When it comes to beauty, there is no match to turmeric for successfully giving you lighter and glowing skin. It is for this very reason that turmeric is applied to the skin of Indian brides and grooms to give them a healthy glow on their big day.

But turmeric isn’t just meant to be used on special days. A key ingredient in Ayurveda, turmeric has been used for ages for its countless health benefits and beauty uses.

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Derived from the Curcuma longa plant, the bright yellow spice is loaded with antioxidants that fight free-radical damage in your skin. Plus, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can naturally heal skin troubles.

use turmeric for skin lightening
Use any of the given turmeric-based face masks to get lighter and brighter skin naturally

Turmeric also has been proven effective in reducing the melanin production that is responsible for a dark complexion or hyperpigmentation.

Irrespective of the cause, turmeric can successfully deal with all skin troubles to give you a lighter skin tone naturally.

Here are the 10 ways you can use turmeric along with other ingredients to lighten your skin. Be persistent with your efforts. It can take 1 to 2 months of regular use to get the desired results.

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Note: Do a patch test to check for any adverse reactions before applying any of the turmeric packs on your face. If it causes any skin irritation, rinse it off immediately.

Method 1: Turmeric & Lemon

Turmeric and lemon form the best combination for skin lightening. While the turmeric absorbs into the skin and breaks down the melanin, the lemon juice works as a lightening agent.

If you have oily skin, lemon also helps cut down the oil to give you fresher-looking skin.

Note: Since lemon can make your skin photosensitive, avoid going out in the sun after using this face mask. It is preferable to use it at bedtime, so there is enough of a time gap before you expose your skin to the sun. Also, if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first.  

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with lemon

  • Organic turmeric powder (reduces melanin) – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (acts as a lightening agent) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder and lemon juice

use turmeric for skin lightening with lemon juice
Add turmeric powder and lemon juice in a bowl
  • Put 1 tablespoon of organic turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it on your face 2 or 3 times weekly

apply turmeric for skin lightening with lemon juice
Blend well and apply to lighten skin naturally
  • Mix well until you get a lump-free paste.
  • Use an applicator brush to apply a thin layer of the turmeric mask on your entire face, except the eye area.
  • Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Pat dry your face and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

You can use this mask 2 or 3 times a week to lighten your skin.

Method 2: Turmeric, Lemon, Arrowroot & Baking Soda

The above skin-lightening blend can be enhanced further by adding arrowroot and baking soda. Arrowroot helps lighten the blemishes because it absorbs excess oil from your skin pores.

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The baking soda works as an exfoliant to help remove off dead skin cells and dirt that can accumulate and make your skin appear dull.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with tomato and coconut oil

  • Organic turmeric powder (lightens skin) – 1 teaspoon
  • Arrowroot (absorbs oil) – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (lightening agent) – 2 tablespoons
  • Baking soda (exfoliant) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine the four ingredients

use turmeric for skin lightening with cornstarch, lemon and baking soda
Add turmeric powder, lemon juice and arrowroot in a bowl
  • Put 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon each of arrowroot and baking soda.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice as well.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it on your face 2 or 3 times weekly

blend well and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Blend well and apply 2 to 3 times a week to get glowing skin
  • Use a spoon to whip up all the ingredients into a uniform paste.
  • Apply an even layer on your face using an applicator brush.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
  • Pat your skin dry and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Apply this mask 2 or 3 times every week to lighten your skin in 1 to 2 months.

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Method 3: Turmeric & Milk

Turmeric, combined with milk forms an excellent cleansing mask for skin lightening.

The lactic acid in milk dissolves dead skin cells and impurities, while also leaving a brightening effect on your skin.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with milk

  • Organic turmeric powder (reduces melanin) – 1 tablespoon
  • Milk (cleanser and brightening agent) – as needed
Note: Use whole milk if you have dry or combination skin. Use skim milk for oily skin.

Step 1. Combine turmeric and milk

use turmeric for skin lightening with milk
Put turmeric powder in a bowl and add milk
  • Put 1 tablespoon of organic turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add just enough milk to make a thick paste.

Step 2. Mix thoroughly & apply it to your skin 3 or 4 times weekly

blend properly and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Blend properly and apply for skin lightening
  • Mix the ingredients well to get a consistent paste.
  • Apply a thin layer of the turmeric mask all over your face and neck.
  • Wait for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.
  • Pat dry your face and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Apply this turmeric mask 3 or 4 times a week to get lighter and glowing skin.

