Royal Jelly Powder is a premium freeze-dried ingredient derived from the exclusive secretion of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera). This concentrated superfood serves as the sole nutrition for queen bees throughout their lifetime, enabling them to grow twice the size and live up to 40 times longer than worker bees. Our freeze-dried royal jelly powder preserves the bioactive compounds while offering extended shelf stability, making it ideal for nutraceutical, cosmetic, and functional food applications. With a guaranteed 10-HDA content of 6.0% or higher, this ingredient represents a high-potency formulation for manufacturers seeking premium bee-derived products.
Composition
Royal Jelly Powder consists of approximately 12–15% proteins including Major Royal Jelly Proteins (MRJPs), royalisin, and apisimin. It contains 10–16% carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose), 3–6% lipids dominated by the unique fatty acid 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), and 2–3% vitamins, minerals, and free amino acids. The powder provides all essential amino acids, a complete B-vitamin complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), acetylcholine, and trace minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, and potassium. Our freeze-dried formulation concentrates these nutrients to approximately three times the potency of fresh royal jelly, with 10-HDA content standardized at 6.0% or higher.
Functional Benefits
Royal jelly has been valued for centuries as a health and vitality tonic. The primary bioactive component, 10-HDA (also called "queen bee acid"), is a unique fatty acid found exclusively in royal jelly and serves as the international quality marker for all royal jelly products. Scientific research demonstrates that 10-HDA exhibits natural antibiotic properties, immunomodulatory effects, and anti-inflammatory activity. Studies show 10-HDA inhibits tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis, supporting skin brightening and anti-aging effects. The compound has demonstrated antitumor potential in laboratory studies, while also promoting neurogenesis and protecting neural cells. Royal jelly proteins support collagen production and wound healing through fibroblast activation. The B-vitamin content, particularly pantothenic acid, supports antibody synthesis and immune defense. Research indicates royal jelly may help regulate blood pressure through vasodilatory mechanisms, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve menopausal symptoms by modulating autonomic nervous system function. The unique "parotin-like" substance in royal jelly mimics human salivary gland hormones, supporting cellular regeneration and anti-aging processes. Animal studies demonstrate lifespan extension through dietary restriction and TOR signaling pathways.
Appearance & Texture
Royal Jelly Powder is a fine, light yellow to cream-colored powder with a silky, free-flowing texture. The freeze-drying process creates a concentrated powder form that is approximately three times more potent than fresh royal jelly by weight. The powder maintains excellent uniformity and dispersibility in formulations.
Taste & Odor
The powder possesses a characteristic taste profile that is slightly acidic, mildly sweet, and somewhat astringent with distinctive bitter undertones. This complex flavor profile reflects the bioactive fatty acid content. There is a mild, characteristic bee-product aroma that is less pronounced than fresh royal jelly due to the freeze-drying process. The taste is notable and may require masking agents or flavor modifiers when used in consumer-facing products. Many manufacturers encapsulate the powder or blend it with honey, sweeteners, or other complementary ingredients to improve palatability.
Solubility
Royal Jelly Powder is partially water-soluble. The protein and sugar components dissolve readily, while the lipid fraction (including 10-HDA) disperses as a fine suspension. For beverage applications, gentle warming and thorough mixing improve dispersion. The powder integrates well into capsule, tablet, and soft-gel formulations. For cosmetic applications, it incorporates smoothly into water-phase emulsions and can be combined with carrier oils for enhanced delivery.
Recommended Dose
The typical daily intake of Royal Jelly Powder ranges from 200–500 mg of freeze-dried powder, equivalent to approximately 600–1,500 mg of fresh royal jelly. For products standardized to 6.0% 10-HDA, this provides approximately 12–30 mg of the bioactive fatty acid daily. Clinical studies have used dosages ranging from 300 mg to 6,000 mg of royal jelly equivalent per day, depending on the application. For general wellness maintenance, 300–500 mg daily is commonly recommended. Higher doses (1,000–3,000 mg equivalent) may be used for targeted therapeutic applications such as menopausal support or immune enhancement. Consistent daily use over several weeks is recommended to achieve cumulative benefits.
Forms of Use
Royal Jelly Powder is highly versatile for multiple product formats:
Capsules/Tablets. The most common application is encapsulation in dietary supplement capsules or tablets. A typical capsule contains 300–500 mg of freeze-dried royal jelly powder, standardized to deliver 18–30 mg of 10-HDA per serving. Premium formulations often combine royal jelly with complementary ingredients such as propolis, bee pollen, ginseng, or vitamin E for enhanced synergistic effects. Japanese and Korean supplement brands frequently feature high-potency royal jelly capsules for energy, beauty, and longevity support.
