Desi Nuskhe: 30 DIY Face Masks Using Kitchen Ingredients For Every Skin Concern

Going for a facial every time you feel your skin needs a little treatment doesn’t just cost a lot, but it is also not a very healthy practice as home salon services and parlour didis use products you have no way of knowing suit you. Often, they make your skin feel itchy, leave a burning sensation, and with pimples that have been poked with a blackhead remover that are sore or even bleeding. But, you trust the parlour didi when she says it’s supposed to feel like that, and your skin will look worse before it looks better.

Well, how about you take your skincare into your own hands? Here are 30 skincare recipes using all-natural kitchen ingredients to treat a variety of skin concerns. These desi nuskhe have been passed down from generation to generation and are tried and tested by our mommies, nanis, dadis, buas, maasis, and so many elders in the family.

30 DIY Face Masks Using Kitchen Ingredients

1. Ghee Mask For Glowing Skin

What’s one thing all Indian moms insist you eat along with every meal? It’s the ‘maa ka laadla’ ingredient, ghee! This ultimate desi beauty secret is great for your skin. If you’re looking for ways to get that natural glow, then try this face pack.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons ghee

Method:

1. Mix gram flour (besan) with water and ghee.
2. Make a paste and apply this evenly on the face as well as the neck.
3. Leave this DIY face mask on for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.

2. Chandan (Sandalwood) & Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) Face Pack For Oily Skin

Using this Multani mitti face pack for oily skin with the goodness of sandalwood powder (chandan) is a great solution. Say goodbye to whiteheads, blackheads and excess oil with this effective Multani mitti face pack for oily skin.

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon Multani mitti
• 1 teaspoon sandalwood powder (chandan)
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• 1 teaspoon milk

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl
2. Apply it all over your face
3. Leave this Multani mitti face pack on for 20 minutes
4. Rinse it with cold water

3. Cinnamon & Honey Face Mask To Reduce Pimples And Blackheads 

We cannot ignore the liquid gold we have stashed on our kitchen shelves. Using honey with cinnamon makes a perfect combination for removing and preventing blackheads. The main reason for using honey and cinnamon to treat acne is because it can help to kill the bacteria that contribute to inflamed pores.

You Will Need:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (dalchini)
• 2 teaspoons honey

Method:

1. Take both the ingredients in a bowl and mix them well.
2. Apply gently on your face.
3. Leave for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse it with water. 
5. Follow up by running an ice cube all over your face. 

4. Almond & Honey Face Mask To Nourish Your Skin

Almonds are best known for effectively nourishing your skin, reversing sun damage and removing excess oil. When combined with honey, they serve as a natural exfoliant that helps slough dead skin while still being gentle. 

You Will Need:

• 3 tablespoons of ground raw almonds
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method:

1. Mix the ground almonds with honey and make a paste.
2. Gently massage the mix to your face in a circular motion.
3. Rinse it off with warm water and pat dry. 

5. Honey & Curd Face Pack For Dry & Dull Skin

Both honey and curd are excellent moisturisers. This honey and curd face pack is ideal for people with dry and dull skin as it replenishes the lost moisture of the skin and makes it look supple and healthy.

You Will Need:

• 1 spoon of honey
• 2 spoons of curd (dahi)

Method:

1. Mix two spoons of curd with one spoon of honey.
2. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
3. Leave to dry for 20-30 minutes.
4. Rinse your face with cool water.

6. Cucumber & Curd (Dahi) Face Pack For Skin Hydration

Cucumber is an amazing hydrant. Using cucumber with curd for skin is an effective way to keep the skin hydrated. It also helps to brighten the skin, soothe sunburns and even out the skin tone.

You will need:

• ½ a cucumber
• 2 spoons of curd

Method:

1. Grate half a cucumber.
2. Mix the cucumber with 2 spoons of curd.
3. Massage the mixture gently on your face and neck in upward and outward circles.
4. Leave the mixture on till it dries completely.
5. Wash it off with cool water.

