Is Bee Venom Extraction Harmful to Bees - Ethical Guide

Two bumblebees feeding on green flowers close up image used to ask is bee venom extraction harmful to bees in research

Beekeepers holding honeycomb frame covered with bees producing Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey 250g

Does a bee die once they’ve released their bee venom?
Thankfully, the answer is no – at least not when bee venom is harvested in a responsible, modern way. In commercial beekeeping, a small electrical current is run over a pane of glass. The bees are attracted to the current and “sting” the glass, releasing venom without piercing skin or any hard surface. This means they deliver their bee venom without being harmed and live to fly another day.

Bee venom’s composition and potency vary depending on the bee species and where in the world they’re found. Some of the strongest venom is from African bees, but if you’ve ever been stung, you know any venom packs a punch!

Bee Venom Components & Benefits
Bee venom contains peptides and non-peptide compounds with multiple effects on the body. In skincare, bee venom is valued for its ability to contract the skin, creating a tightening effect that can help you look fresher. However, if you’re allergic to bee stings, it’s essential to avoid bee venom products altogether.

Our Approach
Bee venom is still very much part of our range, in our Bee Venom Nectar Balm with Mānuka Honey, a skin cream that combines bee venom with genuine Mānuka honey. Alongside that, we're just as passionate about our premium New Zealand Mānuka honey, celebrated for its natural antibacterial properties.

If you love natural products that support your health and skin, you might enjoy:

All our Mānuka honey is sourced, packaged and independently lab-tested in New Zealand, in NZ Government-certified facilities, so you can be sure of authenticity and potency.


Also in Education

Best Raw Organic Manuka Honey UK Traceable Certified Genuine
Best Raw Organic Manuka Honey UK Traceable Certified Genuine

2 min read

Wedderspoon’s Raw & Organic Manuka Honey is the first of its kind in the UK and Europe — raw, unpasteurised, and certified organic with 400 MGO. Sourced and packed in New Zealand, it’s independently tested for purity and fully traceable from hive to home. Non-GMO, halal, kosher, and glyphosate-free, this honey supports ethical beekeeping, a local British family business, and a more sustainable future.

Read More
Natural Health Myths and Facts: Separate Truth from Fiction - Manuka Honey Direct
Debunking Natural Health Myths: Honey, Manuka & Joints

1 min read

Read More
Selection of raw honey jars including oak thyme and manuka varieties on blue background raw honey health benefits
Raw Honey, Honestly: What Actually Makes It Different

2 min read

Read More