How To Make Ubtan At Home For Glowing Skin

A powerful powdered concoction to give you the skin you have always wanted.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameeksha Chand, MBBS, MD DVL Dr. Sameeksha Chand Dr. Sameeksha ChandMBBS, MD DVL facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Last Updated on
✔ Evidence Based

StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us.

If you have never heard of the term “Ubtan” and do not know how to make ubtan at home, this article can guide you. There are two groups of people in this entire universe: those who understand what an ‘ubtan’ mask is and those who use it but have no idea what ‘ubtan’ means. If you belong to the latter group and do not know how ubtan works and what it is, stop worrying. Here, we will answer your queries and explain how to utilize it and maximize its benefits in whatever manner possible.

Therefore, for the convenience of those unfamiliar with the term, let’s begin by answering the question, “what is ubtan?” – it is made with dry ingredients, such as gram or chickpea flour, turmeric, and sandalwood powder. The vitamin-infused packs are also most likely the world’s oldest face mask and best-kept beauty secrets. They are often considered an important aspect of Indian weddings. A homemade ubtan is almost like a pre-bridal facial routine that helps enhance the skin tone. Because of the natural elements in the ubtan, we recommend making it a permanent part of your beauty and skin care routine. This article will take you through the top 5 tried-and-tested ubtan recipes and ways to use an ubtan powder to minimize skin darkening, and uneven complexion, and improve dullness and skin elasticity. Continue reading.

Cultural Significance Of Ubtan

Ubtan holds deep cultural significance and is especially popular in South Asian cultural practices for symbolizing purity, cleansing, and auspiciousness. It represents a blend of natural healing, beauty, and ancestral wisdom passed through generations. It is traditionally made from turmeric, gram flour, and sandalwood, and is applied to the skin as part of pre-wedding rituals to bless and beautify brides and grooms.

The use of ubtan might have been restricted to auspicious practices in the olden days but today, they make part of traditional regular skin care routines for glowing skin. So, let us finally dive into the effective and easy recipes of ubtan below for a healthy skin tone. Scroll down!

Key Takeaways

  • Ubtan may provide a brighter skin tone by reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
  • Ubtan may improve the skin texture and give you supple and soft skin by removing dead skin cells during exfoliation.
  • Ubtan may promote skin cell renewal and make the skin youthful and fresh.
  • You can use ubtan as a face wash, face scrub, or moisturizer.

Ubtan For Fair Skin – Various Recipes

Ubtan can be incorporated into your daily skin regime, depending on your respective skin problems or type of skin. Ubtan benefits the skin in many ways and works for almost all skin types, including delicate skin and sensitive skin types. It will not only help you with noticeable skin lightening but also take care of other issues like blackheads, whiteheads, dark spots, skin pigmentationi  Darkened patches or spots on the skin that develop due to tanning, medicinal side effects, or an underlying disease. , sunburn, sun damaged skin etc (1).

protip_icon Fun Fact
Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas uses an ubtan face mask to keep her skin healthy and glowing.

Ubtan can be used in various ways to attain that desired bright skin and flawless skin texture. The top 5 trusted recipes to use an Ubtan to brighten dark skin and minimize patchy complexion are as follows:

1. Simple Ubtan Face Wash

Make a simple ubtan face wash at home
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
  • 2 tablespoons of besan (chickpea/Bengal gram flour)
  • ½ tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cucumber juice
  • Raw milk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Applicator brush (optional)

Prep Time

  • 5 minutes

Processing Time

  • 15-20 minutes

Process

  • In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients, and then add milk to make a yellow paste.
  • Mix it with your hand or an applicator brush to ensure that it’s not lumpy. It should be neither too thick, nor too runny – just enough to spread over your skin smoothly.
  • Apply this about 15-20 minutes before you take a shower.
  • Let it sit until it’s dry (which is usually about 15 minutes).
  • Wash your face. Avoid applying any face wash or soap, because the ubtan does the job for you.

How Often Should You Do This?

If you can completely replace your face wash or soap, go ahead and do it. Otherwise, use this homemade ubtan thrice a week at least or as often as possible to get a radiant complexion. You will start to see a difference soon.

Why This Works

Anecdotal evidence suggests that raw milk may have a range of benefits for skin, such as hydration, deep cleansing, oil control, and gentle exfoliation.

It boosts the natural radiance of your face and helps remove dead skin cells without any skin damage. When this is mixed with the ubtan, your daily skin needs are taken care of.

Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes your skin, while besan helps with exfoliating it and removing dead cells (2), (3). Turmeric powder is a natural ingredient and an antiseptic that reduces pigmentation, besides a lot of other things, and helps you get healthy, beautiful skin (4).