Method 4: Turmeric & Honey

For those with dry or combination skin, a blend of turmeric and honey can also help lighten your skin and make it supple.

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Turmeric helps lighten your skin tone. Honey works as a natural humectant, drawing moisture from the air and sealing it into your skin. Both ingredients are also antibacterial and help ward off infections and breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with honey

  • Organic turmeric powder (antibacterial, lightens skin) – 1 teaspoon
  • Raw honey (antibacterial, acts as a humectant) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine turmeric and honey

use turmeric for skin lightening with honey
Add turmeric powder and honey in a bowl
  • Put 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder in a small bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey to it.

Step 2. Mix well & apply the face pack 2 or 3 times weekly

blend and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Blend thoroughly and apply to get soft, supple, and incandescent skin
  • Use a spoon to mix the two ingredients thoroughly.
  • Apply it on your face using an applicator brush. Avoid the eye area.
  • Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with tepid water.
  • Pat your skin dry. You need not apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer, as the honey will leave your skin moisturized.

Use this mask 2 or 3 times a week to get soft and lighter skin.

Method 5: Turmeric & Cucumber

If you have naturally oily skin, it’s common to suffer from breakouts and an uneven skin tone. Using turmeric, along with cucumber can benefit you in multiple ways.

Turmeric works as an antibacterial agent on the breakouts and also lightens your skin tone. Cucumber acts as a mild astringent, minimize the appearance of large pores to reduce oiliness. It also helps hydrate your skin without clogging your pores and gives you fresher-looking skin.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with cucumber

  • Organic turmeric powder (antibacterial, lightens skin) – ¼ tablespoon
  • Cucumber juice (minimize skin pores) – 2 tablespoons

Single-Step Method: Apply a turmeric and cucumber juice face pack 3 times weekly

use turmeric for skin lightening with cucumber juice
Prepare a face pack by mixing turmeric powder and cucumber juice
  • Mix ¼ tablespoon of organic turmeric powder and 2 tablespoons of fresh cucumber juice.
  • Use an applicator brush to apply the blend on your face and neck. Avoid the eye area.
  • Leave it on for 1 hour, then rinse your skin with lukewarm water.

Apply this mask 3 times a week to get oil-free and lighter skin.

Method 6: Turmeric, Tomato & Jojoba Oil

Want to soothe and brighten up your dry and itchy skin? Try this homemade face mask made using turmeric, tomato juice, and jojoba oil.

Tomatoes are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that aids healthy skin cell renewal. Both tomatoes and turmeric heal skin irritation, while turmeric also lightens skin in the process.

Jojoba oil contains healthy fatty acids that deeply moisturize the skin to alleviate dryness.

Things you’ll need:

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things you need to make a turmeric mask for skin lightening

  • Organic turmeric powder (improves skin tone) – 1 tablespoon
  • Tomato pulp (rich in antioxidants) – 1 tablespoon
  • Jojoba oil (moisturizes skin) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine the three ingredients

use turmeric for skin lightening with tomato pulp and coconut oil
Add turmeric powder, tomato pulp, and coconut oil in a bowl
  • Put 1 tablespoon of organic turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh tomato pulp.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil as well.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it on your face and neck daily

mix well and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Mix well and apply to brighten skin naturally
  • Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Using a clean brush, apply the turmeric mask on your face and neck. Avoid the eye area.
  • Use your fingers to massage your face for 10 minutes.
  • Let the mask sit for 15 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

Apply this healing mask once daily to reduce dryness and lighten your skin naturally.

Method 7: Turmeric & Potato

Turmeric can also be combined with potato juice to work as a lightening agent on the face pack. Regular use of this face pack will help reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten any dark spots.

The turmeric will control the melanin formation in the skin, and the potatoes contain a compound called catecholase that functions as a natural lightening agent.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with potato

  • Organic turmeric powder (controls melanin formation) – ⅛ teaspoon
  • Potato juice (natural lightening agent) – 1 large potato

Step 1. Mix turmeric powder and potato juice

use turmeric for skin lightening with potato juice
Combine potato juice and turmeric powder
  • Extract the juice from 1 large potato.
  • Add a ⅛ teaspoon of turmeric powder to the juice.
  • Mix the two well.

