Turmeric in Skin Care Products

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a root commonly harvested for its powdered form to be used in various foods and holistic medicines. It is native to the indian subcontinent and can now be found across south asia. Because of its potent smell and thick color, turmeric is not often used unprocessed in skin care products. Turmeric has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that make is a solid candidate for many kinds of skin care treatments. Traditionally, this ingredient has also been used to increase the rate of wound healing and to treat burns. This ingredient poses no threats to skin health unless you have an allergy to it. Find out if turmeric is right for your skin type!

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is a root from south asia that is most often ground and dried to be used as a spice in food or an additive in holistic medicines. In skin care, this ingredient can be found in many product types such as anti-inflammatory moisturizers, acne targeting cleansers, and even various antioxidant focused products for treating sun damage. This ingredient has an extremely yellow tint that often remains visible in products. usually, just the extract curcumin is used as it is the most studied compound for effectiveness within the plant. Turmeric is one of the most well studied spices in skin care, and has many traditional uses in skin care and holistic medicine.

How does Turmeric work?

Most research today suggests that the primary cause for turmeric’s skin care benefits are its active compound curcumin. Curcumin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in studies (3).

Curcumin is a fat soluble compound, meaning it is able to break down and impart effects in oily environments such as the faces of oily skin types. (4)

The anti-inflammatory capabilities of turmeric are often attributed to curcumin specifically.

Studies have found that curcumin is able to interfere with the effectiveness of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) which can result in faster wound healing, and could theoretically slow down the development of cancer cells. (5,6)

Both turmeric and curcumin have been shown to express anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, and even anti-HIV properties in studies. (7)

In research, curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects greater than ibuprofen, and has potent antioxidant effects as well. (8)

Some other active compounds are present in this ingredient such as curcumin 2, curcumin 3, and curcumin 4; of all the active compounds, curcumin 1, or simply “curcumin” is the most studied. (9)

All of this research suggests that turmeric is an extremely valuable ingredient in skin care with limited associated risks outside of allergies.

Take our quiz to find out if turmeric is right for your skin type!

Is turmeric good for the skin?

Turmeric is good for most skin types because it soothes inflammation, kills acne causing bacteria, and eliminates free radicals that can cause lasting genetic damage to the skin. Some studies have also found that turmeric application can help in the synthesis of collagen, an essential structural component of the skin. (10)

This ingredient is safe for oily skin types because it is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not cause clogged pores, and it also lessens the risk of acne.

Dry skin types are also able to safely use turmeric because it does not strip sebum from the skin, nor does it limit sebum production.

Curcumin has been found to effectively bind free radicals which can lead to wrinkles and other kinds of permanent damage on the skin. (15)

Some studies even suggest that turmeric has a lightening effect on the skin making it a good candidate for hyperpigmentation treatments. (11)

Overall, turmeric is a versatile and useful ingredient in cosmetic skin care formulations that is safe and helpful for most skin types.

Is it safe?

Turmeric has been found safe by many independent research organizations for use in skin care products. (12)

Specifically, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) grade turmeric as extremely safe with no found risks.

If you are looking for an all in one ingredient for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hyperpigmentation treatments, know that turmeric is a studied safe candidate.

Side effects

There are currently no studies that suggest significant adverse effects following the use of turmeric in skin care. (13, 14)

The only realistic risk associated with turmeric use in topical skin care is an allergy, which is considered extremely uncommon for this ingredient. (14)

The only consideration that keeps turmeric outside of common use in skin care is its yellow color and strong smell which could be considered unappealing for certain circumstances.

Turmeric for acne

Ingredients like turmeric with antimicrobial properties are great choices for the treatment and prevention of acne. (17)

Acne is typically caused by a combination of clogged pores and the growth of relevant bacteria on the face. Since turmeric is able to soothe inflammation, pores are less likely to become clogged, additionally, killing bacteria on the skin makes them less likely to develop enough to cause acne.

Like many of the best acne prevention ingredients, turmeric does not itself clog pores and does not add oils to the skin.

If you are struggling with or are typically prone to acne, turmeric/curcumin products could be a great addition to your personal skin care regimen.

For Inflammation

Studies have found that turmeric interferes with inflammation through multiple mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of leukotriene formation. (16)

Turmeric has been found to have more potent anti-inflammatory properties than even ibuprofen. (8)

Inflammation can result in various kinds of discomfort on the skin including redness, itchiness, swelling, and the clogging of pores.

If your skin is sensitive and prone to inflammation, turmeric can be an excellent choice as an ingredient in your skin care products.

turmeric for sun damage

For Sun Damage

Turmeric is a great choice for treating sun damage in many instances because it is an effective antioxidant due its high presence of curcumin. (15) Sun damage can take different forms that can be seen in the peeling of burned skin, redness of burned skin, or an increased presence of wrinkles on the face.

It has been found in some studies that turmeric as a pigment in clothing is extremely good at blocking UV radiation. (19)

In topical uses, antioxidants like turmeric are able to bind the free radicals caused by radiation like UVB which stops them from causing genetic damage. Genetic damage from free radicals has a chance of causing various cancers.

For that reason, using an antioxidant like curcumin or vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol, etc. For a comprehensive list of antioxidant ingredients in skin care, check out our dictionary on the topic.

For Hyperpigmentation

Studies have found that turmeric is an effective ingredient for the treatment of hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma. (18)

Curcumin has been identified as the most significant compound in turmeric as an effective tyrosinase inhibitor in studies. (19)

It is important to note that turmeric on its own does not adequately treat hyperpigmentation, but when used in formulations designed to treat hyperpigmentation alongside multiple other ingredients, it has demonstrated effectiveness.

Best Products with Turmeric

Here are a few dermatologist recommended products with turmeric or curcumin as an ingredient:

To find the best products for your skin type, take the quiz!

We will help you build an entire custom skin care routine.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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