Among dozens of different skin concerns people face on a daily basis, dark spots and dull skin are some of the hardest cases to crack. As most derms and skincare-obsessed consumers know, some skin care woes take longer to address than others. For discoloration and dullness though, there is one particular ingredient that can speed up healing and bring back brightness. Enter: tumeric.
Turmeric has been used over the course of hundreds of years and has proven to have long-lasting benefits for skin. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is what really drives the benefits because of its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, and antioxidant properties, which combats free-radical damage, according to board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel. “Some studies suggest that turmeric can also support wound healing and boost collagen production, which helps maintain skin strength and elasticity,” adds board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, Geeta Yadav.
While consuming turmeric has its own benefits, you can also apply it topically in bodycare products like washes and soaps. These formulas typically contain turmeric, in addition to a few other hydrating ingredients to nourish skin and treat hyperpigmentation and dryness. But before getting into our top picks, keep reading to learn about the benefits, risks, and the best ways to use turmeric soap.
1. It improves the appearance of dark spots.
If you struggle with dark spots or uneven skin tone, turmeric soap can help restore brighter, more even skin. The science is simple: turmeric has an active compound called curcumin that makes it effective in treating dark spots. "Some people notice that turmeric soap can help with dark spots or uneven skin tone," says Yadav. "Curcumin may slow down melanin production, which is responsible for pigmentation, leading to a more even-looking complexion."
2. It improves acne scars and breakouts.
Whether you deal with stubborn acne scars or the occasional breakout, turmeric soap has several antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can ease both. "[It] decreases microbial growth sebum production and inflammation, which helps with breakouts," says Patel. Yadav adds that these same properties support healing, which can result in fewer post-acne marks and scarring.
3. It helps with inflammatory skin conditions.
The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can calm redness and irritation in addition to slowing down overactive skin cell growth, according to Yadav. "It has been used for centuries in Eastern Medicine to combat cancers, auto-immune diseases and skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo and acne," adds Patel. " It has been shown in scientific studies time and time again to help skin conditions, both when ingested and used topically."
4. It prevents cell damage.
Free radicals and sun damage (in addition to other conditions that impact the skin's surface require antioxidants for recovery. Turmeric soap can help neutralize oxidative stress and support the skin’s natural defense system, which can keep the skin looking healthier and more resilient over time thanks to the curcumin, according to Yadav. Turmeric also contains a small amount of vitamin C, a helpful ingredient for lightening any discoloration.
5. It can moisturize skin.
Turmeric isn't the most hydrating ingredient for your skin, but there is some benefit to it. "The curcumin in turmeric may support the skin’s ability to hold moisture by improving barrier function and boosting natural hydrating substances in the skin," explains Yadav. If you're on the hunt for a turmeric soap that can also keep skin moisturized, Yadav and Patel highlight key ingredients such as glycerin, plant oils, and aloe for an extra boost. Need help with your search? Keep reading to see our top picks.
How often should you use turmeric soap?
Any dermatologist will tell you there's no magic overnight fix to skin concerns like discoloration, stubborn acne and breakouts, and dark spots. That said, there's no set frequency of use for how often you should be using turmeric soap. But as a guide, Yadav recommends using it once or twice a day. "Improvements would take a few weeks to notice because improvement in pigmentation is always a slow process," she says. Patel notes that it can also be left on overnight as a spot treatment for acne.
Side Effects of Turmeric Soap
Before using any new skincare product for the first time, it's always best to do a patch test on a small area of skin, allowing the product to sit for a few minutes to rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction. However, if you do experience side effects like the ones we list below, Yadav reassures that these reactions are usually temporary and improve once use is reduced or stopped. Here's what to look out for:
- Mild redness
- Itchy skin
- Dryness (especially common for sensitive skin if a product is used too often)
- Stains (if used it it's purest form)
Who shouldn't use turmeric soap?
Turmeric is safe for most people, but those with a known allergy to it should avoid it. As mentioned above, those with sensitive skin should also do a patch test. "People with very sensitive skin should be cautious or avoid turmeric soap altogether," says Yadav. "Although it is natural, it can still cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals."
Patel adds that some turmeric soaps might also contain kojic acid—another ingredient that is sometimes used for treating acne and brightening skin. In this case, users may notice increased sensitivity to the sun, which means. sunscreen is especially important.
See our top turmeric soap picks.
