THE SCIENCE BEHIND MEDIHONEY®

With a background that spans both academia and the pharmaceutical industry, microbiologist, Dr. Jonathan Cox, focuses his research on translating microbiology into real-world health solutions. As an Associate Professor of Microbiology at Aston University in the UK and a consultant for New Zealand-based Comvita—the global leader in Mānuka honey, and AUNU’s exclusive supply partner—Dr. Cox has extensively studied the biological properties of Mānuka to explore how it can be applied topically, from clinical settings to skincare.  

From a microbiologist's perspective, what's the most remarkable thing Mānuka honey can do topically?
If I had to choose one thing, it would be its ability to manage microbial burden while simultaneously supporting the [skin’s] healing environment. Typically, antimicrobial treatments are designed with one primary objective: killing microbes. Mānuka honey is unusual because it appears to do much more than that. It creates conditions that are unfavorable for harmful microorganisms while also helping maintain a moist environment that can support [skin] repair. 

How does Mānuka honey’s selective antimicrobial activity actually work to create a healthy skin microbiome?
What really captured my attention was the complexity of this antimicrobial activity. Like many microbiologists, I was initially skeptical. Honey has a long history in traditional medicine [and as a beauty treatment], but I wanted to understand whether the evidence really stood up to scientific scrutiny. When I started reviewing the literature, and then conducting studies myself, I quickly realized that Mānuka honey was different. Most antimicrobial agents work through a single mechanism, but Mānuka honey appears to attack microbes in multiple ways simultaneously. It’s more of a cluster bomb rather than a targeted weapon against infecting bacteria. As a microbiologist studying antimicrobial resistance, that's incredibly interesting because it makes it much harder for bacteria to adapt and survive. 

Beyond its antimicrobial benefits, what makes Mānuka honey such a special skincare ingredient?
What's remarkable is that we're not dealing with a single active ingredient. Mānuka honey contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds that interact with microorganisms, inflammation pathways, and tissue repair processes in ways we're still uncovering. Every time we think we've identified the key mechanism, another layer of complexity emerges. Mānuka honey represents one of the few natural products that has been rigorously researched and translated into evidence-based medical applications. And the more we learn about Mānuka honey, the more questions it raises. That's a hallmark of truly interesting science. 

For someone who's only familiar with "regular" Mānuka honey, what makes the Comvita Medihoney® medical-grade Mānuka honey in every AUNU product so unique?
The biggest difference is that medical-grade Mānuka honey is specifically prepared and validated for topical clinical use. We know it works because scientists like me have rigorously tested it. When people think of honey, they often think of a food product. Medihoney® is fundamentally different because it undergoes stringent quality controls, standardization, and processing to ensure it is safe and appropriate for use in healthcare settings. Consistency is critical in medicine, and medical-grade honey provides clinicians and patients with confidence that they are receiving a product with reliable biological activity.

Another important distinction is the depth of scientific and clinical evidence behind it. Medihoney® has been studied extensively in wound care and has developed a strong evidence base supporting its use in supporting [skin] healing. From a research perspective, the combination of quality assurance, standardization, and clinical validation is what elevates it from a natural product to a medical tool.

What excites you most about the future of Mānuka honey in skincare?
We're only beginning to understand the full potential of Mānuka honey. In skincare, there's growing interest in how Mānuka honey's antimicrobial and skin-supporting properties might be applied beyond traditional wound care. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that combine efficacy with naturally derived ingredients, and Mānuka honey sits at that intersection.

More broadly, I think Mānuka honey represents a powerful example of what can happen when traditional knowledge, modern science, and clinical research come together. That's where some of the most exciting innovations in healthcare are likely to emerge over the coming decades. Watch this space!