2. Ubtan Face Scrub

Ingredients of ubtan face scrub
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of oatmeal
  • 3 tablespoons of chickpea/Bengal gram flour
  • 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder
  • ½ tablespoon of turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cucumber
  • Mixing bowl

Prep Time

  • 5 minutes

Processing Time

  • 15 minutes

Process

  • Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Add the cucumber juice and give it a good stir.
  • In a circular motion, rub this on your face by taking just a little at a time.
  • Do this for about 5-10 minutes at least.
  • Wash your face like you normally would.

How Often Should You Do This?

We need to scrub our face at least once in a couple of days because of all the dust and dead skin that accumulates on our skin.

They are also one of the reasons most of us end up with blackheads. Always follow up your scrubbing and cleaning with a toner. All your pores open when you exfoliate your skin, to remove dead skin cells, and a toner helps to seal these.

Why This Works

Cucumber, as we all know, is an excellent hydrant and may help soothe dry skin conditions such as dermatitis (4). However, most of us are not aware that it has antioxidantsi  Chemical substances that protect the skin from damage, improve skin texture, and slow down the signs of skin aging. as well. This pack also helps with removing dead skin cells, sunburn, tan, etc. (5). And, oatmeal, as we all know, is the cheapest exfolianti  An ingredient or cosmetic product that helps remove dead skin cells and built-up dirt from the outer layer of the skin. and cleanser available (6). Mixing them with the ubtan mask makes an excellent scrub, and it helps you reduce wrinkles and fine lines and cleanse your skin overall.

3. Ubtan Moisturizer

Make an ubtan moisturizer at home
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 6-7 almonds
  • Fresh milk or cream
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of tulsi powder
  • 3 tablespoon of chickpea/Bengal gram flour
  • 2 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
  • ½ tablespoon of turmeric

Prep Time

5-8 hours

Processing Time

5 min

Process

  • Soak the almonds in fresh cream or milk overnight or a few hours.
  • Peel off the skin.
  • To this, add sesame oil and tulsi powder, and pulse it in a mixie or a processor.
  • Add the ubtan mix to this and make it into a paste.
  • Apply this to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Take a shower.

How Often Should You Do This?

At least twice a week or as often as you can. You can save the paste in the fridge and use it for a few days consecutively too to achieve flawless skin.

Why This Works

It works great as a moisturizer and gives you clean, lightened, and supple skin. Almonds are no news to the beauty industry; they contain Vitamin A and help reduce any flare-ups on the skin (7). Tulsi works wonders for acne-prone skin as well as sensitive skin and is loaded with antioxidants (8). When these are combined with the ubtan and sesame oil (which helps with pigmentation and uneven skin tone) (9), it works like a charm for oily or acne-prone skin.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can substitute tulsi for a dry ingredient like neem powder or almond powder in your ubtan for acne-prone or oily skin type.

4. Excellent Ubtan Face Mask For Daily Use

Make an ubtan face mask for daily use at home
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon of besan/chickpea flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
  • ½ tablespoon of turmeric
  • 2 tablespoon of rose water
  • Mixing bowl

Prep Time

  • 5 minutes

Processing Time

  • 15 – 20 minutes

Process

  • Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Now, slowly add rose water and make a smooth paste.
  • Add more rose water to it till you get the desired consistency.
  • Leave it on for about 20 minutes or till it gets dried up.
  • Wash your face with cold or lukewarm water and moisturize.

P.S – You could add a little milk or fresh milk cream if you have dry skin.

How Often Should You Do This?

Apply this mask for two weeks continuously, and you will notice a remarkable change in your skin. Do this before you take a shower or at the end of the day for a natural glow.

Why This Works

Wheat flour is known to help with the regeneration of skin cells (10 ), and thereby lightening the skin. When mixed with the ubtan mask, it works as a catalyst to improve your skin. The astringent property of rose water (which contains tannins), as we all know, helps with tightening the skin and locking your pores, giving you a glowing appearance (11).

A blogger shared her experience of applying a DIY ubtan face mask to her dull and dehydrated skin after a steaming session. She wrote, “With my pores open, I gently pat down my face with a towel and applied the ubtan mask. I left it on for around 20 – 30 minutes, allowing my skin to soak up the nutrients of the ubtan mask before rinsing it off with lukewarm water, then following up with my usual routine of applying cold pressed facial rosehip oil and a moisturiser (i).” She further confirmed, “Does it really work? YES!!”

5. Ubtan For Tan Removal And Dark Patches

Ubtan ingredients for removing dark patches
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of besan/chickpea flour
  • 1 tablespoon of milk powder
  • 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
  • ½ tablespoon of turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 2 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon
  • Mixing bowl

Prep Time

  • 5 minutes

Processing Time

  • 15 – 20 minutes

Process

  • Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Now, add honey, lemon juice, and milk to make a paste.
  • Apply and leave it on for about 15 -20 minutes and rinse with normal water.

How Often Should You Do This?

Apply this at least twice a week and more often in the summers. This homemade recipe of ubtan face pack is one of the most effective solutions to your skin problems.

