Table of ContentsView AllTable of Contents1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties2. Antioxidant Powerhouse3. Antimicrobial Properties4. Enhances Skin Glow6. Hydrates Dry Skin8. Brightens Skin Tone8. Helps Acne & Dark Spots9. Reduces Signs of AgingHow to UseSide Effects

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

  2. Antioxidant Powerhouse

  3. Antimicrobial Properties

  4. Enhances Skin Glow

  5. Hydrates Dry Skin

  6. Brightens Skin Tone

  7. Helps Acne & Dark Spots

  8. Reduces Signs of Aging

How to Use

Side Effects

Turmeric is an herb known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Due to its active ingredient, curcumin, turmeric soap may offer health benefits for multiple skin conditions.

While turmeric can also be taken orally in supplement form, evidence suggests that it’s better absorbed when applied topically to the skin, making products like turmeric soap potentially effective for evening out skin tone, hydrating dry skin, and repairing damaged skin.

Traditionally, curcumin has been used medicinally to help treat inflammation.Research suggests that this may apply toinflammatory skin conditionslikepsoriasis(an autoimmune disease that causes rapid skin cell reproduction in which the cells pile up, forming hardened deposits called plaques).

Specifically, the compounds inturmeric, including curcumin, may help decrease swelling when used topically, as in soap.Experts think turmeric reduces inflammation, though more human clinical studies are needed to confirm this theory.

While more research is needed on turmeric soap, available evidence suggests that topical turmeric can help prevent free radical buildup and protect your skin against environmental damage.

Turmeric’s antimicrobial properties may help preventbacterial skin infections. Some animal studies have shown that using a topical turmeric-based product, like turmeric soap, may improve antibacterial activity on the skin.Other research has found that applying turmeric topically may prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

These findings suggest that using turmeric on the skin could be effective for skin conditions likeacneand bacterialStaphylococcus(staph) infections, though more human research is needed.

Some studies suggest that taking turmeric orally for eight weeks may promote the skin’s hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) production, producing higher water content in facial skin.This is likely due to hyaluronic acid’s ability to boostskin elasticityand reduce wrinkles and fine lines, leading to a more vibrant, glowing skin tone.

While specific studies are needed to determine the benefit of topical turmeric products, like turmeric face soap, these initial findings are promising.

5. Heals and Repairs Damaged Skin

Controlling inflammation when yourskin is damagedor wounded is the first step toward healing and repair. Turmeric topical products can offer this anti-inflammatory action. Some research shows that turmeric helps skin wounds heal more quickly and reducesscarring.It also supportscollagen production, which is key for wound healing.

This skin-repairing benefit may also support people with skin-damaging conditions like psoriasis. Turmeric topical products combined with traditional medical therapies mayminimize psoriasis flares.

6. Hydrates Dry, Irritated Skin

Dry, irritated, and itchy skin, which can occur when you have a condition likeatopic dermatitis (or eczema), which causes dry, itchy skin patches, may benefit from treatment with turmeric soap.

One study found that using a topical product containing turmeric improvedeczema symptoms.Other research shows applying turmeric to the skin around the eyes improves itchy and scaly skin related toeczema.However, more research is needed.

7. Brightens and Evens Out Skin Tone

In some studies, using turmeric-based topical products helped even the appearance ofphotodamaged (hyperpigmented)or discolored skin.Because turmeric seems to helpeven skin tone, using a product like turmeric soap could support a brighter, more balanced complexion.

8. Helps With Acne and Dark Spots

Using a turmeric soap product could successfullymanage acneand thedark spotsordiscolorationit leaves behind, known as hyperpigmentation. Curcumin-containing products appear to clear common bacterial culprits that trigger acne breakouts.

Turmeric has also been found to decrease hyperpigmentation after anacne breakouthas cleared, topically fading these dark marks.

Sun exposurecan cause skin to appear to age more quickly (photoaging). The curcumin in turmeric topical products might help slow this process or at least make it less noticeable.

How Can You Use Turmeric Soap?

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.It can be applied to most skin parts as often as your body tolerates it. You may consider incorporating a turmeric soap bar, widely available online and in-store retailers, into your daily routine. Check store-bought products for ingredient lists and ensure they arenoncomedogenic(unlikely to clog pores).

Because everyone’s skin is unique, you may want to do a patch test before applying a turmeric soap all over your face or body. Select a quarter-sized area of skin and apply the product daily for about a week to ensure that a reaction, like discolored, swollen, or itchy skin, does not develop.

