How To Use Multani Mitti For Acne

Say goodbye to acne nightmares with this powerful ancient remedy.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Harish Kumar, MD DVL
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Dealing with acne-prone skin is a troublesome process, and almost all of us have experienced it at one point or the other. So, this article is for all those who have tried several home remedies to solve your acne but failed. Here, we discuss the benefits of using Multani mitti for acne management. Yes, it is one of the super easy techniques to combat acne issues. You can use these clay masks with other ingredients to give you spotless and clear skin. But, how? Keep reading to know more!

Is Multani Mitti Good For Acne And Pimples?

Multani mitti treats acne and pimples
Image: IStock

Multani mitti is used in a myriad of remedies to treat many different skin problems. It can be used for pimple treatment too. Here’s how it you can use it:

  • Multani mitti is a rich source of magnesium chloride, which helps fight acne breakouts (1).
  • It helps eliminate the excessive production of sebum in your oily skin, keeping your pores from clogging.
  • It also has a clarifying effect on your skin with its rich content of minerals that help eliminate dirt and grime.
  • Multani mitti helps fade acne scars, blemishes, and skin pigmentation resulting from acne with its skin lightening properties. This also aids complexion improvement.
  • It is also a great exfoliating agent and helps remove dead skin, keeping your pores from clogging up.
  • It has a soothing effect and can be used on irritated skin to relieve redness, itching, and inflammation.

Divya Sapra, a beauty and fashion blogger, discusses her love for multani mitti in a blog post where she shares an anti-tan face pack recipe for the summer. She writes, “Multani Mitti is my holy grail; it does not only freshen but also absorbs excess oil from my face, which reduces blackheads as well as helps me prevent acne (i).”

protip_icon Quick Tip
Multani mitti can reduce whiteheads and blackheads, which are signs of mild or comedonal acne (1).

How To Use Multani Mitti For Acne And Pimples

1. Multani Mitti And Turmeric For Acne

Use multani mitti and turmeric for acne
Image: IStock

You Will Need

  • 2 tbsp multani mitti
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp honey

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
  3. Apply the mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Turmeric has excellent antiseptici  XAn antimicrobial compound that prevents the growth of microbes or reduces the possibility of infection. , antimicrobiali  XA substance that kills bacteria or viruses or stops them from growing and causing infections or diseases. , and anti-inflammatory properties that help curb acne (2), (3). The honey in this pack helps fade scars with its bleaching properties.

2. Multani Mitti And Neem For Acne

Use multani mitti and neem for acne
Image: IStock

You Will Need

  • 2 tbsp multani mitti
  • 1 tbsp neem powder
  • 1 tbsp rose water
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

20 minutes

Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
  3. Apply the mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This pack helps curb oiliness while the strong antimicrobial properties of neem ward off bacteria and infection (4).

3. Multani Mitti And Sandalwood (Chandan) For Acne

Use multani mitti and sandalwood for acne
Image: IStock

You Will Need

  • 2 tbsp multani mitti
  • 2 tbsp sandalwood powder
  • 1 tbsp gram flour (besan)
  • 1 tbsp rose water

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
  3. Apply the mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Sandalwood is an excellent skincare ingredient. It helps with absorbing excess oils from your skin without drying it out while also leaving your skin feeling soft and supple (5). It is commonly used in skin detoxifying treatments. This pack effectively eliminates acne and also helps fade acne scars.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Common causes of acne are sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt buildup on the skin. Multani mitti can be used as a natural skin cleansing ingredient to keep skin healthy and glowing (1).

4. Multani Mitti And Curd/Yogurt For Acne

Use multani mitti and curd for acne
Image: IStock

You Will Need

  • 2 tbsp multani mitti
  • 2 tbsp curd
  • 1 tbsp lemon

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
  3. Apply the mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This is a mild pack that moisturizes your skin while also effectively eliminating acne. The curd in this pack helps dissolve the dirt and grime present on your face, dislodging clogged pores and clearing acne. Curd is also known to boost skin brightening and elasticityi  XThe ability of the skin to stretch and bounce back to its normal shape; elastin is the fiber that is responsible for it. (6).

5. Multani Mitti And Rose Water For Acne

Use multani mitti and rose water for acne
Image: IStock

You Will Need

  • 1 tbsp multani mitti
  • 1 tbsp rose water

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
  3. Apply the mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This is one of the simplest multani mitti face packs you could use for your skin. Not only is it super simple to make but also works effectively to banish acne. Rose water is a mild toner that helps tighten your pores without causing dryness or skin irritation. It also is an important ingredient in several cosmetic and skin care products (7).

