11 Best Homemade Lemon Face Packs For Clear Skin

Easy face mask recipes you can try with this citrus fruit to keep your skin bright and clear.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameeksha Chand, MBBS, MD DVL
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

When life gives you lemons, make DIY lemon face packs! They are loaded with vitamin C (1) , an antioxidanti  XA substance that fights free radicals and protects cells from damage which helps reduce dark spots and maintain clear skin. that may help reduce hyperpigmentation and aging signs. Now if you have a dark spot on your skin, you have the perfect remedy for it. Although it is not advised to apply lemon juice directly to your face as it may irritate the skin. However, if you want to give it a try, follow (sparingly, though) the DIY lemon face pack recipes suggested below. Scroll down.

11 Lemon Face Packs You Can Try At Home

1. Honey And Lemon Face Pack

Image: Shutterstock

Honey has a moisturizing effect on your skin (2). When mixed with lemon juice, it helps improve your skin texture, making it soft and bright.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon organic honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
Method
  1. Dilute the lemon juice with water in a bowl.
  2. Mix honey in it and spread the mixture on a cleansed face.
  3. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Wash off with warm water.
  5. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

A blogger tried a DIY banana, honey, and lemon face mask and shared her experience. In her blog post, she writes, “My face and neck felt like SATIN immediately after – soft and smooth like a baby’s bum! My skin felt hydrated and taut. My face looked clean, bright and radiant. I really like it (i)!”

protip_icon Did You Know?
Honey can also be used for treating skin issues like psoriasisi  XA disease that multiplies the skin cells rapidly than normal, causing rashes with itchy, scaly patches. . It also prevents wrinkle formation and keeps your skin looking young (2).

2. Turmeric And Lemon Face Pack

This face pack is perfect for complexion improvement. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help prevent photoaging, acne, and several other skin conditions (3). This face pack will have a therapeutic effect on your skin.

You Will Need
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon water or rose water
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon organic honey
Method
  1. Dilute the lemon juice with water or rose water in a bowl.
  2. Mix honey and turmeric into it.
  3. Apply the pack it all over your face and neck.
  4. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.
  5. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

3. Gram Flour (Besan) And Lemon Face Pack

Gram flour or besan has an exfoliating effect on your skin that aids dead skin removal. It also helps to reduce tanning (4). This face pack is best to even out your skin tone.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water or rose water (adjust the quantity as per the need)
  • 1 tablespoon besan or gram flour
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Once you get the desired consistency, spread it evenly on your face.
  3. Let it dry completely.
  4. Wash off with warm water.
  5. Repeat 1-2 times a week.

4. Lemon And Aloe Vera Face Pack

Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera has special skin-healing properties, helps to improve skin hydration levels and also promotes collagen and elastin production. This prevents fine lines and wrinkles and keeps your skin youthful (5). This face pack is best for you if you are looking for anti-aging benefits and skin radiance.

You Will Need
  • Juice of half a lemon (diluted)
  • 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera pulp
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Method
  1. Blend the aloe vera pulp in a blender.
  2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly on your face.
  4. Let it dry.
  5. Wash off with warm water.
  6. Repeat 2-3 times a week.


protip_icon Did You Know?
Aloe vera also helps reduce inflammation (5). This may help soothe inflammatory skin issues like certain forms of acne.

5. Lemon And Potato Face Pack

Applying potato on your skin can help reduce freckles and spots. It also calms your skin and reduces itching and inflammation (6). This face pack helps improve acne-scar and can give you toned and clear skin.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon diluted lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon raw potato juice
Method
  1. Mix both the ingredients.
  2. Apply the mixture on your face with a brush.
  3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
  4. Wash off with cold water.
  5. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

6. Lemon And Papaya Peel Face Mask

This nourishing papaya face mask is perfect for hydrating your skin. Papaya peel is widely used in cosmetics due to its skin lightening properties. It contains Vitamin A that helps restore damaged skin (7).

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon dried papaya (ripe) peel powder
  • 1 tablespoon ripe papaya pulp
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon diluted lemon juice
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
  2. Apply the paste all over your face and neck.
  3. Keep it on for 20-25 minutes or until it dries.
  4. Wash off with warm water.
  5. Repeat 2 times a week.

