You’ve probably heard all about the benefits of honey for skincare. It’s been used for thousands of years to address everything from wounds to dullness. 

Not all forms of honey are made equal, though, and you want the best for your skin. We’re going to compare and contrast Manuka Honey vs raw honey for face to show you where each has an edge. 

But maybe you’re here for the fast answer. Is Manuka Honey better than raw honey for your skincare ritual? Yes. It brings so much more to the table. It’s one of the best ingredients for hydration, antibacterial/anti-inflammatory support, soothing properties, and restoration.

That’s why it’s such an important part of our one-of-a-kind goat milk soap formula. Oshun is the best way to bring the benefits of Manuka Honey into your skincare routine because it replaces your moisturizer, toner, and more. 

Ditch the 10-step nonsense and bring your skin back into balance with a simpler approach. 

Quick Comparison of Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey For Face

Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand’s Manuka bush. It’s measured by its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Higher numbers mean it's more potent - or in plain terms, loaded with more of the good stuff your skin needs. But what exactly can Manuka Honey do for you?

Deep Hydration and Barrier Support

Part of why Oshun is the best moisturizing bar soap comes down to the Manuka Honey +20 UMF it’s crafted with. This natural humectant brings water to the skin and holds it in place. 

But it doesn’t work quite the same as synthetic humectants, which are notorious for leaving a slippery residue that disappears within an hour. Its sugars pull moisture to the skin, and the thicker texture creates a breathable seal so it can’t escape. 

The end result: skin that feels soft, plump, and resilient, not tight or stripped.

Antibacterial Power

One of the key components in Manuka Honey is methylglyoxal (MGO). It’s responsible for the natural antibacterial properties this ingredient is known for, and why Manuka Honey works so well for those struggling with acne.

It fights off the bacteria that cause acne in the first place, and it also lowers the risk of infection in small cuts or blemishes. Manuka Honey just creates an environment where the skin can heal faster.

Calming Sensitive or Inflamed Skin

Manuka Honey can be a game-changer if you’re one of the many people who suffer from eczema, rosacea, or frequent redness. It supports a healthier inflammatory response to dial down irritation without relying on steroids or harsh creams.

That’s because Manuka Honey doesn’t force your skin into submission when it’s not at its best. It works with your natural barrier to relieve itchiness, swelling, and the burning sensation that comes with chronic irritation.

Brightening and Repair

The antioxidants in Manuka Honey protect against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can break down collagen and accelerate aging. This is why people use Manuka Honey for well-aging effects. It can support a smoother texture, softer scars, and a more even complexion. 

Benefits of Raw Honey

All things considered, it’s easy to see why Manuka Honey is the gold standard. But what about the other half of our comparison on Manuka Honey vs raw honey for face - what can this type of honey do for you?

Everyday Hydration

Raw honey is also a humectant, it just doesn’t have the same potency as Manuka Honey. It still works well for daily moisture, drawing water into the top layers of your skin and easing dryness. You’ll get a soft, dewy finish when using honey-based skincare products in general.

Gentle Exfoliation

The natural enzymes in raw honey can help loosen and remove dead skin cells. It’s a really mild form of exfoliation, but it still supports a smoother texture without the need for gritty scrubs or harsh acids.

Nutrient-Rich Care

Because raw honey isn’t heavily processed, it’s loaded with trace vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants your skin loves. Anytime you apply honey to the skin, you’re feeding it AND protecting it against environmental stress.

Affordable Accessibility

Why is raw honey even in the conversation when Manuka Honey exists? Simple - it’s more affordable and easy to find. But remember, you get what you pay for. Your skin is something worth splurging on. Why settle for less than the best? 

Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey For Face

Be clear, both Manuka Honey and raw honey can nourish your skin. But they just don’t perform at the same level. Choosing raw honey over Manuka Honey means compromising once you understand just how much more potent and effective the latter is. 

