Herstat

What Herstat does

Herstat (also operating as Herstat Global) is a private, direct-to-consumer wellness brand founded in 2015 that develops and sells products for treating and preventing symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections (HSV-1 cold sores and HSV-2 genital sores). The company serves individuals who experience recurring outbreaks as well as consumers seeking proactive, between-outbreak daily care. Its product portfolio spans outbreak-focused topical treatments (Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment and Herstat GST Genital Sore Treatment), a daily protective Between Outbreak Lip Care Stick, and dietary supplements (L-Lysine & Propolis and L-Lysine 1500mg), sold both individually and as curated bundles for daily defense, rapid outbreak rescue, and complete support.

The company's technology centers on trademarked bee propolis formulations — PropolisACF® (Propolis Complex B® and Propolis Complex C®) — developed by Dr. Zenon Sosnowski, a scientist with dual PhDs in biochemistry and pharmacology and 35+ years of propolis research. The extracts are sourced from sustainably managed Manitoban (Canada) hives and refined in-house using patented techniques that avoid excess heat or chemical additives to preserve flavonoids and bioactive compounds, positioning propolis as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. Topical products also employ moist wound-healing occlusive formulations. A double-blind Canadian clinical study (n=68) reported healing to normal skin in 6.24 days versus 9.77 days for placebo, with 81.8% of participants rating the product 'very effective.'

Commercially, Herstat operates exclusively as a DTC e-commerce business through its owned storefront (herstat.com), with no third-party retail or marketplace distribution referenced. It serves three geographies — the United States (USD), United Kingdom (GBP), and Canada (CAD) — via a region/language selector. Revenue is generated through one-time product purchases (roughly $8.60–$39.46) and subscription/auto-renewal options offering approximately 10–15% savings, supported by content-driven marketing (Science Hub and Propolis & The Hive blogs, SEO, email newsletter, and organic social).

Name

Herstat

Legal name

Herstat

Website

https://herstat.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Herstat is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand offering bee propolis-based topical treatments, lip balms, and supplements to treat and prevent HSV-1 cold sore and HSV-2 genital sore symptoms, serving consumers across the US, UK, and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cold Sore & Herpes Care

NAICS

Food (Health) Supplement Retailers (456191)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty Condition Supplements (Sleep, Stress, Heart, Joint, Gut, Immunity) (CRADAGAE), Treatment Skincare (Serums, Actives, Acne & Anti-aging) (CRABAAAB)

Keywords

• Cold sore treatment
• Genital herpes care
• Lip care balm
• Lysine supplements
• Bee propolis skincare

Headquarters

HQ city

Jackson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Product Sales: Herstat generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales of proprietary bee propolis-based cold sore and genital sore treatments, lip balms, and dietary supplements via its own e-commerce platform (herstat.com). Products are sold in both one-time purchase and subscription/auto-renewal formats, with a subscription discount of approximately 15% off monthly deliveries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Herstat develops and sells a portfolio of topical treatments, lip balms, and dietary supplements built around a trademarked Bee Propolis extract (PropolisACF®) for managing herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 cold sores and HSV-2 genital sores) symptoms and supporting skin barrier health. The product line includes outbreak treatments (Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment, Herstat GST Genital Sore Treatment), daily protection (Between Outbreak Lip Care Stick), and immune/amino acid support supplements (L-Lysine & Propolis, L-Lysine 1500mg), sold individually and as curated bundles.

