Manuka Honey vs Manuka Oil – What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Because they both come from the New Zealand Manuka plant, many people assume that Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil are similar products or that one is simply a stronger version of the other.

In reality, they are completely different products with different properties, production methods and uses.

Understanding the difference can help you choose the right product and avoid some common misconceptions.

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is produced by honeybees that collect nectar from the flowers of the New Zealand Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium).

The nectar is converted by the bees into honey and stored within the hive. Over time, naturally occurring compounds develop within the honey, including methylglyoxal (MGO), which contributes to the unique characteristics of genuine Manuka honey.

Premium Manuka honey is often independently tested and graded using systems such as UMF® and MGO.

Manuka Honey is primarily enjoyed as a food and wellness product and is valued worldwide for its distinctive flavour and quality.

What is Manuka Oil?

Manuka Oil is not made by bees.

Instead, it is produced by steam distilling the leaves and small branches of the Manuka plant.

This process extracts a concentrated essential oil containing naturally occurring aromatic compounds that are quite different from those found in Manuka honey.

The resulting oil has a strong herbal aroma and is typically used in skincare products, personal care products and carefully formulated topical preparations.

The Key Difference

Although both products originate from the same plant, they come from different parts of the Manuka ecosystem.

Can Manuka Oil Be Used in Oral Care Products?

One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that pure Manuka Oil should be used in the same way as Manuka Honey.

Searches such as "Manuka Oil for gums" and "Manuka Oil for teeth" are surprisingly common.

While Manuka Oil is sometimes included in oral care products, it is normally used at very low concentrations as part of a carefully balanced formulation.

Pure Manuka Oil has a strong flavour and aroma and is very different from Manuka Honey.

For this reason, oral care products that contain Manuka Oil typically use only small amounts alongside other ingredients designed specifically for oral use.

When is Manuka Honey the Better Choice?

If you are looking for a natural Manuka product that can be enjoyed directly, Manuka Honey is usually the preferred option.

Many people enjoy UMF® Manuka Honey:

• By the spoonful
• As part of their daily wellness routine
• Added to warm drinks
• As a premium natural food

Its pleasant taste and ease of use make it very different from concentrated Manuka Oil.

When is Manuka Oil the Better Choice?

Manuka Oil is often chosen for skincare, personal care and specialised formulations where a concentrated botanical oil is required.

It is commonly found in products such as:

• Skincare creams
• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Balms
• Natural personal care products

The oil's concentrated nature makes it particularly useful in these applications.

Final Thoughts

Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil both originate from New Zealand's remarkable Manuka plant, but they are very different products with different characteristics and applications.

Manuka Honey is produced by bees from nectar and is enjoyed as a premium food product. Manuka Oil is steam distilled from leaves and branches and is commonly used in skincare and personal care formulations.

Understanding the difference can help you select the product that best suits your needs and avoid some of the confusion that often surrounds Manuka products.

If you'd like to learn more about Manuka Honey grading systems, you may also enjoy our guide explaining the difference between UMF® and MGO.