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Propolis + MGO 823: The Science Behind Our Hand Cream

3 Mar 2026

Propolis + MGO 823: The Science Behind Our Hand Cream

Author:  Sara Samavati & Dr. Isaac Flitta Why Hands Are The Hardest Skincare Challenge Your hands face more abuse than any other part of your body. They're washed 20-50 times daily, exposed to harsh soaps, subjected to temperature extremes, immersed in water, covered in sanitizer, and constantly touching surfaces that strip away protective oils. Then we expect them to look moisturized, feel soft, and heal quickly from cracks, splits, and inflammation. It's an impossible task—unless you...
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Author:  Sara Samavati, Business Partner & Director of Skincare Solutions The Meeting That Changed Everything I came to New Zealand with a Master's degree in Animal Husbandry and Agriculture from Germany and training as an Organic Skincare Formulator from the UK. My fascination with bees wasn't just academic; it was personal. I wanted to understand how these incredible creatures created substances with such powerful properties for skin. When I met Dr Isaac Flitta, I didn't expect to meet...
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The Flight of the Buzzy Bee: A Kiwi Icon Lands in Kerikeri Bay of Islands Honey Shop | 414 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri | Proudly serving locals and visitors since 2000 By Dr. Isaac Flitta, Founder of Tōtika Health If you have ever driven along Kerikeri Road in the heart of the Bay of Islands, chances are you have spotted something that made you smile, slow down, and reach for your phone. Giant Buzzy Bee Standing guard outside the Bay of Islands Honey Shop at 414 Kerikeri Road is a life-sized...

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Beyond the Buzz: Why Your Skin Needs High-Potency "Bio-Active" Skincare (Not Just Generic Honey)

Dr Isaac Flitta: Founder & CEO | PhD | MPhil Biomedical | MBA | Founding Member #FM00007 NZ Apiculture Industry Body In the crowded natural skincare market, "honey" has become a buzzword. You see it in everything from $5 drugstore soaps to luxury creams. But if you’ve tried them and seen no real change in your skin, there’s a reason. Not all honey is created equal. Tōtika Health Skincare Range At Tōtika Health, we don't believe in sprinkling trace amounts of low-grade honey into a product...

  • Feb 3
  • 5 min read

Updated: Feb 16

Dr Isaac Flitta: Founder & CEO | PhD | MPhil Biomedical | MBA | Founding Member #FM00007 NZ Apiculture Industry Body


In the crowded natural skincare market, "honey" has become a buzzword. You see it in everything from $5 drugstore soaps to luxury creams. But if you’ve tried them and seen no real change in your skin, there’s a reason.


Not all honey is created equal.


Totika Health glass jars skincare products
Tōtika Health Skincare Range

At Tōtika Health, we don't believe in sprinkling trace amounts of low-grade honey into a product just for marketing. We believe in Bio-Active Skincare. This means every ingredient is selected at a high grade to perform a specific function, hydrating, protecting, or soothing your skin.


If you are struggling with persistent skin concerns and are tired of products that smell nice but do nothing, this guide explains why high-grade ingredients make the difference.


The Foundation: Why MGO 823+ and Propolis Are Non-Negotiable

manuka honey MGO850+ and Hand Cream Totika set
Totika Health Manuka Honey and Hand cream

Before we look at specific solutions, you need to understand the foundation of our entire range. Every single product we make is built on a powerhouse duo that you won't find in standard skincare lines.



This isn't just hydration; it's a two-step defence system for your skin barrier.


1. The Hydration Hero: Certified MGO 823+ Manuka Honey


Most skincare uses "table-grade" honey or low-grade manuka honey.


Tōtika Health uses certified MGO 823+ Manuka Honey.


This is an ultra-high-grade ingredient rarely found in cosmetics.


  • Why it matters: At this level, Manuka honey is a superior humectant. It doesn't just sit on top of your skin; it draws deep moisture in while helping to keep the skin surface clean and

    balanced, reducing the appearance of blemishes.



2. The Protective Shield: Propolis

If Manuka is the hydration crew, Propolis is the security guard. Propolis is a resin that bees create to protect their hive from the elements.


  • Why it matters: On your skin, Propolis forms an invisible, breathable antioxidant shield. It locks in the Manuka’s moisture and protects your complexion from damaging environmental toxins, city pollution, and UV stress that accelerate ageing.



The Problem-Solution Matrix: Finding Your Routine

We don't add filler ingredients. Each botanical oil and butter is selected to address a specific skin concern.


Here is how to match your skin needs to the right bio-active solution.


The Problem:

Angry, Red, or Sensitive Skin


When your skin is reactive, itchy, or flushed, it indicates your skin barrier is compromised and needs immediate relief without harsh chemicals.


The Bio-Active Solution:


Magic Serum (Sérum Magique)


We built on our MGO 823+ foundation by adding Kawakawa Leaf Extract, known as New Zealand’s "pharmacy of the forest."

