9 Homemade Skin Lightening (Whitening) Face Masks

If you look at glossy fashion magazines, you will see page after page filled with gorgeous human beings, flashing stunning locks and flawless, bright skin.

While they may owe their glow to tons of cosmetics and extensive video editing, you can get brighter skin naturally by using simple items from your kitchen.

We have come up with amazing homemade face masks that will give you smooth, unblemished skin along with a soft glow. The best part is that these face masks are free of harmful chemicals found in commercial bleaching or skin brightening creams that may cause damage to your skin and in certain cases, even severe allergic reactions.

So whether you are gearing up for a family wedding or just want to turn heads everywhere you go, just try out any of these 9 homemade skin lightening (whitening) face masks.

If you wish to try out more such face masks, you can also explore our DIY peel-off masks to get rid of blackheads and also our all-natural face masks for oily skin.

If you suffer from excessively dry skin, then we can suggest you some intensely nourishing and moisturizing face masks that will give you baby soft skin.

So, without further ado, read on to find out how to make skin lightening and brightening face masks at home.

Method 1: Turmeric Face Mask

Turmeric has long been used in traditional Indian culture for health and beauty purposes. This golden spice is often used in traditional remedies to treat acne and get fairer skin.

The main skin bleaching agent is lemon juice, which is rich in citric acid, while ground oatmeal flour serves to soothe and gently exfoliate the skin.

The rose water further helps tone your skin and lend it a rosy glow, while raw honey moisturizes and nourishes your skin, making this mask highly effective for skin brightening.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (lightens and brightens skin) – ½ teaspoon
• Organic raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 tablespoon
• Ground oatmeal flour (gently exfoliates) – 3 tablespoons
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (natural bleaching agent) – ½ a lemon
• Rosewater – as required

Step 1. Combine oatmeal flour and raw honey in a bowl

• Take 3 tablespoons of ground oatmeal flour in a mixing bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of organic raw honey.

Step 2. Add turmeric powder, lemon juice, and rose water

• Add ½ teaspoon of organic turmeric powder.
• Squeeze out the juice from ½ a lemon.
• Finally, add rose water as required to make a smooth paste for easy application.

Step 3. Mix well and use a cosmetic brush to apply on face

• Mix well with a wooden spoon.
• Dip a cosmetic brush into the prepared mask and apply all over your face; just avoid the sensitive skin around your eyes.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes; then gently wash it off with warm water and pat dry your skin.

You can apply this mask once or twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks to naturally brighten up your skin and give it a soft golden glow.

If you are prone to acne and regularly suffer from breakouts, then you can also try out these face masks.

Method 2: Rice Flour and Honey Face Mask

Honey does not only just taste delicious; it can give your skin a deliciously smooth and glowing texture as well.

In combination with ground rice flour that contains essential nutrients, honey works to hydrate, repair, and heal your skin, giving it a soft golden glow.

Aside from rice flour, rice water can also be used to get glowing skin and shiny hair.

Things you’ll need:

• Ground white rice flour (nourishes and brightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine rice flour and raw honey in a bowl

• Take 1 tablespoon of ground rice flour in a mixing bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey as well.

Step 2. Mix well and apply on face using a cosmetic brush

• Mix thoroughly to get a uniform blend.
• Using a cosmetic brush, apply the fine blend on your face; just avoid the sensitive area around your eyes.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes; then slowly massage it into your skin in a circular motion.
• Use a washcloth dipped in warm water to wipe the mask off your face.
• Rinse your face with cool water; you can apply a light toner such as rose water and follow it up with a light moisturizer.

Use this homemade face mask 2 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks to brighten your skin.

Method 3: Aloe Vera Gel Mask

Aloe vera gel is like an elixir for skin; it soothes, nourishes, and heals damaged skin. You can also learn how to make homemade aloe vera gel here.

While sandalwood powder is another highly effective ingredient for countering oily skin; it also soothes your skin, while lemon juice and rose water further enhance the mask’s skin-brightening properties.

Things you’ll need:

• Fresh aloe vera gel – 1 tablespoon
• Sandalwood powder (soothes skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Extra-virgin olive oil – 1 teaspoon
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice – 2 teaspoons
• Rosewater (tones skin), as required

Step 1. Combine sandalwood powder and aloe vera gel in a bowl

• Take 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder in a mixing bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel as well.