7. Lemon Juice And Banana

Image: Shutterstock

Banana is not only good for your health, but it also feels good on the skin. A mashed ripe banana has a soothing effect on the skin. Usually, the skin feels soft once you wipe it off.

You Will Need
  • ½ ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon diluted lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Method
  1. Use a fork to mash the ripe banana in a bowl.
  2. Add honey and lemon. Mix well.
  3. Apply it all over your face.
  4. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes or until it dries.
  5. Wash it off with warm water.
  6. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

8. Lemon And Fuller’s Earth Face Pack

Fuller’s earth is widely used for its cosmetic and skin care benefits. It is also known as Multani mitti. It is known to absorb oil and impurities from the skin and is considered an excellent cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon Fuller’s earth
  • 1 tablespoon diluted lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
  2. Apply the paste on your face.
  3. Let it dry. Wash off with warm water.
  4. Repeat 2 times a week.

9. Lemon And Yogurt Face Mask

Probiotics are good for your gut health. Applying yogurt topically can calm the skin. People often use yogurt on the skin to soothe sunburn and for skin rejuvenation.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (diluted)
  • A pinch of turmeric (optional)
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply all over your face and neck with a makeup brush.
  3. Leave it to dry for at least 15-20 minutes.
  4. Wash with warm water.
  5. Repeat 3 times a week.

10. Tomato And Lemon Face Mask

Image: Shutterstock

People often rub tomato on their skin for its astringenti  XA chemical that contracts skin cells. It is used to make the skin less oily and to reduce minor bleeding. -like effect. Anecdotal evidence says that the topical application of tomato also aids pore minimization.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon tomato juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water
Method
  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Use a makeup brush to apply the mixture all over the face and neck.
  3. Let it dry. Wash off with warm water.
  4. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

11. Coffee Lemon Face Pack

Coffee offers numerous skin benefits because of its compounds like caffeine, polyphenols, and diterpenes. These compounds offer your skin some healthy benefits like reducing the risk of skin cancer (8). Caffeine, in particular, is an antioxidant that fights against free radicals and shields your skin from pollution and UV rays (9). This may also help slow down photoaging that leads to wrinkles, age spots, and other unwelcome signs of skin damage caused by the sun and environment (10). This coffee and lemon face pack is a real wake-up call for your skin.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Method

  1. Mix the coffee grounds and lemon juice.
  2. Apply the paste on your face evenly.
  3. Gently massage it over your skin, then leave it on for 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse off the paste with warm water.
  5. Repeat 1-2 times a week.

The ingredients mentioned in these recipes are easily available, and these masks can be easily prepared at home. Using lemon juice on the face has several benefits. Take a look.

Benefits Of Applying Lemon On Your Skin

Image: Shutterstock

1. It Is Beneficial For Acne

Applying lemon juice on acne can help reduce inflammation. A study found that a high concentration of lemon juice (20% to 100%) could inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnesi  XA bacterial skin disease that inflames and makes tiny bumps on the skin, usually on shoulders and the forehead. and Staphylococcus aureusi  XA type of skin disease that causes tissue infection, leading to red bumps, blisters and boils on the skin.  (11).

2. It Brightens Your Skin

Lemon extract is used in skin brightening creams, such as Meladerm. Skin Bright, and Lucederm. This is because lemon has skin bleaching properties and can inhibit pigment production (12). If you have dark spots and marks on your skin, lemon juice can help reduce their appearance and even out your skin tone.

3. It Has Antiaging Benefits

Lemon juice contains high levels of citric acid (1.44 g/oz) compared to lime juice (1.38 g/oz) (13). Citric acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid that is commonly used in topical creams and solutions for its anti-aging and skin-tightening properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant that keeps your skin healthy (14).

Moreover, vitamin C is widely used in toners and serums for its antioxidant, astringent and skin cell regeneration benefits. It is perfect for oily skin types, especially those who have large skin pores. The astringent property of vitamin C helps to shrink the skin pores and reduce sebum and excess oil.

However, before using lemon juice on your face, you should also be aware of its side effects.

