Benefits of Turmeric Skin Care: Experts Weigh In

Using turmeric as skin care is all the rage online — and experts say it has real benefits.

If you struggle with skin issues, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and redness, you’ve likely tried a wide array of products in an attempt to achieve clear skin, perhaps without success.

Navigating your skincare journey without professional help — combined with the plethora of online information — can make it difficult to discern what solutions are legitimate. But it turns out the trend of using turmeric in skin care, an increasingly popular method, may actually be worth trying.

Turmeric is a spice that comes from a plant in the ginger family, and it’s native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Known for its bright orange color, people in Asia have been using turmeric as food, medicine, dye, and skin care for centuries.

Recently, however, it seems the rest of the world has caught on to its many benefits, particularly its ability to help clear acne and brighten skin.

A quick scroll on TikTok reveals this to be true, with many users sharing their experiences with turmeric soap, homemade turmeric masks, and skin care products that contain turmeric. Many have also shared before and after videos of their skin while touting the benefits of this natural, pigmented spice.

The benefits of turmeric in skin care

According to dermatologist Marthe Dika, M.D., turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This is thanks to a chemical compound found within turmeric, called curcumin.

Dike says the anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and inflammation, the antimicrobial properties can help with acne, and the antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, helping to even out skin tone and prevent skin damage and premature aging.

Board-certified dermatologist Karyn Grossman, M.D., agrees, saying that, unlike many online trends, turmeric in skin care actually has scientifically proven benefits for individuals suffering from skin inflammation, redness, and acne.

“Turmeric is a trend worth exploring, especially for those seeking natural alternatives for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant skincare,” Grossman says.

The downsides of turmeric

Turmeric, however, isn’t for everyone, Grossman says. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should proceed with caution, she warns, as it has been known to cause irritation, allergic reactions, and contact dermatitis in some people.

Turmeric can also stain the skin temporarily, especially for those with pale complexions.

It’s important to be aware that skin care solutions are rarely a one-size-fits-all approach, she says. That’s why consulting with a dermatologist or other skin care professional is always a good idea before trying a new product.

If you are going to try adding turmeric to your skin care routine, Grossman recommends ensuring you are using products that are intended to be applied on the skin and face.

“Before trying any new products, I recommend performing a patch test to make sure that you’re not reacting to it,” Dika adds. “The other advice I would give to anyone interested in using products containing turmeric is to obtain it from a reputable brand to ensure its purity and effectiveness.”