Potency and Consistency

Raw honey quality varies depending on where it’s sourced, what flowers the bees visited, and how the honey was harvested. Some jars may be rich in enzymes and nutrients, while others are thinner or less potent. It’s more of a guessing game.

On the other hand, there’s a standardized way to assess how strong Manuka Honey is. The UMF scale verifies exactly how much MGO is in it, which is where a lot of the benefits come from. This scale tips out at +25, and for context, Oshun uses +20 Manuka Honey.

Skin Concerns Each Addresses Best

You can choose between Manuka Honey vs raw honey for face based on what exactly you’re struggling with. Raw honey might be good enough if you’re just looking for a little hydration support and gentle care. It softens, smooths, and keeps skin from drying out.

But, Manuka Honey just does so much more. Not only is it the more effective hydrating ingredient. It’s also the smart upgrade if you’re dealing with acne, eczema, rosacea, or stubborn sensitivity. It soothes redness and irritation, and a lot of people rely on it to support aging more gracefully. Manuka actively supports skin healing and barrier repair, too. 

Safety and Sensitivity Factors

Both types of honey are gentler than synthetic cleansers or treatments, but Manuka tends to cause fewer issues for sensitive skin. That’s because raw honey can have pollen, wax, or other impurities that trigger reactions in people with allergies.

In contrast, Manuka Honey has a much thicker texture and a high MGO content, making it a more naturally stable addition to your skincare ritual. It’s less likely to harbor irritants. 

So, is Manuka Honey Better Than Raw Honey For Skincare?

It’s easy to see which is the right choice between Manuka Honey vs raw honey for face. Don’t get us wrong, raw honey is a wonderful, affordable option for hydration and mild exfoliation. 

But Manuka Honey delivers consistent, clinically backed results that raw honey can’t match. addresses a wider range of concerns - hydration, acne, sensitivity, and aging - all in one. Plus, you can use it as part of the best simple skincare routine with Oshun.

Our soaps for sensitive skin bring together only 11 of Mother Earth’s finest ingredients. After all, the best luxury soap doesn’t overwhelm you with complicated ingredients your skin is unfamiliar with. It’s a return to what your skin remembers. Along with Manuka Honey +20 UMF, you get:

• Nubian Goat Milk: Hydrates deeply and gently exfoliates with natural lactic acid.
• Olive Oil 407 mg Polyphenols: Delivers long-lasting moisture while protecting with powerful antioxidants.
• White Willow Bark: Provides natural salicylic acid to clear pores and calm irritation.
• Cosmetic Grade Pearl Powder: Smooths texture, brightens tone, and supports skin renewal.
• Raw Shea Butter: Cushions, repairs, and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Virgin Coconut Oil: Cleanses impurities while leaving skin soft and supple.
• Kaolin Clay: Detoxifies by drawing out buildup without stripping natural oils.
• Citric Acid: Helps balance skin’s pH and supports gentle renewal.
• Mica Powder: Adds a soft, natural glow and healthy luminosity.
• Himalayan Pink Salt: Infuses the skin with essential trace minerals and promotes clarity.

Every bar meets halal beauty standards, so you can feel good about upgrading your ritual. The best part is you can eliminate a lot of the excess in your routine with a single bar of soap. It replaces your moisturizer, toner, serums, and spot treatments all at once. Less really IS more!

Parting Thoughts on Raw Honey vs Manuka Honey in Skincare

Hopefully this comparison of Manuka Honey vs raw honey for face has left you feeling clear on what each brings to the table, and why one is in a league of its own.

Raw honey is a reliable staple. It hydrates, nourishes, and gently refreshes the skin. But Manuka honey brings something extra: consistent antibacterial strength, deeper hydration, and soothing relief for acne, sensitivity, and irritation. 

That difference is why Manuka has become the gold standard in natural skincare. See what Makuka Honey can do when paired with ten other purposeful ingredients in our bar of soap, Oshun. It’s a complete ritual for balance and radiance.

Breathe fresh life into your skin with each lather.