What Is Turmeric?
“Turmeric is a spice with a bright yellow color and a strong flavor,” says IGK co-founder and hairstylist Leo Izquierdo says. “It’s often used in curries for cooking, but has recently become more popular in hair and skin care products for its anti-inflammatory and cleansing benefits.”
This spice may be pretty, but it’s also packed with nurturing benefits. According to Dr. Lamees Hamdan, dermatologist Founder and CEO of Shiffa, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. “Turmeric is good for eczema, acne, and rosacea,” she says. “It is anti-inflammatory, so it calms skin, and antibacterial, so it helps with acne.” How can this spice have so much power? You can thanks curcumin for that: this is the main active component in turmeric, and is so strong that it’s been proven in a 2007 study to treat and prevent skin diseases like psoriasis and skin cancer.
Celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas also notes that turmeric is great for any blemish issues. “From reducing acne scars and stretch marks to minimizing dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, the benefits of turmeric in skincare are virtually endless,” she says. “It’s no wonder it’s been an ancient beauty secret in places like India for centuries. Using it in DIY masks or finding skincare products that contain it, help to combat acne, brighten your skin and even fine lines. This is one ingredient that should be added to everyone’s skincare routine and diet alike!”
So, it’s great for skin, but what about your hair? Izquierdo notes that turmeric’s cleansing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties are actually game-changing for your locks. “ It’s great to reduce oil, clarify scalps and add volume,” he says.
Want to add some spice into your beauty cabinet? Then just whip up a good ol’ fashioned DIY face mask. But when making your own facial mask, Vargas advises using pure organic turmeric. “Some generic store options contain dyes that can stain your skin after application,” she says. “This is one ingredient where you must go organic!”
Want a DIY recipe that you can actually trust? Then try out this recipe, straight from the best source: Joanna Vargas herself. This Triple Action Turmeric Mask truly tackles it all: it’s anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and super hydrating from a duo of our favorite skincare ingredients, honey and aloe vera. All you need are these kitchen staples:
- 1 tbsp of organic greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of honey
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp aloe
All you need to do is mix these ingredients together, leave the mask on for 10 minutes, and you’re ready to wash it off and reveal the best skin of your life—the all-natural way.
But, if you’re anything like me, then you might not have time (or energy) to make your own face mask. So, try out some of our favorite turmeric-infused products, below.
Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil
While the main star in this balancing elixir is hemp oil, this facial oil is packed with turmeric to keep your skin clear and intact. “In our Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil, we’ve blended turmeric with other powerful adaptogens to not only make skin radiant but also to help the skin cope with environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, lack of sleep, daily stress, and more,” the Herbivore team told Cools.
IGK Direct Flight Multi-Tasking Matcha Dry Shampoo
While matcha (a derivative of anti-inflammatory green tea) works to strengthen your hair and scalp, turmeric and detoxifying charcoal work together to lift dirt and oil for a refreshing, just-washed cleanse—perfect for those no-shower days.
Volition Beauty Turmeric Brightening Polish
Does your skin feel a little rough? Then this scrub will do just the trick. It gently exfoliates as you slough away stubborn flakes while turmeric works to brighten your complexion. The results: a smooth, radiant finish.
Aveda Invati Advanced Scalp Revitalizer
Does your hair tend to fall out in patches? First off, same. Second, then grab this scalp revitalizer! It’s turmeric-infused formula works to keep strands stronger and less prone to breakage.
Non Gender Specific Everything Cleanser
If your cleanser isn’t doing your complexion justice, then grab this revitalizing option. Its gel formula works to get rid of the toughest of impurities, without over-stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque
This is the O.G. face mask. It’s filled with turmeric to brighten and cleanse, while cranberry seeds gently exfoliate your skin. If your skin is in need of some extra TLC, then this is a mask it needs.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
This fan-favorite is packed with turmeric and another one of our favorite skincare ingredients: vitamin C.