Honey Bee Hive Cream: Non-Toxic At Heart

In the sun-drenched hills of Escondido, California, amidst the fragrant blooms of wildflowers and the gentle hum of her buzzing companions, Cate Coiner finds solace and inspiration. Her apiary, a sanctuary of peace and connection, is more than just a place where bees produce honey; it's the heart of Polli, a brand born from a legacy of healing and a deep respect for the natural world.

Cate's journey began with her grandmother, a beekeeper who instilled in her a profound appreciation for the intricate world of bees and the remarkable healing properties they offer. From honey, a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin, to propolis, a potent antimicrobial resin, Cate learned to recognize the transformative power of these gifts from the hive.

This knowledge, combined with her own personal health challenges, ignited a passion to share these treasures with other women, particularly those seeking clean, non-toxic skincare solutions. Her grandmother's careful attention to hive placement, favoring areas rich in diverse pollen sources, and her gentle handling of the bees, minimizing stress, laid the foundation for Cate's own sustainable beekeeping practices.

Clean, Conscious Skincare

Polli is founded on the principle that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in them. We believe in the power of clean, non-toxic ingredients, carefully sourced from transparent vendors who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Our formulas are meticulously crafted with purpose, backed by scientific research, and designed to work in harmony with your skin, not against it. We avoid harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and other potentially irritating ingredients that can disrupt the delicate balance of your skin's microbiome.

Our dedication to sustainability extends beyond our ingredients. We're on a mission to source all bee-produced ingredients exclusively from our own hives by 2025, ensuring the health and well-being of our bees and minimizing our environmental impact. We believe in responsible beekeeping practices that prioritize the long-term health of the colony, recognizing that the well-being of our bees is inextricably linked to our own.

The Upper Hive Cream: Nature's Gift for Sensitive Skin

Introducing the crown jewel of our hive: the Upper Hive Cream. This isn't just a moisturizer; it's a carefully crafted elixir of nature, designed to nourish, replenish, and revitalize your skin, especially if it's sensitive and reactive.

• Beeswax: Beyond simply creating a barrier, beeswax is a complex substance. It's rich in fatty acids that are essential for skin health, mimicking the skin's natural lipids to improve barrier function and reduce water loss. This is crucial for those with conditions like Lyme or autoimmune issues, where skin barrier function is often compromised.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide's benefits go far beyond surface-level improvements. It's a cellular communicator, influencing how cells behave. For sensitive skin, it's particularly valuable because it reduces inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also strengthens the skin's barrier by increasing ceramide production, which helps hold skin cells together.
• Hyaluronic Acid: We use a low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid in our formula. This is important because smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin, providing more intense hydration and stimulating collagen production at a deeper level. This plumping effect is especially beneficial for mature skin or skin that has lost elasticity due to inflammation. 

The Upper Hive Cream isn't just about what's in it, but also what's not in it. We meticulously exclude common irritants like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives. We understand that sensitive skin needs gentle care, and our formula reflects that understanding.

Cate's own journey with an autoimmune disorder underscores this commitment. Her skin was in a constant state of inflammation, reacting to nearly every product she tried. It wasn't until she discovered the soothing and healing properties of propolis, a resinous substance that bees use to protect their hive, that she began to see real improvement.

Propolis, with its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, became the cornerstone of her skincare routine and inspired her to create Polli. The constant dryness and redness she experienced began to subside, and she noticed a visible reduction in inflammation. She even started experimenting with incorporating propolis into other aspects of her wellness routine, experiencing benefits beyond just skin health.

Our friend Michael had an experience that further highlights the need for truly clean skincare. His TBI left him with heightened sensitivities, making him vulnerable to seizures triggered by even trace amounts of certain chemicals. He describes the feeling as his nervous system being "on high alert," constantly reacting to environmental stimuli. Finding products he could trust was a nightmare. He recounts a particularly frightening experience where a new laundry detergent sent him into a series of seizures.

The fear of such reactions became a constant source of anxiety. Polli Bee Naturals has become a sacred ritual for him. He can use our products without fear, knowing that they are free from the chemicals that could trigger a reaction. The calming aroma of ylang-ylang in the Upper Hive Cream has even had a surprising benefit for Michael – he's noticed a subtle calming effect on his nervous system, reducing his overall anxiety. 

The Importance of Bee Health: A Mission-Driven Approach

The bee health crisis is complex and multifaceted. Beyond Colony Collapse Disorder, bees face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, parasites like the Varroa mite, and diseases.

At Polli Bee Naturals, "smart beekeeping" is more than a buzzword. It's a holistic approach that encompasses:

• Sustainable Apiary Management: We provide our bees with ample forage, clean water, and a safe environment, free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. We carefully select locations for our hives, ensuring access to diverse pollen sources and minimizing exposure to agricultural chemicals.
• Disease and Pest Management: We monitor our hives closely for signs of disease or infestation and use natural methods to control pests like Varroa mites. We avoid the use of synthetic miticides, which can harm bees and contaminate honey.
• Genetic Diversity: We work to maintain genetic diversity within our bee colonies, which makes them more resilient to disease and environmental stressors. We believe that a diverse gene pool is essential for the long-term survival of honeybees.
• Education and Advocacy: We believe in sharing our knowledge and inspiring others to take action to protect bees. We support organizations that are working to address the bee health crisis and advocate for policies that protect pollinators. We also host workshops and educational events to teach others about the importance of bees and sustainable beekeeping practices.

Embrace the Healing Power of the Hive

Polli is more than just a skincare brand; it's a reflection of our values, our commitment to sustainability, and our belief in the healing power of nature. We invite you to experience the transformative effects of the Upper Hive Cream and discover the difference that clean, conscious skincare can make.

Shop the Upper Hive Cream Honey Bee Face Cream and experience the difference. Join our community of conscious consumers and embrace the healing power of the hive. A portion of all profits is donated to organizations dedicated to bee conservation and research.