Soft Gels. Freeze-dried royal jelly can be suspended in olive oil or other carrier oils and encapsulated in soft gelatin capsules. This format offers excellent bioavailability and masks the characteristic taste. Soft gels typically contain 1,000 mg fresh royal jelly equivalent per capsule with 10–14 mg 10-HDA.
Powder Blends. Royal jelly powder integrates well into nutritional powder mixes, protein shakes, and superfood blends. It pairs excellently with honey powder, collagen peptides, or adaptogenic herbs. The freeze-dried format maintains stability when combined with other dry ingredients. Some manufacturers create "beauty powder" formulations combining royal jelly with marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C for comprehensive skin support.
Functional Foods & Beverages. In Asia, royal jelly is incorporated into functional drinks, energy shots, beauty jellies, and confectionery products. Ready-to-drink vials combining royal jelly with ginseng or propolis are popular in Japan and Korea. Royal jelly chocolates, candies, and honey spreads enhanced with royal jelly powder are marketed as premium health confections.
Cosmetic Applications. Royal jelly powder is used in skincare formulations at 1–3% concentration for its moisturizing, regenerative, and anti-aging properties. It is incorporated into serums, creams, masks, and anti-aging treatments. The MRJPs and 10-HDA content support collagen production, wound healing, and skin brightening.
Examples
Royal jelly has a rich history in Eastern wellness traditions, with numerous premium products utilizing this ingredient. Major Japanese supplement brands such as Yamada Bee Farm, Suntory, and DHC offer high-potency royal jelly products standardized for 10-HDA content. Korean beauty brands incorporate royal jelly into K-beauty skincare lines. Traditional Chinese medicine shops sell pure royal jelly powder as a longevity tonic. Modern applications include "beauty drinks" combining royal jelly with collagen peptides in single-serve ampules, energy supplements pairing royal jelly with B-vitamins and ginseng, and premium skincare serums featuring royal jelly proteins for anti-aging benefits.
10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), also known as "queen bee acid" or "royal jelly acid," is a unique medium-chain unsaturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C10H18O3 (HO-CH2-(CH2)6CH=CH-COOH). This bioactive compound is found exclusively in royal jelly and serves as the international quality standard for royal jelly products worldwide. 10-HDA represents approximately 70% of the total fatty acid content in royal jelly and is the primary marker used to verify authenticity and quality. The compound features a distinctive molecular structure with a hydroxyl group at the terminal position and a double bond between carbons 2 and 3, giving it unique biological activity not found in other fatty acids. Fresh royal jelly typically contains 2–3% 10-HDA, while high-quality freeze-dried concentrates can achieve 6% or higher, making them significantly more potent for therapeutic applications.
The health-promoting properties of royal jelly have been recognized for millennia, with ancient civilizations in China, Egypt, and Greece valuing it as a royal medicine and beauty elixir. The scientific identification of 10-HDA occurred in the mid-20th century when researchers began investigating what made royal jelly uniquely capable of transforming ordinary bee larvae into queens. In 1957, German scientists Butenandt and Rembold first isolated and characterized 10-HDA from royal jelly, identifying it as the compound responsible for many of royal jelly's biological effects. Since then, 10-HDA has become the subject of extensive research, with studies demonstrating its antibacterial properties (first reported in 1959 by Blum et al.), antitumor activity (Townsend et al., 1960), and immunomodulatory effects. The compound gained its popular name "queen bee acid" because it is believed to be partly responsible for the queen bee's exceptional longevity—living up to 5 years compared to the worker bee's 6-week lifespan.
10-HDA is a natural antibiotic and immunomodulator with remarkable biological activity. As the signature compound of royal jelly, it cannot be synthesized artificially and exists nowhere else in nature—making it a definitive marker for genuine royal jelly products. Upon ingestion, 10-HDA is metabolized through ω-oxidation into sebacic acid, which produces succinyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA for cellular energy. The fatty acid demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species. Research shows 10-HDA modulates immune responses by affecting T-cell function and dendritic cell activity, helping the body mount appropriate immune defenses. The compound inhibits tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis, contributing to skin brightening effects. Studies demonstrate anti-angiogenic properties through VEGF inhibition, suggesting potential applications in managing abnormal cell proliferation. Perhaps most remarkably, 10-HDA has been shown to extend lifespan in animal models through dietary restriction and TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathways, mimicking the caloric restriction pathway associated with longevity. The compound also promotes neurogenesis—the formation of new neural cells—and exhibits neuroprotective effects, supporting cognitive function and brain health.