Step 2. Add lemon juice, olive oil, and rose water as well

• Add 2 teaspoons of freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
• Add 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil as well.
• Last, but not the least, add rose water as required to get a smooth blend for application.

Step 3. Blend thoroughly and apply on face

• Use a hand blender to mix everything thoroughly and uniformly.
• Dip in a cosmetic brush and apply this homemade face mask to brighten and lighten your skin.
• Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes; then rinse it off with warm water and gently pat dry.

Use this mask 2 to 3 times a week for 3 to 4 weeks to get soft well-hydrated skin with a brighter tone.

Method 4: Cocoa–Honey Face Mask

Cocoa has rightfully been called a sinful delight; however, it is not just decadent on the tongue as you can use this rich ingredient to give your face an incredible glow.

Just mix it with ingredients such as Greek yogurt that contains enriching proteins and lactic acid (bleaches and whitens skin), raw honey, fresh lemon juice, and ripe banana to get soft, plump, and flawless skin without heaping on a ton of cosmetics.

Things you’ll need:

• Cocoa powder (nourishes and rejuvenates skin) – 2 teaspoons
• Greek yogurt (rich in nutrients and lactic acid) – 3 tablespoons
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 teaspoon
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• Ripe banana (nourishes and moisturizes) – ½ a ripe banana

Step 1. Mash a ripe banana and add Greek yogurt to the pulp

• Peel and chop up ½ a ripe banana into pieces; use a fork to mash them into pulp in a mixing bowl.
• Add 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt into the bowl as well.

Step 2. Add cocoa powder, raw honey, and lemon juice

• Add 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder.
• Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
• Add 1 teaspoon of freshly-squeezed lemon juice as well.

Step 3. Blend thoroughly and apply

• Use a small motorized hand blender to whisk all ingredients into a uniform blend.
• Dip in a cosmetic brush and apply on the entire face, except the delicate areas around the eyes.
• Keep it on for 20 to 25 minutes and then rinse your face with water; gently pat dry.

Apply this cocoa–honey face mask 2 to 3 times a week for at least 3 to 4 weeks to get well-moisturized glowing skin.

Method 5: Coconut Oil Face Mask

Coconut oil mainly consists of medium-fatty acid chains that work to hydrate and moisturize your skin cells.

Mix it with raw honey and some fresh lemon juice, and you have a powerful homemade skin-brightening face mask that will also give you an all-day-long glow.

Things you’ll need:

• Extra-virgin coconut oil (anti-acne and skin nourishing properties) – 1 tablespoon
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 2 teaspoons
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice – ½ teaspoon

Step 1. Add raw honey and fresh lemon juice to coconut oil

• Take 1 tablespoon of solidified extra-virgin, pure coconut oil in a bowl.
• Add 2 teaspoons of raw honey to the coconut oil.
• Add ½ a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice as well.

Step 3. Whisk thoroughly and apply to get brighter skin

• Use a motorized hand blender to whisk all 3 ingredients into a smooth blend.
• Using a cosmetic brush, apply a thin layer of the prepared blend on your face.
• Leave it on for around 20 minutes; afterward, rinse your face with warm water and gently pat dry.

You will notice changes after the very first application; continue the application for 2 to 3 weeks to get smooth and brighter skin.

Method 6: Coffee–Clay Face Mask

This face mask is most suited for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Coffee grounds have anti-inflammatory properties and contain antioxidants that prevent premature skin aging.

Additionally, they also exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and improve blood circulation, thereby significantly enhancing your skin’s natural appearance.

This mask also contains raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which once again is rich in antioxidants and also helps restore your skin’s pH balance.

Both apple cider vinegar and tea tree essential oil have powerful antimicrobial properties that make this mask extremely effective against acne and pimples.

Meanwhile, the natural earth clay absorbs and removes toxins, bacteria, dirt, and other impurities collated on the skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Coffee grounds (nourishes and gently exfoliates skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Natural earth clay (absorbs oil and impurities) – 2 tablespoons
• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (anti-aging and antimicrobial) – 1 teaspoon
• Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties) – 2 to 3 drops
• Rosewater, as required.

Step 1. Combine coffee grounds and the natural earth clay in a bowl

• Take 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds in a mixing bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of natural earth clay as well.

