The holy land of India is known to be the land of home remedies and since ages Indians follow homemade beauty recipes along with cosmetic products to maintain glow on their skin. We all are no strangers to the fact that Indians are obsessed with their grandma’s beauty secrets. We often hear about many people applying hair packs, scrubs, face packs along with other beauty products. The main reason for this is because it is natural and always safe. This is why organic homegrown cosmetic products are grabbing the limelight in India.
There is a myriad of reasons as to why people in India have made a paradigm shift in their cosmetic preference. One of the major reasons of this is their undying love for home remedies and natural products. A majority of Indians are used to homemade beauty routine such as applying kitchen ingredients such as turmeric, honey and curd. Moreover, with an increase in access to the internet, the country’s population is becoming more and more aware of the ill effects of the chemicals other synthetic ingredients such as propylene glycol, phthalates and formaldehyde. Thus, many youngsters have ditched the chemical-based products and are now opting for organic and natural products that are toxic-free and cruelty-free.
What is ubtan powder?
In India, it is a custom to apply ubtan powder on the bride before her wedding proceedings take place. Ubtan powder is a herbal paste that typically contains gram flour/besan, turmeric, sandalwood, milk, yogurt and rose water. These ingredients are known for their exfoliating and skin-brightening properties.
Why is ubtan special?
Ubtan is special as it is-
1. Natural and non-toxic
Ubtan is free of synthetic chemicals and this makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
2. Versatile.
It is tailored for various skin concerns.
3. Eco-friendly.
It is made using bio degradable ingredients.
Following are the ingredients present in Ubtan-
1. Besan
Properties
Also known as Gram flour, Besan is a traditional base for ubtan and it is known for its exfoliating and cleansing properties.
Benefits
It gently removes the dirt, impurities and dead skin cells. This leaves the skin smooth and radiant. Besan also helps control the excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Special role
Ubtan acts as a natural cleanser and it is suitable for all skin types. Mostly people with oily skin use ubtan.
It is recommended to mix besan with natural turmeric and raw milk for a brightening face pack.
2. Curd or yogurt
Properties- It contains lactic acid and probiotics.
Benefits
It gently exfoliates and reduces tan. It also hydrates the skin. The cooling properties of the drug makes it ideal for soothing sunburns or irritated skin.
Special role
It adds a creamy texture to ubtan and makes it easy to apply while nourishing the skin.
Make use of plain yogurt as a base for ubtan and enhance its hydrating effect.
3. Multani mitti
Properties
Also known as Fuller’s earth, Multani mitti is highly absorbent and it perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
Benefits
It removes excess oil from the skin. It also unclogs pores and detoxifies the skin. The natural cooling effects of the herb reduces redness and inflammation. This leaves the skin refreshed.
The herb is known for balancing sebum production and purifying the skin. This makes it ideal for summer use.
It is recommended to combine multani mitti with rosewater or raw milk as per your preference.
🌿 Ubtan Ingredients Comparison
| Ingredient | Properties | Skin Benefits | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Besan (Gram Flour) | Natural cleanser, exfoliator | Removes dirt & dead skin, controls oil | Oily to combination skin |
| Curd/Yogurt | Rich in lactic acid | Reduces tan, hydrates, cools skin | Dry or sun-exposed skin |
| Multani Mitti | Highly absorbent clay | Detoxifies, clears acne, cools skin | Acne-prone, oily skin |
| Sandalwood Powder | Anti-inflammatory, aromatic | Soothes redness, improves texture | All skin types, sensitive skin |
| Honey | Natural humectant, antibacterial | Hydrates, softens, heals acne | Dry and acne-prone skin |
| Rose Petal Powder | Cooling, toning | Restores glow, gently exfoliates | Inflamed, dull skin |
| Oatmeal | Anti-inflammatory, soothing | Hydrates & calms irritation | Sensitive, itchy skin |
| Aloe Vera | Hydrating, cooling | Soothes redness, smoothens texture | All skin types, especially irritated skin |
4. Sandalwood powder
Properties
The powder is aromatic and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
The powder reduces redness. It also soothes the skin and enhances the texture. The powder also helps minimize the dark spots and provides a cooling effect.
It is recommended to combine sandalwood powder with milk for a calming and brightening face mask.
5. Honey
Properties
It has antibacterial properties and it also acts as a natural humectant.
Benefits
Honey is responsible for locking in moisture. It softens the skin and soothes the irritated areas. Honey is also effective against acne owing to its ability to combat bacteria.
It is recommended to use raw honey for maximum health benefits.
6. Rose petals powder
Properties
It has cooling and rejuvenating properties.
Benefits
It hydrates and tones the skin while providing gentle exfoliation. Rose petals can also restore the skin’s natural glow.
It is recommended to mix rose petal powder with aloe vera gel.
7. Oatmeal
Properties
It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and is known for its hydrating properties.
Benefits
Oatmeal is responsible for exfoliating the skin. It also reduces the irritation and locks in moisture. It is beneficial for sensitive skin.
Special role
The ingredient provides a smooth and soft texture to the skin without irritating.
One can simply blend oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it with yogurt.
8. Aloe vera
Properties
It has cooling and hydrating properties.
Benefits
Aloe vera calms redness and hydrates the skin. The gel-like texture of aloe vera adds smoothness to the ubtan.
It is perfect for soothing sensitive skin.
What are the benefits of using Ubtan?
Following are some of the benefits of using Ubtan-
1. Natural exfoliation
The drug removes dead skin cells and unclogs the pores for a smooth and refreshed look.
2. Evens the skin tone
Ubtan is responsible for softening rough patches and enhances the overall skin suppleness.
3. Fights acne
The drug combats acne and soothes redness. It also prevents future breakouts of the skin.
4. Hydrates and moisturizes
The drug provides deep nourishment and reduces dryness and flakiness of the skin.
5. Deep cleansing
It is also responsible for detoxifying the skin by drawing out impurities and excess oil.
Ubtan is a great choice for many as it is made from herbs, grains and roots. It is gentle on the skin and it is also safe for regular use. There are ingredients like sandalwood, orange peel and turmeric that reduce pigmentation and add a glow to the skin. The drug acts as a mild scrub that removes dead skin without stripping the natural oils.