11 Incredible Beauty Secrets of Ancient India That Every Modern Woman Must Know

If you are a fan of chemical-free makeup, we have some good news. This article discusses ancient Indian women’s beauty secrets that will help your skin remain healthy and charming through natural ingredients.

No matter how convincing the television commercials look, nothing can beat the effectiveness of the beauty hacks we are about to share. India is the country that produces natural ingredients that enrich beauty products, helping them address various skin concerns. We will delve deeper into the benefits of some of these natural ingredients.

These natural elements have zero side effects and do not come with any false promises. But they ensure desired results in no time! How amazing does that sound? If you do not believe us, check out for yourself. Scroll down.

Ancient Indian Women Beauty Secrets

Here are 10 incredible Ancient Indian Beauty Secrets that every modern women must know.

1. Neem

This is probably the king of all the other beauty ingredients you have out there. A sacred plant, each and every part of neem tree is beneficial in some or the other way.

Neem Beauty Benefits

Can Treat Acne

• Take a few neem leaves and boil them in water.
• Dip a cotton ball into the water and then evenly rub it over your face.
• You can also use a neem-yogurt or neem-cucumber facepack to reduce oiliness of your face.

Can Treat Dry Skin

• Take little amount of neem powder and add a few drops of grape seed oil.
• Apply this paste to your face and leave it undisturbed for 15 minutes.
• Wash with cold water.

Can Take Care Of Hair Troubles

• Massage your hair roots with neem oil.
• For controlling dandruff, mix some neem powder with water and apply to your hair. Leave it for one hour and then shampoo your hair.

2. Saffron

This might be one of the most expensive spices. But believe me, it is totally worth it. Saffron is known widely to improve one’s complexion.

Saffron Beauty Benefits

Can Help Remove Tan

• Take some saffron and soak it in malai or milk cream overnight.
• Blend the contents in the morning and apply on the tanned area.

Can Help Tone The Skin

• Take the required amount of rose water and mix saffron in it (till the rose water gets the color of saffron).
• Use a cotton ball to dip in the solution and dab it on your face.

Can Help Brighten The Skin

• Take a few strands of saffron and soak them in milk for about 30 minutes.
• Take a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and add to the mixture.
• Apply the pack on your face and leave it undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. And then wash it off.

3. Honey

Honey is everyone’s favourite. Easily available, delicious and inexpensive. Honey is also known for its excellent hydrating properties.

Honey Beauty Benefits

Can Cure Burn Scars

• You can apply raw honey to a burn scar, as honey has antiseptic and healing properties.
• Applying honey on a burn regularly can produce less scarring than usual.

Can Give A Flawless Skin

• Mix honey with malai, chandan, besan and rose oil to form a face mask.
• Apply the mask on your face and neck.
• Leave the mask to dry and peel it off after sometime. This removes any impurities on the face and also makes the facial skin soft and smooth.

R Munford, a blogger, shares her personal experience with honey and how it helped improve her overall skin. She states, “My skin feels softer, less dried out, and looks less red. I have washed my face with honey every morning and afterwards felt that the need for moisturizer was minimal (i).” She further adds, “The pores on my nose seem smaller and less prone to blocking.”

4. Amla

Also known as gooseberry, amla is a rich source of vitamin C.

Amla Beauty Benefits

Can Help Reduce Hair Fall

• Take 2 teaspoons of amla powder or juice.
• Squeeze an equal amount of juice from a fresh lime.
• Mix well and apply to the scalp.
• Leave it to dry and rinse with warm water.

Can Help Nourish Hair

• Take amla, soapnut (reetha) and shikakai in an iron vessel and boil.
• Keep it aside overnight.
• Next day strain the liquid and shampoo with it.

5. Multaani Mitti

Also known as Fuller’s Earth, multaani mitti is one of the best ancient beauty secrets. It is known as natural scrubber and cleanser. The one ingredient you can find almost in all homes.

Multaani Mitti Beauty Benefits

Can Help Remove Pimple Marks

• Take the required amount of multaani mitti and mix it with some fresh tomato juice.
• To this, add a pinch of turmeric and sandalwood powder and apply on your face.

Can Help Remove Dark Spots

• Add some mint leaves and yogurt to multaani mitti.
• Mix to form a paste.
• Apply it on the dark spots.
• Leave it for half an hour and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Quick Tip

Alternatively, mix honey and rose water with Multani mitti and use the pack for removing whiteheads and blackheads. This mask can absorb oil and exfoliate the skin.

6. Turmeric

This ingredient is undoubtedly indispensable in Indian culture.

Turmeric Beauty Benefits

Can Reduce Stretch Marks

• Mix turmeric with besan and yogurt.
• Apply on the stretch marks.
• The properties in turmeric help lighten the stretch marks.

Can Reduce Wrinkles

• Take rice powder, raw milk and tomato juice.
• Mix them with turmeric to form a paste.
• Apply the paste and leave it undisturbed till it dries.

Can Treat Cracked Heels

• Mix coconut oil or castor oil with turmeric.
• Before taking bath to apply this mixture to the cracked heels and leave for 15 minutes.

