Why Jarrah Honey is the King of Honey – and a Superior Choice Over Manuka Honey for Skincare

Many people are familiar with the incredible medicinal benefits of Manuka honey as the pinnacle of active honey that can alleviate and cure all sorts of discomforts on humans and animals.

But have you ever heard of the King of Honey: Jarrah Honey? This scarce honey from Western Australia has been flying under-the-radar honey until now – and it might just surpass Manuka in terms of skincare advantages.

Each honey is a complex mix of over 200 compounds, natural enzymes prevenient from the flora unique to its region. Because of this, it’s only relatively recently that some especially potent honeys have been discovered in New Zealand and the remote wilderness of Western Australia – Manuka honey and the newly unveiled Jarrah honey.

These honeys owe their incredible health and skincare benefits to the botanical qualities of the manuka and jarrah trees. They’re both rich in antioxidants, promote healing and are naturally antimicrobial, but that’s not to say they’re identical – there are some important distinctions between the two.

Manuka honey

The well-known manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the manuka (or leptospermum) tree found primarily in New Zealand and has been praised for its antimicrobial power. 

This power comes from a unique active compound known as methylglyoxal (MGO) that has been proven to inhibit microbial growth and has the added benefit of not inducing bacterial resistance like other antibiotics. 

Manuka honey also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which makes it an excellent acne treatment when combined with its ability to remove acne-causing bacteria from your pores. Its natural pH balancing qualities can also help speed up the healing process, making it a great option not only for acne, but other skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and minor injuries.

Jarrah honey

The newly discovered jarrah honey is found only in the pristine wilderness of Western Australian forests and is produced from the flowers of the jarrah tree.

Like manuka honey, it has strong antimicrobial qualities, but instead of MGO it contains a stronger compound – hydrogen peroxide. This active ingredient is up to 50% more effective against unwelcome microbes and can even deal with dangerous pathogens like MRSA. Studies have shown that even with its active ingredient removed, jarrah honey still possessed unusual antifungal properties, suggesting that the jarrah forests of WA hold yet untapped potential.

The unique flora native to the region also boast an impressive range of skincare benefits. 

Jarrah honey has up to three times more antioxidants than manuka honey, naturally enhancing elastin and collagen production, as well as boosting cell renewal. Just like manuka honey, jarrah honey has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties but also has the added benefit of fighting common fungal skincare conditions such as tinea.

It even happens to taste better.

Availability

Manuka honey is produced across New Zealand and is widely available, but this has its drawbacks. While pure manuka honey sourced from New Zealand, primarily from the Leptospermum scoparium tree, is an excellent skincare product, the demand for it has produced a host of misleading and deceptive fakes that purport to be the real deal, but are in fact diluted or contain synthetic ingredients and chemicals. It is important to note that in Australia, a similar honey is produced from the Leptospermum polygalifolium tree, commonly known as "Jelly Bush." This honey has similar properties to Manuka honey, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. The term "manuka" is a Maori word, leading to naming disputes between the regions. Take care that you only buy the genuine article.

Jarrah honey on the other hand is much rarer – it’s found only in the forests of southwest Australia. While harder to get your hands on, the local honey industry is taking great care to maintain a close chain of custody between the businesses and customers, so that the unique benefits of the jarrah forest aren’t diluted or adulterated like so many other honeys.

Why Jarrah honey is the ultimate skincare honey

When it comes to natural skincare, not all honeys are created equal. While Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial MGO content, Jarrah honey offers a broader microbiological activity spectrum, making it a superior choice for a variety of skin concerns—including fungal conditions like Malassezia folliculitis (often mistaken for acne), eczema, and sensitive skin issues.

Jarrah Honey vs. Manuka Honey for Skin Health

1. Superior for Fungal Skin Conditions – Unlike Manuka honey, which is mainly antibacterial, Jarrah honey contains naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide, making it effective against both bacteria and fungi—including the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne and other skin irritations.
2. Gentle Yet Powerful – While MGO in Manuka honey can be too aggressive for sensitive skin, Jarrah honey hydrates, soothes, and protects without irritation, making it ideal for those with reactive or inflamed skin.
3. Deep Skin Healing & Hydration – Rich in antioxidants and with a lower moisture content than most honeys, Jarrah honey supports wound healing, reduces redness, and helps balance the skin microbiome for a calmer, healthier complexion.
4. Non-Comedogenic & Ideal for Acne-Prone Skin – Jarrah honey doesn’t clog pores and helps regulate excess oil production, making it perfect for those struggling with breakouts—whether from bacterial or fungal sources.
5. Natural Alternative to Harsh Antifungal Treatments – For those suffering from Malassezia folliculitis, eczema, or fungal-related skin imbalances, Jarrah honey provides a natural, soothing remedy without the side effects of traditional antifungal creams.
   
6. Imagine discovering a skincare secret that not only soothes your sensitive skin but also targets stubborn fungal conditions while providing deep hydration and healing. Jarrah honey could be the luxurious answer to your skincare challenges. Its superior microbiological activity makes it ideal for various skin concerns, from acne to eczema. 

If you are interested to learn more about how Jarrah Honey can help your skin concerns and see the scientific research evidence that backs up the claims. Download our free PDF that outlines Dr Shona Blair’s well told story about jarrah honey that will make it rise to become the King of Honey.

References

Manning, R J. (2011),
Research into Western Australian honeys. Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report.

Guttentag, Annabel, Krishothman Krishnakumar, Nural Cokcetin, Steven Hainsworth, Elizabeth Harry, and Dee Carter. 2021. "Inhibition of Dermatophyte Fungi by Australian Jarrah Honey" Pathogens 10, no. 2: 194. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10020194