Why This Works

Lemon is supposed to be a natural bleach, and when mixed with honey, it is considered to be one of the most effective anti-tan packs. It helps with skin discoloration and improves overall skin tone (12). Similarly, milk is a key ingredient widely used in homemade skin care remedies. Its cleansing properties may help manage acne-prone skin and soothe inflammation.

Ubtans are now a staple in natural beauty routines and can make a desirable difference and the look and feel of your skin. These recipes use natural ingredients that can make your skin glow from within. Incorporate these Ayurvedic skincare practices into your routine to maintain clear, bright, and healthy skin without harsh chemicals.

While we have shared the benefits and recipes of ubtan, it is also important to know how to store it well to preserve its quality for longer periods. Scroll down to learn more.

How To Store Ubtan

Storing ubtan is an easy task. Simply keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in. Storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight works best. Moreover, if you have made a large batch, consider refrigerating it to extend freshness.

Infographic: 3 Easy Ubtan Recipes For Radiant Skin

Ubtan has stood the test of time due to its ease of use and effectiveness. There are many different ways of using ubtan in your skincare routine for a healthy complexion. We have rounded up three effective and easy ubtan recipes for skin brightening in this infographic to help you achieve glowing and healthy skin! Scroll down.

3 easy ubtan recipes for radiant skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Ubtan is one of the oldest face packs with turmeric, sandalwood powder, and chickpea flour being the basic ingredients. Though used mainly as a pre-bridal facial routine to get the skin glowing, you can use it to solve skin care issues like pigmentation, blackheads, whiteheads, sunburn, and uneven complexion and achieve radiant skin. The article here discusses how to make ubtan at home and use it to avail several skin care benefits and keep your skin healthy. You may use ubtan as a face wash, scrub, moisturizer, and face pack. If you have pimple-prone and irritated skin, then you can also combine a paste made of fresh mint leaves along with other natural ingredients in your face mask and use it as a remedy to reduce pimples and soothe irritated skin. However, if you are using it for the first time, do a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients, and make sure to apply sunscreen the next day for protection from sun damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ubtan is best for fair skin?

You can mix ubtan with besan, yogurt, saffron, orange peel powder, oatmeal, or cucumber to exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and get nourished, glowing, and healthy skin.

What should I apply after ubtan?

You may apply a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel after washing off ubtan to get plump skin and keep it smooth and healthy. If you face a skin issue like dryness or itchiness, then you can also apply coconut oil or any oil-based product to moisturize the skin.

What is the best time to apply ubtan?

You can apply a homemade ubtan every morning as a face scrub to remove excess dead skin cells to improve rough skin and make it smooth. Rinse it off with cold water after 10 minutes.

Which is better, Multani mitti or ubtan for skin?

Both Multani mitti and ubtan offer various benefits for the skin. You can use either ingredient individually or mix both multani mitti or ubtan masks as per your needs.

Illustration: How To Make Ubtan At Home For Fairness

how to make ubtan at home

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to make homemade ubtan to get glowing and bright skin! Check out the video below to get healthy skin with this easy-to-make ubtan powder.

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. Evaluation of Ubtan – A traditional indian skin care formulation
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874116304585
  2. Re-discovering Sandalwood: Beyond Beauty and Fragrance
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6536050/
  3. In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/In-House-Preparation-and-Standardization-of-Herbal-Pal-Pal/e47d35a89c587c622323b5a7fc4e30f55d5be6df?p2df
  4. Prophylaxis of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer Using Herbal Creams: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238795/
  5. Current Review on Herbs for Derma Care
    https://opendermatologyjournal.com/VOLUME/13/PAGE/41/FULLTEXT/
  6. Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review
    https://ijdvl.com/oatmeal-in-dermatology-a-brief-review/
  7. Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12230799/#:~:text=Vitamin%20A%20also%20has%20aof%20precancerous%20and%20cancer%20states.
  8. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
  9. Sesamol decreases melanin biosynthesis in melanocyte cells and zebrafish: Possible involvement of MITF via the intracellular cAMP and p38/JNK signalling pathways
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4744993/
  10. Whole wheat flour coating with antioxidant property accelerates tissue remodeling for enhanced wound healing
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335717307_Whole_wheat_flour_coating_with_antioxidant_property_accelerates_tissue_remodeling_for_enhanced_wound_healing
  11. Astringency: A More Stringent Definition
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4064959/
  12. Natural skin-whitening compounds for the treatment of melanogenesis (Review)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271691/
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
disqus_comment

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Dr. Sameeksha Chand
Dr. Sameeksha Chand Malhotra is a board-certified dermatologist with 10 years of experience. She is well versed in general dermatology, procedural dermatology, and aesthetic dermatology and certified in permanent makeup and microblading.

Read full bio of Dr. Sameeksha Chand
Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
AFS