7. Sandalwood

Though a bit expensive, sandalwood possesses antiseptic properties and even helps in the blood circulation under the skin. Sandalwood is a perfect natural skincare ingredient that helps people to maintain Indian beauty standards of having clear and soft skin.

Sandalwood Beauty Benefits

Can Give You Clear Looking Skin

• Take finely powdered almonds and mix them with sandalwood (chandan).
• Add raw milk to this mixture.
• Apply to face, and even to arms and legs before bath.

Can Give You Glowing Skin

• Mix sandalwood with raw milk.
• Apply the mixture onto your face and leave it undisturbed for 20 minutes.
•  Wash it off with water.

8. Tulsi

An astringent herb, this is grown in almost every household and is one of the best secrets when it comes to enhancing your natural beauty.

Tulsi Beauty Benefits

Can Treat Acne And Nourish Your Face

• Take some tulsi leaves and blend them into a paste.
• Add milk to the paste and apply on your face.

Can Help Whiten Your Teeth

• Take a few tulsi leaves.
• Dry and powder them.
• Add orange peel and make it into a paste.
• Rub the paste on your teeth.

Quick Tip

You can also mix a paste of neem leaves and a few drops of lemon juice with tulsi and use it as spot treatment for blemishes.

9. Curd

The presence of zinc is what makes curd a favourite when it comes to enhancing beauty.

Beauty Benefits of Curd

Can Help Get Rid Of Dry Hair In Winters

• Take 2 beaten eggs and 2 tablespoons of almond oil.
• Mix these with half a cup of curd.
• Apply the paste to scalp as well as hair and cover your head with a plastic cap. This nourishes your hair.
• Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash with shampoo.

Can Help Make Your Hair Silky

• Take lemon juice, eggs and honey and make a rich paste.
• Mix the paste with curd and apply to your hair.
• Wash your hair after 30 minutes.

10. Besan

Also called gram flour, this is a common name in every Indian household and holds cure for many beauty ailments.

Beauty Benefits of Besan

Can Help Cure Blemishes

• Take required amount of cucumber juice and mix it with besan.
•  Apply this mixture on the affected area.
• Keep it for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

Can Help Brighten Your Skin

• Take 4 – 5 powdered almonds, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of milk.
• Mix all these with besan to form a paste.
• Apply it on your face and keep it for 30 minutes before washing.

11. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a versatile beauty elixir that helps nourish the hair, skin and nails with its moisturizing and antifungal properties, making it a wonderful natural remedy (1).

Beauty Benefits Of Coconut Oil:

May Help Remove Makeup

• Take a teaspoon and warm it between your palms if it is in solid form.
• Apply the oil on your face gently, focusing on the makeup-covered areas.
• Wipe away the oil and makeup with a moist towel or a gentle cotton pad. Follow up with your gentle cleanser to ensure your skin is clean of residue.

May Help Tame Frizz

• Warm a pea-sized amount of coconut oil between your palms.
• Avoid touching the scalp and gently distribute the oil over the frizzy areas.
• Evenly distribute the oil through your hair, then style as usual.
• Make sure to use it in moderation for optimal results.

Quick Tip

You may add a pinch of turmeric to the besan mask for its skin-brightening effect. Use honey instead of lemon juice to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Infographic: 8 Amazing Ancient Indian Beauty Secrets

While Indian women have been admired for their saree, bindi, kajal, and jewelry-donned look they have also been renowned for having perfect, radiant skin. And after scrolling through the article, you have a fair idea about the ingredients that helped them maintain beautiful skin and hair. In the infographic below, we have shortlisted the top 8 ingredients that are easily available and are quite effective. Scroll down and take a look.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was considered beautiful in ancient India?

Large eyes, arched eyebrows, skin with a medium complexion, a moon-like face, a narrow waist, wider hips, and black hair were believed to be the beauty standards in ancient India.

What is beauty in Indian culture?

Inner goodness is considered beauty in Indian culture. Though external aspects are looked at, personality is emphasized more.

What do the Vedas say about beauty?

According to Vedas, beauty is an amalgamation of gunam – virtues or inner beauty, vayastya – soul or eternal beauty, and rupam – physical or outer beauty.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Find the ancient wisdom of Indian beauty secrets for clear, glowing skin in this video! Discover natural home remedies passed down through generations, transforming your skincare routine into a rejuvenating ritual.

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Dr. Sameeksha ChandMBBS, MD DVL

   

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. She has a special interest in diseases like acne, alopecia, psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema. She has worked at esteemed institutions like Army College of Medical Sciences (Delhi), Base...more

Nisha BaghadiaContributor

Nisha is a contributor to StyleCraze and has 3 years of experience in content writing for different genres. She is a makeup aficionado and combines her love for makeup and writing to provide her readers with the latest information in the beauty world. When she is not working, Nisha loves trying out the newest makeup fads and curling up with...more

Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease. She graduated in English Literature from Jadavpur University, West Bengal. Her educational background lends a critical perspective and depth to her...more

Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College. Her academic foundation has equipped her with...more