10-HDA is obtained exclusively through royal jelly consumption, as it does not occur naturally in any common dietary source. The primary forms of intake include:
Fresh Royal JellyRaw, fresh royal jelly contains approximately 2–3% 10-HDA. It must be kept refrigerated or frozen to maintain potency and is typically consumed directly (sublingually), mixed with honey, or taken in capsule form. Fresh royal jelly is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting qi (vital energy), calming the spirit (shen), and promoting overall vitality.
Freeze-Dried Royal Jelly PowderFreeze-drying concentrates the 10-HDA content to 4–6% or higher while extending shelf life without refrigeration. A 3:1 concentration ratio means 1 gram of freeze-dried powder equals approximately 3 grams of fresh royal jelly. This format offers superior stability, convenience, and standardized potency for supplement manufacturers.
Standardized ExtractsPremium supplements are standardized to guarantee specific 10-HDA levels (commonly 4%, 6%, or higher). This ensures consistent dosing and predictable biological effects across batches. Products standardized to 6.0% 10-HDA represent a high-potency formulation suitable for therapeutic applications.
Combination FormulasRoyal jelly is frequently combined with complementary ingredients such as bee pollen, propolis, ginseng, coenzyme Q10, or vitamins to create synergistic wellness formulations targeting specific health concerns like energy, immunity, or beauty.
Royal jelly supplements are best taken in the morning with breakfast to support daytime energy and vitality. Some practitioners recommend sublingual administration (holding under the tongue) for enhanced absorption of bioactive components. For individuals using royal jelly for its calming and sleep-supporting properties (due to effects on GABA and serotonin pathways), evening intake before bed may be preferred. Taking royal jelly with food helps optimize absorption and minimize any potential stomach sensitivity. Consistent daily use over 4–12 weeks is recommended to achieve cumulative benefits, as effects build progressively with continued supplementation.
10-HDA (as the primary bioactive component of royal jelly) offers a comprehensive range of health benefits supported by scientific research:
SUPPORTS IMMUNE FUNCTION AND ANTIBACTERIAL DEFENSE
10-HDA acts as a natural antibiotic with documented activity against multiple pathogenic bacteria. Research demonstrates strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella species. The compound modulates immune cell activity, particularly affecting T-lymphocytes and dendritic cells, helping orchestrate balanced immune responses. Studies show 10-HDA enhances the body's ability to combat pathogens while supporting appropriate inflammatory responses through IL-1ra production and NF-κB modulation.
PROMOTES SKIN HEALTH AND ANTI-AGING
10-HDA demonstrates significant skin-beautifying properties through multiple mechanisms. Research shows it inhibits tyrosinase activity and suppresses melanogenesis by downregulating MITF protein expression, TRP-1, and TRP-2, resulting in skin brightening and reduced hyperpigmentation. Studies demonstrate that royal jelly proteins stimulate fibroblast activity and enhance collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. The compound promotes wound healing by accelerating fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis. These properties make 10-HDA valuable for anti-aging formulations and beauty supplements.
SUPPORTS LONGEVITY AND ANTI-AGING PATHWAYS
Remarkable research demonstrates that 10-HDA extends lifespan in animal models through dietary restriction and TOR signaling pathways. Studies in C. elegans show significant lifespan extension independent of insulin-like signaling, suggesting 10-HDA activates fundamental longevity mechanisms. The compound also confers tolerance against thermal and oxidative stress, protecting cells from age-related damage. These findings support royal jelly's traditional reputation as a longevity tonic.
ENHANCES ENERGY AND REDUCES FATIGUE
Royal jelly's rich B-vitamin content combined with 10-HDA's metabolic effects supports energy production and reduces fatigue. Athletes and active individuals use royal jelly for improved stamina and recovery. Studies show benefits for post-exercise recovery through mineral replenishment and tissue repair support. The compound supports cellular energy metabolism without overstimulation, making it suitable for sustained vitality.
SUPPORTS HORMONAL BALANCE AND MENOPAUSAL HEALTH
Clinical research demonstrates royal jelly's effectiveness in reducing menopausal symptoms. Studies show improvement in Kupperman index scores after 3–4 weeks of supplementation. The compound contains parotin-like substances that mimic human hormones, helping regulate autonomic nervous system function. Research indicates benefits for hot flashes, mood swings, and hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause.