7. Turmeric, Lemon & Besan Face Pack To Treat Hyperpigmentation

What’s better than a plain turmeric face pack? It’s this wholesome turmeric (haldi), besan and lemon face pack! Rich in antioxidants, this is the perfect pack to get rid of tan and hyperpigmentation. Get rejuvenated, even, smooth and soft skin with this face pack.

You Will Need:

• 2 teaspoons besan
• 2-3 pinches turmeric powder (haldi)
• 10-12 drops of lemon juice

Method:

1. Take all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Add water to make it a paste.
3. Apply on the face, neck and hands.
4. Keep it on for 10 minutes and wash it with warm water.

8. Banana & Honey Face Mask To Revitalise Skin

This mask is excellent in absorbing excess oil and also provides necessary moisture. Bananas and their peels are excellent homemade remedies for treating acne and pimples.

You Will Need:

• ¼ banana
• 1 teaspoon of honey 

Method:

1. Put both ingredients in a bowl and mash well.
2. Rub the mixture on your face.
3. Let it dry for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water.

9. Banana & Lemon Juice Face Mask To Treat Oily Skin

This is perfect for keeping the skin moisturised and clearing out acne and pimples, ensuring smooth and flawless skin. The vitamin C in lemons makes your skin glow. Lemons also work as a natural toner for oily skin.

You Will Need:

• ½ spoon of lemon
• ½ spoon of honey
• ½ banana

Method:

1. Mash ½ a ripe banana in a bowl. 
2. Add ½ a spoon of lemon juice to this. 
3. Add to this ½ spoon honey. Mix well. 
4. Apply this on your face and neck and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off for glowing skin. 

10. Strawberry & Milk Face Mask For Dry Skin

This is the mask you need to make to get rid of your tan as it helps in lightening the skin. This face pack is best suited for people with dry skin. Apply as often as required to make your skin look and feel healthy. 

You Will Need:

• 2 chopped strawberries
• 3 spoons milk 

Method:

1. Add 3 spoons of raw milk to a bowl. 
2. Add two finely chopped strawberries to the bowl. 
3. Mix the two up and let it sit for 15 minutes. 
4. Then, mash the strawberries with your hands to make a paste in the milk. 
5. Apply this on your skin and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with cold water. 

11. Jojoba Oil & Honey Face Mask For Moisturised Skin

Honey combined with many ingredients has beneficial results, but when combined with jojoba oil and it helps to radiate your skin.

You Will Need: 

• 4 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply 2-3 drops, and leave it overnight.
3. Rinse with warm water.

Note: You can contain this mixture in a small bottle and apply it with a dropper every day before going to bed. 

12. Orange & Eggs Face Pack To Treat Dark Spots

Perfect for those with open pores, this mask helps in tightening the skin and lightening the complexion as well. Oranges absorb excess sebum and effectively work as an astringent. 

You Will Need:

• 1 orange
• 1 egg

Method:

1. Take 6 pieces of orange and mash it
2. Add to 1 spoon of egg white
3. Mix well
4. Apply for 15 minutes.
5. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. 

13. Papaya & Honey Face Mask For Radiant Skin

Get instant shine on the skin with a papaya and honey face mask. This mask helps get rid of dead skin cells and also removes the tan, making the skin shades brighter. 

You Will Need:

• 2 pieces of papaya
• 2 spoons of honey

Method:

1. Blend papaya in a blender to make a paste
2. Mix 2 spoons of honey
3. Apply on your face for 20 minutes 
4. Wash with warm water and pat try.

14. Tomato & Yoghurt Exfoliating Face Mask

Tomatoes are loaded with goodness. They protect the skin from UV rays and contain antioxidants, help close pores and exfoliate the skin as well!

You Will Need:

• 1 tomato
• 1 spoon of yoghurt (dahi)
• ½ spoon of oatmeal

Method:

1. Blend 1 tomato until it is in the form of thick and consistent pulp. 
2. Add to this half a spoon of oatmeal. 
3. Mix this well and then add 1 spoon of yoghurt. 
4. Apply this over your face and neck for 10 minutes before washing off. If you have time, rather than washing, scrub the mask off for more benefits! 