How it works: 


Kawakawa contains natural compounds known to soothe the skin instantly, helping to calm the "itch-scratch" cycle associated with dry, sensitive patches. When combined with Tamanu Oil to support skin texture, this serum acts like a blanket of calm for irritated skin.


The Problem:

Waking Up with Dry, Tight, or "Cracked" Feeling Skin

If your skin feels parched in the morning, it may indicate "Trans-Epidermal Water Loss" (TEWL), where moisture is lost while you sleep.

The Bio-Active Solution:


Rejuvenating Night Cream (Crème de Nuit)


A standard moisturiser isn't enough. You need a barrier sealant. We incorporated Amazonian Cupuacu Butter.

How it works: 

Cupuacu is a highly moisturising ingredient that can hold 440% of its weight in water. It penetrates deeply to hydrate, while the Propolis creates a "second skin" seal on the surface, trapping that hydration inside all night long so you wake up plump and dewy.


The Problem:

City Skin (Dullness, Congestion, Pollution Exposure)


If your skin feels parched in the morning, it may indicate "Trans-Epidermal Water Loss" (TEWL), where moisture is lost while you sleep.

The Bio-Active Solution:


Essential Day Cream (Crème de Jour)


We focused on creating a lightweight antioxidant shield using Propolis and Bitter Orange Flower Water.

How it works: 


The Propolis helps intercept damaging "free radicals" from pollution before they damage your skin cells. The MGO 823+ Manuka Honey balances your skin’s pH, preventing the midday oil slick that often occurs with heavier synthetic creams.


The Problem: Cleansers That Leave Your Skin Feeling "Squeaky" Tight


If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser has stripped away your acid mantle (your protective oil layer), allowing impurities to re-enter.

The Bio-Active Solution:


Smooth Gentle Foam Cleanser

We believe in supporting your skin's natural balance, not destroying it.



How it works: 


Instead of harsh sulfates, we rely on the natural cleansing properties of MGO 823+ Manuka Honey to lift away dirt and makeup. It cleanses the pores deeply while leaving the essential "good oils" intact, keeping the skin soft rather than stripped.


The Problem:

Skin That Looks Tired Before a Big Event


Sometimes you just need an immediate pick-me-up for dull, lacklustre skin before a special occasion.

The Bio-Active Solution:


Super Gold Facial Mask


This is an intense, concentrated infusion treatment.



How it works: 


We deliver a massive dose of MGO 823+ Manuka Honey combined with "liquid gold" Argan Oil. This high concentration delivers nutrients to the skin, promoting a fresh look and an instant "plumping" effect for an immediate glow.


The Problem:

Working Hands (Split Cuticles, Roughness, Severe Dryness)


Hands age faster than faces because they are washed constantly, stripping away natural oils and leading to painful cracks and rough patches.

The Bio-Active Solution:


Nourishing Hand Cream


Regular lotion washes right off. You need an "invisible glove."



How it works: 


We use deep-penetrating Coconut Oil for moisture, and Propolis is our secret weapon again. It creates a water-resistant layer on your hands that survives multiple washings, keeping the moisture locked against the skin even while you work.


Check Your Labels

Your skin is your largest organ. It deserves ingredients that actively work for it, not just sit on it.

When you choose Tōtika Health, you aren't just buying "natural skincare." You are investing in high-potency, New Zealand bio-actives engineered by nature to repair, protect, and restore.


Skin Concern (The Problem)

Recommended Product (The Solution)

The Bio-Active Engine (Why It Works)

Redness, Itchiness, or Sensitive Patches

Magic Serum (Sérum Magique)

MGO 823+ Manuka Honey + Propolis + Kawakawa Extract + Tamanu Oil: Numbs the "itch" sensation and calms reactive skin instantly.

Dry, Cracked, or "Morning Tightness"

Rejuvenating Night Cream (Crème de Nuit)

MGO 823+ Manuka Honey + Cupuacu Butter + Propolis: Creates a "second skin" seal to lock in hydration while you sleep.

Dullness, Pollution, & City Living

Essential Day Cream (Crème de Jour)

MGO 823+ Manuka Honey+, Propolis + Bitter Orange: An antioxidant shield that blocks environmental toxins and brightens tone.

Stripped, "Squeaky" Tight Feel

Smooth Gentle Foam Cleanser

MGO 823+ Manuka Honey: + Propolis Cleanses bacteria naturally without stripping away your good oils.

Tired Skin / Pre-Event Prep

Super Gold Facial Mask

High-Dose MGO 823+ + Propolis + Argan Oil: Floods skin with nutrients for an instant "plump and glow" effect.

Rough, Dry "Working Hands"

Nourishing Hand Cream

MGO 823+ Manuka Honey + Propolis + Coconut Oil: Forms a water-resistant "invisible glove" that survives frequent washing.


Are you ready to feel the difference high-grade ingredients make? Explore the full Tōtika Health range today.


 
 
 

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