PROMOTES NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION
10-HDA promotes neurogenesis—the formation of new neural stem/progenitor cells capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes. Research demonstrates neuroprotective effects and potential benefits for cognitive function. Studies in diabetic animal models show improved cognitive performance with 10-HDA supplementation through autophagy activation. The acetylcholine content in royal jelly further supports brain health and memory function.
SUPPORTS CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Research shows royal jelly helps regulate blood pressure through vasodilatory mechanisms acting on calcitonin gene-related peptide. Studies demonstrate reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with royal jelly supplementation. The compound may help protect against atherosclerosis and support healthy lipid metabolism.
Individuals Seeking Immune SupportThose wanting to strengthen natural defenses against pathogens and seasonal health challenges may benefit from 10-HDA's immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties.
People Focused on Skin Health and BeautyThose concerned with skin aging, hyperpigmentation, or wanting a radiant complexion can benefit from 10-HDA's collagen-promoting and melanogenesis-inhibiting effects. Royal jelly is a cornerstone ingredient in Asian beauty supplements.
Women Experiencing Menopausal SymptomsClinical evidence supports royal jelly's effectiveness in reducing hot flashes, mood changes, and other menopausal symptoms through hormonal and autonomic nervous system modulation.
Active Individuals and AthletesThose seeking enhanced energy, stamina, and recovery support may benefit from royal jelly's comprehensive B-vitamin profile and metabolic effects.
Those Interested in Longevity and Anti-AgingIndividuals seeking evidence-based natural compounds that support healthy aging pathways may be interested in 10-HDA's documented effects on lifespan extension mechanisms.
People Seeking Cognitive SupportThose interested in brain health, memory support, and neuroprotection may benefit from 10-HDA's neurogenic and neuroprotective properties.
[1] Honda Y, Fujita Y, Maruyama H, et al. "Lifespan-extending effects of royal jelly and its related substances on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans." PLoS One. 2011;6(8):e23527.
[2] Peng CC, Sun HT, Lin IP, Kuo PC, Li JC. "The functional property of royal jelly 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid as a melanogenesis inhibitor." BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17:392.
[3] Yang YC, Chou WM, Widowati DA, Lin IP, Peng CC. "10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid of royal jelly exhibits bactericide and anti-inflammatory activity in human colon cancer cells." BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18:102.
[4] Izuta H, Chikaraishi Y, Shimazawa M, Mishima S, Hara H. "10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, a major fatty acid from Royal Jelly, inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells." Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009;6:489–94.
[5] Vucevic D, Melliou E, Vasilijic S, et al. "Fatty acids isolated from royal jelly modulate dendritic cell-mediated immune response in vitro." Int Immunopharmacol. 2007;7:1211–20.
The recommended daily intake is 200–500 mg of freeze-dried Royal Jelly Powder, which is equivalent to approximately 600–1,500 mg of fresh royal jelly. This dosage provides 12–30 mg of 10-HDA when using our 6.0%+ standardized powder. For general wellness, 300–500 mg daily is commonly recommended. Higher doses (up to 1,000 mg) may be used for targeted applications such as immune support or menopausal symptom management.
10-HDA (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid), also known as "queen bee acid," is a unique fatty acid found exclusively in royal jelly. It serves as the international quality marker for all royal jelly products. Our 6.0%+ 10-HDA content represents a high-potency formulation—fresh royal jelly typically contains only 2–3% 10-HDA. The higher concentration means more bioactive compound per serving, delivering enhanced immune support, anti-aging benefits, and skin health properties backed by scientific research.
Yes, Royal Jelly Powder pairs exceptionally well with complementary beauty and wellness ingredients. Popular combinations include collagen peptides for enhanced skin elasticity, hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for antioxidant synergy, and placenta extract for comprehensive anti-aging formulas. For immune and energy formulations, it combines effectively with propolis, bee pollen, ginseng, and coenzyme Q10. These synergistic blends are popular in premium Japanese and Korean beauty supplements.
Freeze-dried Royal Jelly Powder offers several key advantages over fresh royal jelly. First, it provides approximately 3x concentration of bioactive compounds, including 10-HDA. Second, it has a significantly longer shelf life without refrigeration, maintaining stability for 2+ years when stored properly. Third, it offers standardized potency with guaranteed 10-HDA content for consistent formulation. Fourth, the powder format allows for versatile application across capsules, tablets, powder blends, and cosmetics. Finally, it eliminates the strong taste and handling challenges of fresh royal jelly while preserving the nutritional profile.