Note that applying turmeric powder directly to the skin will not have the same benefits as a turmeric soap or other turmeric product, as the powder cannot absorb into the skin on its own.

Can You Make Turmeric Soap at Home?There are various methods for making homemade soap and other turmeric facial products at home. While there’s not a one-size-fits-all recipe, for a basic melt-and-pour style soap, you’ll need several different ingredients and supplies, plus turmeric powder.Several recipes and instructions exist online. For the best way to try turmeric soap, speak with a healthcare provider ordermatologist(a doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions).

Can You Make Turmeric Soap at Home?

There are various methods for making homemade soap and other turmeric facial products at home. While there’s not a one-size-fits-all recipe, for a basic melt-and-pour style soap, you’ll need several different ingredients and supplies, plus turmeric powder.Several recipes and instructions exist online. For the best way to try turmeric soap, speak with a healthcare provider ordermatologist(a doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions).

There are various methods for making homemade soap and other turmeric facial products at home. While there’s not a one-size-fits-all recipe, for a basic melt-and-pour style soap, you’ll need several different ingredients and supplies, plus turmeric powder.

Several recipes and instructions exist online. For the best way to try turmeric soap, speak with a healthcare provider ordermatologist(a doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions).

Possible Side Effects

Generally, turmeric is safe to use topically (or orally as asupplement) in therecommended amountsfor most healthy adults. That said, it is possible to experienceside effectsor an adverseallergic reaction.

Topical use of turmeric products could cause askin rashin some cases.This could also beallergic contact dermatitis, a skin inflammatory response to turmeric or curcumin.It is a good idea to do a skin patch test before trying any new turmeric products.

If you notice a rash following the use of turmeric soap or another turmeric-based product, stop using it and contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Summary

Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, may offer several skin health benefits. Research suggests that a product like turmeric soap could help improve inflammatory skin conditions, promote wound healing, treat acne, support an even skin tone, and more.

Try a patch test on a small skin area first to avoid potential side effects like a skin allergic reaction. If you are interested in adding turmeric to your current skin care routine, especially if you have a skin condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consider checking with a healthcare provider.

21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jäger R, Lowery RP, Calvanese AV et al.Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations.Nutr J. 2014;13:11. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-11Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Mo Z, Yuan J, Guan X, Peng J.Advancements in dermatological applications of curcumin: Clinical efficacy and mechanistic insights in the management of skin disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:1083-1092. doi:10.2147/CCID.S467442Nardo VD, Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G et al.Use of curcumin in psoriasis.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(1):218-220. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.055Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R et al.Potential of curcumin in skin disorders.Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2169. doi:10.3390/nu11092169Kasprzak-Drozd K, Niziński P, Hawrył A, et al.Potential of curcumin in the management of skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(7):3617. doi:10.3390/ijms25073617Xing X, Dan Y, Xu Z, Xiang L.Implications of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:7881717. doi:10.1155/2022/7881717Godic A, Poljšak B, Adamic M, Dahmane R.The role of antioxidants in skin cancer prevention and treatment.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:860479. doi:10.1155/2014/860479Shenefelt PD.Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders.In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds.Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.Khiljee S, Rehman N, Khiljee T, Loebenberg R, Ahmad RS. Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015;28(6):2001-2007.Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2018;84(1):16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16Im AR, Ji KY, Nam J et al.Wrinkle reduction using a sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in so-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.Integr Med Res. 2022;11(1):100752. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2021.100752Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(2):28-37.Parham S, Kharazi AZ, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR et al.Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of herbal materials.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(12):1309. doi:10.3390/antiox9121309Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.2018;84:16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16American Academy of Dermatology.How to test skin care products.National Eczema Association.Get the facts: Tumeric.Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild.My first melt & pour soap.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Turmeric.Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021