Step 2. Apply the blend on your face twice weekly

apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Apply this blend to bleach your skin naturally
  • Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it all over your face.
  • Let it dry completely, then rinse your face with lukewarm water.

Apply this blend twice every week to achieve a lighter skin tone.

Method 8: Turmeric & Gram Flour

This is probably the most popular homemade mask used in India to lighten skin naturally. Turmeric combined with gram flour can deal with your skin troubles and give you a brighter skin tone.

While the turmeric breaks down melanin cells, the gram flour acts as an exfoliant and cleanser to clear away dead skin cells and impurities. It also helps absorb excess oil, thus making it a hit for people with oily skin.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with gram flour

  • Organic turmeric powder (lightens skin) – ½ teaspoon
  • Gram flour (exfoliates and cleanses skin) – 2 tablespoons
  • Distilled water – enough to make a paste

Step 1. Combine the three ingredients

use turmeric for skin lightening with gram flour
Combine turmeric powder, gram flour, and water
  • Put ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of gram flour to it.
  • Add enough water to make a spreadable paste. You can also use rose water instead of plain water for added hydration.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it on your face and neck twice weekly

blend and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Blend thoroughly and apply twice a week for a brighter skin tone
  • Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you get a lump-free, smooth paste.
  • Use an applicator brush to apply it on your face and neck. Avoid the eye area.
  • Scrub your face with the paste for 5 minutes.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
  • Pat your skin dry and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Use this mask twice a week to get smooth and radiant skin.

Method 9: Turmeric, Rice Flour & Yogurt

Rice flour is the skin-lightening secret of Asians. Rice contains an enzyme called tyrosinase that reduces melanin production in the skin.

Both rice and turmeric contain antioxidants that fight free-radical damage and delay the natural aging process to keep your skin firm. The yogurt used in this recipe works as a cleanser and aids in skin lightening, due to the presence of lactic acid.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with rice flour and yogurt

  • Organic turmeric powder (rich in antioxidants) – 1 teaspoon
  • Rice flour (reduces melanin production) – 2 teaspoons
  • Plain yogurt (cleanses skin) – 3 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine turmeric, rice flour, and yogurt

use turmeric for skin lightening with rice flour and yogurt
Add turmeric powder and rice flour to the yogurt
  • Put 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt in a bowl.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 2 teaspoons of rice flour.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it on your face 2 or 3 times weekly

mix and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Mix thoroughly and apply to brighten your dull skin
  • Mix all the ingredients together to form a smooth paste.
  • Use a clean makeup brush to apply the blend on your face, except the eye area.
  • Let it dry completely, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Reactivate the dried face pack with water and massage it into your skin for 1 minute.
  • Rinse it off with cool water and pat your skin dry.

Use this skin-lightening homemade face mask 2 or 3 times a week for best results.

Method 10: Turmeric, Sandalwood Powder & Milk

Lastly, turmeric can be combined with sandalwood powder and milk to lighten your skin.

Turmeric, as well as sandalwood, helps treat acne, lighten spots and blemishes, minimize the appearance of pores and soothe skin irritation. Milk acts as a natural cleaner.

Things you’ll need:

things needed to use turmeric for skin lightening with sandalwood and milk

  • Organic turmeric powder (lightens skin) – ½ tablespoon
  • Sandalwood powder (soothes skin) – 2 tablespoons
  • Whole milk (cleansing agent) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Combine the three ingredients

use turmeric for skin lightening with sandalwood powder and milk
Combine turmeric powder, sandalwood powder and milk in a bowl
  • Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder to it.
  • Add ¼ cup of whole milk as well.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it on your face 2 or 3 times weekly

mix and apply to use turmeric for skin lightening
Blend and apply to get a lighter skin tone naturally
  • Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients.
  • Apply the blend on your face, avoiding the eye area.
  • Allow it to dry completely, then rinse it off with cool water.
  • Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Use this mask 2 or 3 times every week to lighten your skin naturally.

Additional Tips

  • Lean over a sink while applying the face pack to collect any drippings.
  • Turmeric can leave strong yellow stains on your clothes. Wear an old T-shirt while applying the face pack. If you do get a stain, you can use one of several remedies to get turmeric stains out of clothing.
  • If needed, also check out our remedies to get turmeric stains off your hands.
  • Turmeric-based face packs can leave your face yellow, but you need not worry. It will fade after you wash your face a few times.
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