15. Rice Flour & Sandalwood Powder Face Pack For Smooth Skin

Rice flour is efficient in removing dead skin cells and sandalwood protects the skin from harmful UV rays. It displays excellent anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and keeps skin redness at bay.

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon rice flour
• ½ tablespoon of sandalwood powder (chandan)

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients with rose water to make it into a paste.
2. Massage your face and neck for 5 minutes
3. Once dry, wash it with warm water.

16. Coconut Milk & Tomato Face Mask To Treat Sun Tan

Want silky smooth, tan-free skin? Then you need to try this pack. Tomato contains fruit acid to brighten skin while coconut oil is very beneficial in glowing the skin. Also, here are some tan removal creams and products that can help reduce discolouration.

You Will Need:

• 2 slices of tomato
• ¼ cup of coconut milk

Method:

1. Take coconut milk in a bowl.
2. Soak the slices of tomatoes in the bowl for 10 minutes.
3. Take tomato slices and rub them all over your face.
4. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off.

17. Turmeric & Honey Glow Face Mask 

Turmeric contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that benefit oily and acne-prone skin. It prevents breakouts, reduces acne scarring and boosts healing. Haldi has also been proven to help fight eczema and psoriasis. 

 You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• ½ turmeric powder (haldi)

Method:

1. Put both ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Apply a thin layer on a clean face.
3. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes
4. Wash it with normal water.

18. Aloe Vera & Instant Coffee Rejuvenating Face Mask

A potent coffee face pack with aloe vera is the way to go for skin rejuvenation. Coffee is known for its unique properties to get rid of spots and blemishes. The pack helps naturally tighten and firm your skin and also reveals a subtle glow.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
• 1 tablespoon of instant coffee

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients in a bowl until combined.
2. Leave the mix on the face for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water.
4. Use a moisturiser after the mask.

19. Aloe Water & Charcoal Powder Face Pack To Exfoliate & Hydrate Your Skin

Suck out the dirt and oil from the surface of your pores and deep clean your skin with charcoal powder and aloe water.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of activated charcoal
• 2 tablespoons of aloe water

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mask to your face and let it dry. Rinse with water after 15-20 minutes.

20. Cucumber & Sugar Face Pack To Restore Your Skin’s Natural Glow

We are sure you have not heard about this one. Being rich in water, cucumber is a very good hydrating addition to DIY skincare. This pack has soothing and cooling effects. It will make your skin glow suddenly as it soothes and hydrates it well. 

You Will Need:

• 3-4 cucumber slices
• ½ teaspoon of sugar

Method:

1. Mash the cucumber slices and add sugar to them. 
2. Refrigerate the mix for 10 minutes.
3. Once cool, apply it to your face.
4. Rinse after 20 minutes and feel the coolness spreading all over your face.

21. Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) For Oily Skin

This is probably one of the most traditional masks being used by all Indian families. Do a deep skin cleansing and remove toxins, dirt, buildups and irritants with Fuller’s Earth.

You Will Need:

• 1 spoon Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti)
• 2 tablespoons of rose water or vinegar

Method:

1. Mix the ingredients to form a paste.
2. Spread it on your face and keep it on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse off and moisturise.

22. Egg & Yoghurt Anti-Ageing Face Mask

Don’t want your skin to grow older? Try this anti-ageing DIY face mask recipe to help reduce signs of ageing lines and wrinkles. This mask provides natural moisture to the skin while assisting in reducing dark circles. 

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of egg white 
• 1 tablespoon of yoghurt

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply a thin layer over your face.
3. Let it dry for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with normal water.

23. Aloe Vera & Tea Tree Oil For Acne-Prone Skin

Contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to reduce redness, swelling and inflammation. This mask is proven effective in fighting acne.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 3-4 drops of tea tree oil

Method:

1. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to aloe vera gel in a bowl.
2. Mix it well.
3. Smooth a small amount on your face.
4. Leave it overnight.
5. Rinse with lukewarm water in the morning for clear skin.