Product overview

Herstat is a cold sore and genital herpes care brand offering a portfolio of topical treatments and dietary supplements centered on trademarked Bee Propolis extract. The core product line includes Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment and Herstat GST Genital Sore Treatment (outbreak-focused topical ointments), Between Outbreak Lip Care Stick (daily protective balm), and L-Lysine & Propolis and L-Lysine 1500mg (immune and amino acid support supplements). These individual products are sold both standalone and as curated bundles—Daily Defense bundles for proactive daily care, Rapid Rescue bundles for outbreak response, and the Complete Support Bundle combining all three care approaches—enabling consumers to build customized routines for HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptom management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• L-Lysine & Propolis A 3-in-1 daily supplement combining L-Lysine (500mg), Bee Propolis extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Quercetin to support immune function, lip health, and oxidative stress relief. Designed for individual consumers managing recurring cold sores or seeking proactive daily immune support.
• Between Outbreak Lip Care Stick A daily lip balm containing 3% trademarked Bee Propolis extract, formulated to moisturize, protect the skin barrier, and prevent dryness and cracking from sun, wind, and cold exposure between cold sore outbreaks. Targeted at individual consumers seeking proactive lip protection.
• L-Lysine 1500mg High-strength single-ingredient L-Lysine HCL supplement in capsule form (1500mg daily dose) designed to inhibit arginine production, which the cold sore virus needs to replicate. For individual consumers seeking amino acid support for outbreak prevention.
• Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment Fast-acting topical ointment for cold sore outbreaks containing 3% purified Bee Propolis extract, Camphor, and Menthol. Provides targeted pain relief, reduces healing time, and leaves no white residue. For individual consumers experiencing HSV-1 cold sore outbreaks.
• Herstat GST Genital Sore Treatment Topical treatment for genital sores containing 3% purified Bee Propolis, Camphor, Menthol, Almond Oil, Thyme Leaf Oil, and Eucalyptus Oil. A 99% natural origin formula providing pain relief and skin barrier protection. For individual consumers managing HSV-2 genital sore outbreaks.
• Complete Support Bundle: 3-in-1 Cold Sore Care Comprehensive cold sore care bundle combining Herstat Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment (2g), Herstat Daily Lip Care Stick (4g), and Herstat L-Lysine & Propolis Daily Supplement (1 month supply) for outbreak treatment and daily prevention.
• Daily Defense: Between Outbreaks Daily defense bundle for proactive care between outbreaks, combining Herstat Daily Lip Care Stick (4g) and Herstat L-Lysine & Propolis Daily Supplement (1 month supply) for immune support and lip protection.
• Genital Sore Daily Defense Duo Bundle combining Herstat Daily L-Lysine & Propolis Immune Support Supplement (1 month supply) and Herstat GST Genital Sore Treatment (14g) for daily support and outbreak treatment.
• Genital Sore Rapid Rescue Outbreak Duo Outbreak response bundle combining Herstat GST Genital Sore Treatment (14g) and Herstat L-Lysine 1500mg (1 month supply) for rapid treatment and high-strength amino acid support.
• Rapid Rescue: Cold Sore Outbreaks Cold sore outbreak response bundle combining Herstat Plus+ Cold Sore Treatment (2g) and Herstat L-Lysine 1500mg (1 month supply) for fast-acting treatment and high-strength amino acid support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Clinical trial showed Herstat users achieved normal skin within 6.24 days vs. 9.77 days for placebo — approximately 3.5 days faster healing
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators2 records

Broad incumbents

• Abreva (Church & Dwight): Abreva is the FDA-approved, category-leading OTC cold sore treatment (docosanol) sold by Church & Dwight. It is the dominant benchmark in the HSV-1 topical treatment market that Herstat competes in, with vastly larger distribution, marketing, and clinical evidence.
• Burt's Bees (Clorox): Burt's Bees is a mass-market natural personal care brand built on beeswax and propolis. While broader than Herstat, it directly overlaps on propolis-based lip care products and represents the scaled incumbent that Herstat's natural, science-backed positioning aspires to challenge.
• NOW Foods: NOW Foods is a large supplement manufacturer and retailer offering L-Lysine capsules and other herpes-support supplements. It overlaps directly with Herstat's L-Lysine 1500mg and L-Lysine & Propolis supplements and competes on price and distribution breadth.
• Cold sores and herpes support OTC brands (e.g., Campho-Phenique, Orajel): Legacy OTC cold sore and lip treatment brands like Campho-Phenique and Orajel (Church & Dwight) are widely available in mass retail. They represent the synthetic-ingredient incumbent standard against which Herstat's natural positioning differentiates.

Emerging players

• The Ordinary (DECIEM): The Ordinary is a science-led, transparently priced treatment skincare brand built around actives. Comparable to Herstat in its science-meets-natural positioning, clinical language, and ingredient transparency, though focused on facial skincare rather than HSV-specific applications.
• Skin Probiotics / Lysine-focused supplement brands: Various smaller DTC supplement brands market L-Lysine and propolis-based herpes support regimens with similar value propositions to Herstat's supplement line, often via Amazon and Shopify storefronts with comparable subscription mechanics.

Direct peers

• Apivita: Apivita is a Greek natural skincare brand built around bee-derived ingredients including propolis, honey, and beeswax. Comparable to Herstat in its propolis-led formulation philosophy, premium natural positioning, and DTC + selective retail model across multiple European and international markets.
• Quantum Health (Lip Clear Lysine+): Quantum Health sells Lip Clear Lysine+, one of the most widely distributed cold sore treatments combining L-Lysine and natural ingredients. It competes directly with Herstat Plus+ in the natural cold sore treatment niche across natural-product retail and DTC channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/herstat
• Facebookfacebook.com/herstat
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/herstat

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Herstat