6. Multani Mitti And Aloe Vera For Acne

Use multani mitti and aloe vera for acne
Image: IStock

You Will Need

  • 2 tsp aloe vera gel
  • 1 tsp multani mitti

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

20 minutes

Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
  3. Apply the mixture onto your face as you would a face pack.
  4. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Aloe vera is known for its strong soothing and skin rejuvenation properties that help reduce signs of skin inflammation like redness and swelling (8). It also helps moisturize your skin without clogging your pores (9). It is also said to increase skin hydration to give you younger, firmer skin. The use of aloe vera in your multani mitti face pack will result in skin softening, leaving your skin smooth.

7. Multani Mitti And Eggs For Acne

Multani Mitti and eggs face pack
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 tsp multani mitti
  • 1 egg white

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

Method

  1. Whisk the egg white in a bowl until it turns frothy.
  2. Gradually add the multani mitti to it little by little as you keep whisking until it forms a paste.
  3. Apply an even layer of the mixture to your cleansed and towel-dried face, focusing on the acne-prone areas.
  4. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.
  6. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer.

How Often?

Once a week for normal, dry, and combination skin. Fortnightly for sensitive skin.

Why This Works

Egg whites contain a special protein called lysozyme, which is also found in mucosal secretions such as tears and saliva (10). This protein has antifungal and antibacterial properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of acne (11).

Infographic: 6 Multani Mitti Masks For Acne

Multani mitti offers a multitude of benefits for acne. As a rich source of magnesium chloride, it fights acne and breakouts. It controls oil production in your skin and prevents clogging of pores. Check out the infographic below for details on the awesome face masks you can make using multani mitti.

6 multani mitti masks for acne (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Multani mitti is a rich source of magnesium chloride and an effective way to treat acne issues. You may use Multani mitti for acne management by preparing face masks with turmeric, neem, sandalwood, yogurt, rose water, or aloe vera. Following the recipes and methods shared in this article may help you reap maximum benefits. You may apply these packs twice a week and start seeing results within a few months. However, always do a patch test before applying these to your skin, as some of the ingredients may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of multani mitti?

Multani mitti is highly absorbent, so it can dry out the skin. As a result, excessive use is not advised, particularly for those with dry or extremely sensitive skin.

Does multani mitti expire?

Raw multani mitti does not expire. However, you must keep it in a cool, dry place.

How long does Multani mitti take to remove acne?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Multani mitti may take 1-2 weeks to reduce acne and related symptoms like redness and irritation. Always make sure to do a patch test before using Multani mitti on your skin to avoid allergies and skin irritation.

Can I apply Multani mitti to your skin in winter?

Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that you can apply Multani mitti to your skin in winter as it helps soothe the skin. You may also add nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, milk, and honey to your DIY Multani mitti face packs for additional hydration.

Key Takeaways

  • Multani mitti is a great source of magnesium chloride that helps prevent breakouts and fights acne.
  • It removes excess oil, dirt, and other impurities from the skin that may cause acne.
  • The clarifying effect of multani mitti helps in the removal of grime and dirt from the skin.
  • It can be used with other natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, and rose water.


Multani mitti is a sought after ingredient in Indian skin care. Check out the video below for a Fuller’s earth face pack recipe that may help reduce acne and pigmentation, leaving you with brighter and glowing skin.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF COSMETIC HERBAL FACE PACK FOR GLOWING SKIN
    https://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1887_pdf.pdf
  2. Curcumin a Natural Antimicrobial Agent with Strain-Specific Activity
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7408453/
  3. In Vitro Anti-Propionibacterium Activity by Curcumin Containing Vesicle System
    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb/61/4/61_c12-01043/_html/-char/en
  4. Antibacterial activity of neem nanoemulsion and its toxicity assessment on human lymphocytes in vitro
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4599620/
  5. WHITE SANDAL (SANTALUM ALBUM L.) A PRECIOUS MEDICINAL AND TIMBER YIELDING PLANT: A SHORT REVIEW
    https://storage.googleapis.com/journal-uploads/wjpps/article_issue/1496225048.pdf
  6. Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22152494/
  7. Treatment Modalities for Acne
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6273829/
  8. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7144722/#:~:text=Aloe%20vera%20has%20been%20traditionally
  9. ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  10. Expression of Recombinant Human Lysozyme in Egg Whites of Transgenic Hens
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338068/
  11. Treatment effects of lysozyme-shelled microbubbles and ultrasound in inflammatory skin disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5259758/
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