24. Jojoba Oil & Turmeric Face Mask To Repair Skin Damage

Tired of unhealthy skin? Try this pack to repair your skin and improve your complexion for healthy glowing skin. Adding a few pinches of turmeric to jojoba oil will give it an anti-bacterial advantage without any side effects.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric 

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients in a bowl.
2. Massage a small amount of the mixture, twice a day.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Wipe it off with a towel soaked in warm water. 

25. Mint & Turmeric Face Pack To Treat Skin Discolouration 

Only the idea of a mint face pack can make you feel fresh in the scorching heat, so imagine how wonderful it will feel on your skin. The cooling properties of the bright green leaves are very well known, when used with turmeric, it helps to clear skin of acne. 

You Will Need:

• 7-10 mint leaves (pudina)
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder (haldi)

Method:

1. Grind a handful of mint leaves and add a dash of turmeric powder to it. 
2. Mix a few drops of lukewarm or cold water, whichever your skin prefers and apply the paste to your skin. 
3. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off.

26. Milk & Mango Face Pack To Treat Dark Spots & Blemishes

Raw milk is a great treatment for dark spots and blemishes. With regular use, the face mask can help you reduce dark spots and make your face bright and youthful. The use of raw milk and mango for skincare has a great impact on your skin.

You Will Need:

• 1 ripe mango 
• 2 teaspoons raw milk

Method:

1. Warm the milk and let it cool down a bit.
2. Cut the mango and blend the pulp.
3. Add the blended mango pulp to warm milk.
4. Apply the face mask.
5. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

27. Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) & Mango Firming Face Pack

This combination works well as mango makes the skin soft and supple. On the other hand, Multani mitti removes excess dirt and oil, minimises blemishes, and brightens your skin. Mango and Multani mitti face packs are especially beneficial for those hot and dry summer days. In essence, this is a mango face mask for skin whitening and toning.

You Will Need:

• 1 ripe mango
• 1 teaspoon curd (dahi)
• 3 teaspoons fuller’s earth (Multani mitti)
  

Method:

1. Blend the mango pulp.
2. Add fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) to the blended mango pulp and add curd (dahi).
3. Clean your face and apply the pack.
4. Let it dry for 20 minutes.
5. Wash the pack off.

28. Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask To Fight Dry Skin

A great exfoliator, this ingredient absorbs excess oil and is a natural scrub for oily skin. It is perfect for achieving a beautiful glow while fighting acne and nourishing ageing skin.

You Will Need:

• 3 tablespoons yoghurt/milk
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of oats (any kind)

Method:

1. Make a mixture of oats, honey and yoghurt/milk. The consistency should be thick.
2. Apply to the face and neck and massage gently.
3. Keep the mask on till it has completely dried.
4. Rinse the mask off.

29. Cucumber Mask For Acne-Prone Skin

What is good for our salad, is also good for our skin. Due to its content of silicon, sulphur, sodium, potassium and other essential nutrients, it has many skin benefits. Cucumber for acne is a very useful trick for everyone to know. It soothes the spot without stinging too much or drying the skin out. 

You Will Need:

• Cucumber
• 1 spoon fuller’s earth

Method:

1. Infusing cucumber water with fuller’s earth can help create a mask that can protect against skin irritation and swelling.
2. You can just rub a slice of cucumber on the acne spot or wait after applying a sheet mask.

30. Avocado & Honey Face Mask For Soft Skin

Honey for skin is an all-time favourite elixir. Honey is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils and when mixed with the right ingredients, it has innumerable benefits. This particular mask guarantees to soften your skin. 

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons mashed avocado

Method:

1. Apply the avocado mash mixed with honey to the face.
2. Leave it on the skin for 20 minutes.
3. Wash the mask off.

Bonus Mask! Another way to reduce pigmentation and also fight acne is a quick haldi and dahi mask. Combine both ingredients in a bowl and apply the smooth paste. Watch this video to learn to make this pack.

Skincare is self-care. Allowing yourself the time to spend on a skin routine can affect your mental health, something about it is soothing, comforting and satisfactory. Self-care is an all-encompassing way of living that has the power to instantly uplift your mood. You can’t be your best self if you’re not taking care of yourself. You’re likely to do better in other parts of your life if you take the time for yourself. So sit, relax and mask up!