Anyone who follows a skincare routine to help address dark spots knows that it isn’t for the weak. There isn’t an instant fix but it seems turmeric soap is having a huge resurgence, even with all of the exfoliating treatments and skin-brightening products available these days.
But does it actually work? To find out, I used turmeric soap for 30 days to test its ability to fade dark spots, and I spoke with dermatologists to learn more about its benefits.
How I tested
As someone with melanin-rich, acne-prone and combination skin, fading dark spots and addressing hyperpigmentation is always top of mind in my skincare routine. I’ve tried both in-office and at-home chemical peels, exfoliating serums and masks, as well as other products that include brightening and exfoliating ingredients.
So I was naturally curious to see if a simple turmeric soap would be as effective or even make a change in keeping my dark spots away.
Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston, personally uses and recommends Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Cleanser Daily. But I opted for the Aspen Kay Naturals Turmeric Soap (sadly this only available in the US but alternatives include Sknfed Organic Turmeric Soap Bar and Saabuni Natural Ayurvedic Turmeric Soap Bar).
It was important to test a product that was not formulated with other dark-spot-fading ingredients like kojic acid, which was present in many other turmeric soaps. This way I would be able to tell if it was the turmeric at work instead of the other well-studied skin brightening ingredients.
This natural turmeric soap includes organic turmeric root powder, organic turmeric root extract, and 100% pure turmeric root essential oil. It’s made to be safe for all skin types including dry and sensitive skin.
While testing I didn’t use any other lightening or dark spot treatments, and I used the turmeric soap as a face wash once a day, making sure to adequately hydrate and moisturise my skin after use.
Can turmeric soap brighten skin?
Although turmeric soap isn’t known to be a conventional method for fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation in Western skincare practices, “it can be a good option for those considering holistic treatments for inflammatory conditions or hyperpigmentation, especially if the standard ingredients are not well tolerated,” says Dr. Sartor.
Basically, if you have sensitive skin and can’t tolerate chemicals or harsh ingredients, then turmeric soap is a great alternative. But with anything in skincare, it’s always best to manage expectations.
Dr. Sartor points out that there’s very little evidence in the way of clinical studies on turmeric soap to confirm major skin-brightening benefits. So while turmeric soap might work for some, it might not be the fix that everyone is looking for, and it’s definitely not going to be a quick fix.
Does turmeric soap help with hyperpigmentation?
How does turmeric stack up to the traditional skin care ingredients that can fade dark spots, brighten, and exfoliate? “Because it has not been extensively studied in dermatology, turmeric is a less conventional ingredient for fading dark spots,” says Dr. Sartor.
