Mānuka Honey for Eczema: Does It Help?

Summary: Mānuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that gives it strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied topically, these properties may help reduce the bacterial load that worsens eczema flare-ups, calm skin inflammation, and support moisture retention in a compromised skin barrier. It is not a medical treatment, but it can be a useful addition to a sensitive skin routine at MGO 100+ or above.

Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK, affecting around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults, according to the National Eczema Society. For many people, managing it involves a combination of prescribed emollients and lifestyle adjustments, alongside an ongoing search for natural options that do not irritate sensitive skin further.

Mānuka honey has attracted genuine interest in this space. This article focuses on why it may be relevant to eczema specifically, and how to use it. 

Why Eczema Creates the Right Conditions for Mānuka Honey

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a condition rooted in a weakened skin barrier. When the barrier is compromised, moisture escapes more easily, the skin becomes dry and reactive, and bacteria can penetrate more readily. This last point is particularly important.

Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that Staphylococcus aureus colonises the skin of approximately 90% of people with eczema, compared with around 5% of the general population. S. aureus is not just a passenger: its presence actively triggers inflammation, worsens the itch-scratch cycle, and drives flare-ups.

Mānuka honey has demonstrated strong and consistent antibacterial activity against S. aureus in laboratory studies, including antibiotic-resistant MRSA strains. This is the clearest scientific rationale for its use in eczema-prone skin: it may help reduce the bacterial trigger that feeds the cycle.

Anti-Inflammatory and Moisture-Retaining Effects

Beyond its antibacterial action, Mānuka honey contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have shown anti-inflammatory activity in research settings. For eczema sufferers, reducing skin inflammation is central to managing both symptoms and flare-up frequency.

Mānuka honey is also hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture from its surroundings. Applied to dry, eczema-prone skin, this property helps maintain surface hydration, addressing one of the core problems caused by barrier dysfunction. This is distinct from its wound-healing properties and focuses on everyday skin maintenance rather than repair.

Which MGO Grade to Use

For topical use on eczema-prone or sensitive skin, a higher MGO grade delivers greater antibacterial potency. As a practical guide:

How to Use It

Spot application

Apply a small amount of Mānuka Lab MGO 300+ or 525+ directly to the affected area using clean fingertips or a cotton pad. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse gently with lukewarm water. Use during or after a flare-up.

Skin mask

Apply a thin layer to clean, slightly damp skin. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse. This works well for broader areas of dry or sensitive skin and can be used two to three times per week.

Soothing rinse

Dissolve one teaspoon of Mānuka honey in a small amount of warm water. Apply gently with a soft cloth. This is the mildest approach and suits very reactive skin.

A Few Important Cautions

• Patch test first: Apply to the inner arm and wait 24 hours before using on facial or body eczema patches.
• Not for infants under 12 months: Mānuka honey must not be given internally to babies under one year. For topical use in young children, consult your GP.
• Do not replace prescribed treatment: Mānuka honey is a complement to, not a replacement for, prescribed emollients or topical steroids. Always follow medical advice for moderate to severe eczema.
• Honey allergy: Those with a known allergy to bee products should not use Mānuka honey.

Final Thoughts

The connection between Mānuka honey and eczema is rooted in a specific, well-evidenced mechanism: its ability to act against the S. aureus bacteria that colonises eczema-affected skin and drives flare-ups. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support surface hydration, it offers a logical, gentle option for those looking to complement their routine with something natural.

At Mānuka Lab, all products are independently tested for MGO content and sustainably sourced from the East Cape region of New Zealand. If you are considering trying it for eczema, start with MGO 300+ for regular use, or step up to MGO 525+ for more targeted support during flare-ups. As always, speak to your GP or dermatologist if you have severe or persistent symptoms.