Turmeric for the skin - what do the studies really say? according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.
Turmeric, thanks to curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial. On the skin, studies suggest that it helps protect and stimulate collagen, improve wrinkles, reduce blemishes and soothe inflammation. It's a very promising ingredient, but one that still lacks solid scientific consensus. In cosmetics, it is often used as an additional active ingredient in formulas combining niacinamide or propolis.
An ancestral plant under the microscope
Turmeric is an ancient plant known to act on many organs. The latest research focuses on its effects on the skin: collagen production, spots, wrinkles. But what is it really? Does eating turmeric or using skin care products containing it improve the skin? Let's take stock, without overselling. Numerous scientific articles attest to its benefits not only for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, but also for wrinkles and spots.
The action of turmeric on the skin
Post-UV anti-inflammatory
A double-blind study (47 people): a daily infusion of turmeric reduces UV-induced skin inflammation - inflammation strongly suspected in subcutaneous facial fat loss.
Hydration
This same infusion increased the production of hyaluronic acid, thus hydrating the skin.
Collagen & healing
Topically, curcumin accelerates wound healing by blocking metalloproteases (which protect existing collagen) and is thought to have a positive effect on collagen production.
Blemishes & wrinkles
Significant improvement in spots after 4 weeks of turmeric cream. And a niacinamide + turmeric cream did significantly better on wrinkles than a niacinamide cream alone.
A little history
The benefits of turmeric have been described in Chinese medical treatises for over 2,600 years. A member of the ginger family, it is rich in curcumoids, including the famous curcumin, with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Beyond the skin, curcumin is the subject of research in many fields (joints, digestion and other health areas). This guide focuses on its cosmetic benefits.
What care with turmeric ?
In cosmetics, turmeric is rarely the star of a formula: it most often appears as an additional active ingredient, alongside niacinamide, propolis or vegetable oils, to provide its soothing and antioxidant properties. Here are three representative skincare products containing it, with BeautyDecoded scores and user feedback.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide
Popular Korean serum combining propolis, niacinamide and soothing extracts (including turmeric), for radiance and comfort. Good redness score (81,6). Sensitive skin score +0.15 - adapted. Soft texture that penetrates well, comfortable skin and imperfections that diminish according to feedback; some users don't see a marked anti-aging effect, which is logical for a serum that mainly soothes and brightens.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oil with ginseng and plant extracts (including turmeric), for the first stage of double cleansing. Gently removes make-up without irritation. Sensitive skin score 0.0 - adapted. Oily texture, so rinse off (oily skin score of 0, as this is a make-up remover, not a skincare product). Very well tolerated, even by sensitive skin, doesn't sting the eyes and leaves skin clean and soft, according to feedback.
Neutrogena Calm Turmeric Cleansing Foam
One of the few cleansers to feature turmeric, a soothing cleansing foam for the face. Sensitive skin score -1.1 - slight caution (as is often the case with foaming cleansers). Suitable for daily use as the first step in a routine, before active skincare.
Supplementation: take in moderation
When taken orally, the main problem is poor intestinal absorption: only a small percentage of ingested curcumin is actually absorbed. To remedy this, piperine (from black pepper) is sometimes added, which greatly increases absorption, but also intestinal permeability, which can allow undesirable substances to enter the bloodstream. The dose often quoted is around 3 mg per kilo per day (i.e. 180 mg for 60 kg); by adding piperine, you can unknowingly absorb more curcumin.
Above all, turmeric increases bile secretion: it is therefore contraindicated in cases of bile duct obstruction or liver pathology, as cases of hepatitis have been reported after taking supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are undergoing treatment or have liver or biliary problems: what may be beneficial in one case may not be advisable in another.
Find turmeric in your daily care.
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Your questions about turmeric
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Others associated guides
Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The compatibility scores generated by the application do not prejudge the individual tolerance of each skin type. The cutaneous benefits of turmeric are based on as yet limited data, with no established consensus. Oral supplementation with turmeric increases biliary secretion and is contraindicated in cases of hepatic pathology or obstruction of the bile ducts (cases of hepatitis have been reported); it may interact with certain treatments and requires prior medical advice. In case of skin pathology or doubt, dermatological advice is recommended. A tolerance test should be carried out before using the product for the first time.