.

When should you see a doctor?

Psoriasis is a medical condition, so it’s worth having a health professional involved. See your GP or a dermatologist if your psoriasis is new, severe or widespread, isn’t improving, shows signs of infection, or comes with joint pain or stiffness (which can be a sign of psoriatic arthritis). They can confirm the diagnosis and build a treatment plan, with good skincare working alongside it.

Frequently asked questions

Can Manuka honey cure psoriasis?

No. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition with no cure. Manuka honey may help soothe and hydrate the skin and ease symptoms like dryness, itch and scaling, but the underlying condition is managed with your doctor.

How does Manuka honey help psoriasis-prone skin?

It acts as a humectant to hydrate dry, flaky skin, has anti-inflammatory properties that may calm irritation, and is antibacterial, which may help protect cracked plaques from infection.

Should I put raw Manuka honey on my skin?

You can, but it’s sticky and impractical for everyday use, and raw honey can lose potency once diluted. A moisturiser formulated with Manuka is usually easier to use consistently. Patch test whatever you choose.

Can I use Intense Moisturiser on psoriasis?

Yes. It’s a TGA-listed medicine that helps soothe the patches and scaling of psoriasis, and because it’s steroid-free it’s suitable for regular use. Use it alongside your doctor’s plan, and patch test before first use.

What UMF should I look for?

A higher UMF rating reflects a higher concentration of Manuka’s active compounds. Our Intense Moisturiser uses UMF15+ Manuka honey.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your doctor about your individual situation.