Step 2. Add apple cider vinegar, rose water, and tea tree oil for mixing

• Add 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to dry powders.
• Add rose water as required for proper mixing.
• Finally, add 2 to 3 drops of pure tea tree essential oil as well.

Step 3. Mix well and apply on face to get brighter skin

• Mix everything with a wooden spoon.
• Apply on your face using a cosmetic brush; avoid the sensitive areas around your eye.
• Keep it on for 20 to 25 minutes; then wash it off with water and gently pat dry.

You can apply this coffee face mask 2 to 3 times a week for at least 4 weeks to get younger and brighter looking skin.

Method 7: Almond–Gram Flour Face Mask

This is an incredibly rich mask that works to give you brighter and well-nourished skin with regular application.

Almonds are rich in antioxidants, natural fats, and proteins that work to enrich and nourish your skin, lending it a healthy glow from within.

Things you’ll need:

• Ground almond flour (nourishes skin and gently exfoliates) – 2 tablespoons
• Gram flour (absorbs excess oil and cleanses skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Milk (rich in nutrients and lactic acid), as required

Step 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl

• Take 1 tablespoon of gram flour in a small bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of ground almond flour as well.
• Add just enough milk to form a thick, smooth paste that can be easily applied.

Step 2. Mix properly and apply to get lighter and brighter skin

• Mix all ingredients well using a spatula and apply on face with a cosmetic brush for easy application.
• Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, and let your skin absorb all the nutrients from the almond and gram flour and milk.
• Rinse it off with water and gently pat dry.

Apply this homemade skin lightening (whitening) face mask 3 times a week; we recommend that you use whole milk for dry skin and skimmed milk for oily skin.

This face mask will give you much brighter skin after just 1 to 2 weeks of application; continue using it for at least 4 weeks to get a long-lasting glow.

Method 8: Green Tea, Honey, and Rice Flour Face Mask

Green tea has multiple benefits for health and beauty as it not only helps you fight obesity and boost your metabolism but also tones your skin, is rich in anti-aging antioxidants and helps detoxify your skin cells.

In combination with raw honey and ground rice flour, it makes an incredibly effective homemade face mask to brighten your skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Green tea (contains antioxidants) – 1 tablespoon
• Ground rice flour (nourishes and brightens skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine all elements in a bowl

• Take 2 tablespoons of rice flour in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
• Add 1 tablespoon of brewed green tea as well.

Step 2. Mix with a spatula and apply on face

• Mix properly using a spatula and apply on face.
• Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash your face with warm water; gently pat dry using a soft towel.

Apply this mask 2 to 3 times a week for at least 1 month to get acne- and blemish-free skin with a brighter tone.

Method 9: Egg White Face Mask

Egg whites are also incredibly beneficial for your skin as they nourish and enhance both the health and appearance of your skin.

Mixed with fresh lemon juice and raw honey, they serve to give you smoother and brighter skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Egg whites (nourishes skin) – 1 egg
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (natural bleaching agent) – 1 teaspoon
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Mix egg whites, lemon juice, and raw honey in a bowl

• Crack an egg and collect the egg whites in a bowl. You can learn simple hacks to separate egg whites from the yolk here.
• Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey to the egg whites.
• Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice as well.

Step 2. Whisk everything together and apply on skin

• Whisk everything together to get a thorough blend.
• Using a cosmetic brush, apply the prepared mask on your face; leave it on to air-dry for around 20 minutes.
• Afterward, wash your face with water and gently pat dry with a soft towel.

Apply this homemade skin lightening (whitening) face mask 2 to 3 times a week for 3 to 5 weeks to tighten and brighten your skin.

Tips You Should Keep in Mind

• You can also mix equal quantities of grated tomato and cucumber to make a homemade face mask to brighten and lighten your skin. Tomato can be very acidic if it becomes to irritating remove with tepid water. Just leave it on your face for around 20 minutes, and reapply once every 3 days to get smooth even-toned skin.
• Alternatively, you can also simply mix 2 tablespoons each of ground rice flour and cold milk and apply the paste to get brighter skin. Keep it on for around 30 minutes and repeat 2 to 3 times a week to get brighter skin naturally.
• You can also mix 2 tablespoons of cold milk with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to make a natural bleaching mask for your face. Keep it on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes and wash your face with water to reveal brighter skin.
• Another great way to take care of your skin is by using DIY homemade face washes and cleansers that will give you the clearest skin ever.