The Story of Bee Ruby

A decade ago, on the lands of Bee Ruby, located in the municipality of Vila Flor, in Rio Grande do Norte, a team of biologists and zootechnicians made an extraordinary discovery. This region, located on the banks of the Bonfim Guaraíras Environmental Protection Area, is part of the famous tourist circuit of Praia da Pipa, known for its stunning natural beauty, unique biodiversity and exuberant fauna and flora. It was in this inspiring setting that the story of Bee Ruby Cosméticos began to be written.

Founded by nature and natural cosmetics lovers, Bee Ruby was born with a clear purpose: to offer high-quality, sustainable and effective products that respect the environment and promote people's well-being. The discovery of red propolis, extracted from Africanized bees that inhabit the region's mangroves, was the starting point for the creation of a line of products that combines science, nature and care.

What makes Bee Ruby truly special is the extremely rare product it contains: red propolis. This substance is the subject of research in several countries, including the United States, Japan, Scotland and Europe.

In addition to offering therapeutic benefits, Bee Ruby is committed to protecting mangroves and promoting sustainable practices. The company is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to the preservation of biodiversity, combating climate change and supporting local communities.

Today, Bee Ruby Cosméticos is more than just a brand of natural soaps. It is a symbol of innovation, respect for the environment and dedication to well-being. Each product is an expression of love for nature and the belief that it is possible to care for the skin and the planet at the same time. The story of BeeRuby is the story of a passion that transformed a scientific discovery into a legacy of beauty, health and sustainability.

MISSION

We offer products that combine the therapeutic benefits of red propolis with environmental preservation, promoting the well-being and health of our customers, while contributing to the preservation of mangroves and the protection of biodiversity, through responsible production practices aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

VISION

To be a global reference in sustainable, innovative and high-quality cosmetics, promoting health, beauty and ecological awareness.

VALUES

1. *Sustainability*🌱 *Ecosystem Protection* Committed to protecting mangroves and production practices that minimize environmental impact.
2. *Quality and Innovation*✨ *Excellence in Products* We use natural and effective ingredients, such as red propolis, to offer high-standard cosmetic solutions.
3. *Integral Well-Being*💖 *Connected Health and Beauty* We develop products that care for the skin, body and the environment, promoting a balanced lifestyle.
4. Transparency* 🔍 We act ethically and clearly at every stage, from the origin of the ingredients to delivery to the consumer.

The Natural Origin of Red Propolis:

The Secret Behind Our Handmade Soap

Red propolis is produced by European bees (Apis mellifera) from the sap or resin secreted by certain plants, especially the species known as rabo-de-bugio (Dalbergia ecastophyllum), found naturally in mangrove areas along the northeastern coast.

The resin is released by the Rabo-de-Bugio plant through small holes made by the beetle Agrilus propolis, an insect of the Buprestidae family. The larvae of this beetle develop inside the stem of the plant and, when they complete their life cycle, the adult insects emerge, leaving holes through which the resin drains.

Bees collect this substance to use in sealing, protecting and sanitizing their hives, playing an essential role in maintaining the health of the swarm. This propolis, with its exotic color, is rich in several compounds with valuable therapeutic properties, standing out for its isoflavonoids.

Among the compounds found are:

Medicarpine : antiseptic.
Quercetin : anti-inflammatory.
Vestitol : antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Liquiritigenin : antioxidant.
Daidzein : antioxidant.
Formononetin : antiproliferative.
Biochanin A : antiproliferative.

Studies reveal that red propolis has a unique combination of compounds, not yet observed in other varieties, which are richer in phenolic acids and esters. This makes it a unique product.

According to several studies, red propolis has general antiseptic and antioxidant action, explaining its use (topical or oral) against various pathogens and as a notable rejuvenating agent.

Furthermore, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory, inhibiting the production of prostaglandins and acting as a blocker of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-a). This explains its success as an adjuvant, under medical supervision, in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, active plaque psoriasis and Crohn's disease. Like curcumin, it also suppresses the activity of the transcription factor NF-kB, suggesting a possible antitumor activity.

In cosmetics, when added to soaps, creams and other products, red propolis provides antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, elevating them to a unique "therapeutic grade".

The Symbiosis that Protects Mangroves and Promotes Sustainability

The production of red propolis involves a symbiosis between the Rabo-de-Bugio plant (Dalbergia ecastophyllum), the beetle Agrilus propolis and bees (Apis mellifera), which is of great environmental importance. This interaction is directly related to the protection of mangroves and the balance of the ecosystem.

Mangroves, the natural habitat of the Rabo-de-Bugio plant, play a vital role in controlling coastal erosion, storing carbon and supporting biodiversity, serving as nurseries for several aquatic species. The interaction between the beetle, which creates the holes in the plant's stems, and the bees, which collect the resin released, exemplifies a symbiosis essential for maintaining this ecological balance. This relationship not only ensures the production of red propolis, but also contributes to the health of the hives and local fauna.

This dynamic is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:

SDG 13 (Climate Action): Preserving mangroves helps mitigate the effects of climate change due to their ability to sequester carbon.
SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Mangrove conservation protects essential habitats for marine life.
SDG 15 (Life on Land): Promotes the protection of terrestrial ecosystems, combating environmental degradation and preserving biodiversity.

The appreciation and preservation of this symbiotic interaction not only encourages sustainable practices, but also highlights the importance of protecting delicate ecosystems such as mangroves. In addition, initiatives that integrate red propolis into products, such as soaps, contribute to raising awareness about environmentally responsible production practices and the crucial role of biodiversity in human well-being.