21 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jäger R, Lowery RP, Calvanese AV et al.Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations.Nutr J. 2014;13:11. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-11Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Mo Z, Yuan J, Guan X, Peng J.Advancements in dermatological applications of curcumin: Clinical efficacy and mechanistic insights in the management of skin disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:1083-1092. doi:10.2147/CCID.S467442Nardo VD, Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G et al.Use of curcumin in psoriasis.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(1):218-220. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.055Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R et al.Potential of curcumin in skin disorders.Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2169. doi:10.3390/nu11092169Kasprzak-Drozd K, Niziński P, Hawrył A, et al.Potential of curcumin in the management of skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(7):3617. doi:10.3390/ijms25073617Xing X, Dan Y, Xu Z, Xiang L.Implications of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:7881717. doi:10.1155/2022/7881717Godic A, Poljšak B, Adamic M, Dahmane R.The role of antioxidants in skin cancer prevention and treatment.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:860479. doi:10.1155/2014/860479Shenefelt PD.Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders.In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds.Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.Khiljee S, Rehman N, Khiljee T, Loebenberg R, Ahmad RS. Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015;28(6):2001-2007.Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2018;84(1):16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16Im AR, Ji KY, Nam J et al.Wrinkle reduction using a sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in so-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.Integr Med Res. 2022;11(1):100752. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2021.100752Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(2):28-37.Parham S, Kharazi AZ, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR et al.Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of herbal materials.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(12):1309. doi:10.3390/antiox9121309Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.2018;84:16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16American Academy of Dermatology.How to test skin care products.National Eczema Association.Get the facts: Tumeric.Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild.My first melt & pour soap.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Turmeric.Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Jäger R, Lowery RP, Calvanese AV et al.Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations.Nutr J. 2014;13:11. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-11Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Mo Z, Yuan J, Guan X, Peng J.Advancements in dermatological applications of curcumin: Clinical efficacy and mechanistic insights in the management of skin disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:1083-1092. doi:10.2147/CCID.S467442Nardo VD, Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G et al.Use of curcumin in psoriasis.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(1):218-220. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.055Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R et al.Potential of curcumin in skin disorders.Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2169. doi:10.3390/nu11092169Kasprzak-Drozd K, Niziński P, Hawrył A, et al.Potential of curcumin in the management of skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(7):3617. doi:10.3390/ijms25073617Xing X, Dan Y, Xu Z, Xiang L.Implications of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:7881717. doi:10.1155/2022/7881717Godic A, Poljšak B, Adamic M, Dahmane R.The role of antioxidants in skin cancer prevention and treatment.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:860479. doi:10.1155/2014/860479Shenefelt PD.Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders.In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds.Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.Khiljee S, Rehman N, Khiljee T, Loebenberg R, Ahmad RS. Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015;28(6):2001-2007.Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2018;84(1):16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16Im AR, Ji KY, Nam J et al.Wrinkle reduction using a sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in so-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.Integr Med Res. 2022;11(1):100752. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2021.100752Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(2):28-37.Parham S, Kharazi AZ, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR et al.Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of herbal materials.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(12):1309. doi:10.3390/antiox9121309Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.2018;84:16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16American Academy of Dermatology.How to test skin care products.National Eczema Association.Get the facts: Tumeric.Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild.My first melt & pour soap.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Turmeric.Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021

Jäger R, Lowery RP, Calvanese AV et al.Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations.Nutr J. 2014;13:11. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-11

Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092

Mo Z, Yuan J, Guan X, Peng J.Advancements in dermatological applications of curcumin: Clinical efficacy and mechanistic insights in the management of skin disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:1083-1092. doi:10.2147/CCID.S467442

Nardo VD, Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G et al.Use of curcumin in psoriasis.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(1):218-220. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.055

Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R et al.Potential of curcumin in skin disorders.Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2169. doi:10.3390/nu11092169

Kasprzak-Drozd K, Niziński P, Hawrył A, et al.Potential of curcumin in the management of skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(7):3617. doi:10.3390/ijms25073617

Xing X, Dan Y, Xu Z, Xiang L.Implications of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:7881717. doi:10.1155/2022/7881717

Godic A, Poljšak B, Adamic M, Dahmane R.The role of antioxidants in skin cancer prevention and treatment.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:860479. doi:10.1155/2014/860479

Shenefelt PD.Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders.In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds.Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.

Khiljee S, Rehman N, Khiljee T, Loebenberg R, Ahmad RS. Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015;28(6):2001-2007.

Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2018;84(1):16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16

Im AR, Ji KY, Nam J et al.Wrinkle reduction using a sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in so-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.Integr Med Res. 2022;11(1):100752. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2021.100752

Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(2):28-37.

Parham S, Kharazi AZ, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR et al.Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of herbal materials.Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(12):1309. doi:10.3390/antiox9121309

Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K.Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.2018;84:16-21. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16

American Academy of Dermatology.How to test skin care products.

National Eczema Association.Get the facts: Tumeric.

Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild.My first melt & pour soap.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Turmeric.

Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021

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