Precautions To Take When Using Lemon On The Face

  • Using lemon juice on the face is risky if you have sensitive skin. Lemon juice is acidic and easily irritates the skin and may cause itching, burning, and rashes.
  • Due to its acidic nature, lemon has a drying effect on your skin. Avoid using lemon juice in excessive amounts
  • Always dilute lemon juice with water or rose water before using it on the face. Otherwise, it may cause dryness, redness, and irritation.
  • Never go out in the sun after applying lemon juice on your face. Citrus fruit extracts often cause photodermatitisi  XThe occurrence of dark patches on the skin or redness, swelling and pain due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. and sunburn. If you are going out in the sun, apply sunscreen, and take measures to protect your skin from direct sun rays.
  • Always do a patch test on a small part of your facial skin before applying lemon juice to the entire face. This will help avoid any negative side effects in case your skin is intolerant to citrus fruits extract.

Infographic: Top 5 DIY Lemon Face Packs For Clear Skin

A multifunctional fruit, lemon is loved by all. From a chilled glass of lemonade to finger-licking lemon pickle and a delicious lemon cake, it sure knows how to make our tummies happy! However, did you know it can be a part of your skincare routine? Lemon is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that can give you bright and clear skin. Check out the infographic below to learn how to use lemon as a DIY face mask.

top 5 diy lemon face packs for clear skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Lemon face packs benefit the skin in multiple ways. Antioxidants like lemon are loaded with vitamin C, known for its wonderful skin benefits. Lemons help fight acne, brighten the skin, fight the signs of aging, and promote skin health. To make these face packs, you can mix lemon with honey, turmeric, gram flour, aloe vera, papaya, potato, banana, Fuller’s earth, yogurt, and tomatoes. However, usage of lemons in excess may trigger skin irritation and itching. Also, do a patch test before applying these face packs as lemon may cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sugar and lemon good for your face?

Yes, the presence of vitamin C in lemon and the exfoliation by sugar make them an effective solution for your skin care issues. However, do not use it on sensitive skin.

How long should I leave lemon on my face?

You may leave lemon on the face for 5-10 minutes. However, do a patch test and never apply undiluted lemon juice to your skin.

Does lemon lighten skin permanently?

Lemon may help brighten the skin, but the result may not be permanent.

Key Takeaways

  • Lemon may help address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or acne, as it is a rich source of vitamin C.
  • Pair it with other effective natural ingredients like honey or yogurt for the best results.
  • Wash off the mask after 10-15 mins with lukewarm water and follow up with a suitable moisturizer to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
  • Perform a patch test to avoid any adverse reactions before applying the mask.


Unlock the beauty secrets of an egg and lemon face mask! Watch this informative video to learn how to make this simple mask and why you should include it in your skincare routine.

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. Vitamin C in dermatology, Indian Dermatology Online Journal, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
  2. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
  3. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27213821
  4. In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack, The Open Dermatology Journal.
    https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1ca2/5c17343fd28d0dfa868e2abd0919f8e986dd.pdf
  5. Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies, Ayu, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611630/
  6. Health Benefits and Cons of Solanum tuberosum, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.
    https://www.plantsjournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_jan_2013/3.pdf
  7. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Carica papaya, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.
    https://www.plantsjournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_jan_2013/2.pdf
  8. Higher Caffeinated Coffee Intake Is Associated with Reduced Malignant Melanoma Risk: A Meta-Analysis Study
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4729676/
  9. Caffeine Protects Skin from Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence through the Activation of Autophagy
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6276298/
  10. Caffeine’s Mechanisms of Action and Its Cosmetic Use
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276945240_Caffeines_Mechanisms_of_Action_and_Its_Cosmetic_Use
  11. ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Citrus limon ON Acnevulgaris (PIMPLES), International Journal of Science Inventions Today.
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/ANTIBACTERIAL-ACTIVITY-OF-Citrus-limon-ON-%28-PIMPLES-Pimples/74f374e7aa23dd53e4660323a31d858c97fafa39?p2df
  12. The Hunt for Natural Skin Whitening Agents, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/
  13. Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products, Journal of Endourology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637791/
  14. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047947/
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