As bizarre as it may sound, beauty creams that contain bee stings are in huge demand in Britain as they reportedly prevent ageing by smoothing out wrinkles. Sales of the skincare cream that has been dubbed "nature's alternative to Botox" are already up an astounding 3,000 percent since it launched in the country around three weeks ago, said the Daily Express.

Botulinum toxin, popularly known by the trade name Botox, is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum,and used for various cosmetic and medical procedures.

The cream reportedly contains "more than 10,000 stings per pot".

It has been claimed the bee stings smoothen wrinkles, stimulate growth of collagen -- a protein that connects and supports other tissues such as skin, tendons, muscles and cartilage -- and help in cell renewal.

Purified bee venom is said to be a favourite beauty tool for Australian pop star Kylie Minogue.