Haldi and Chandan Face Pack: The Traditional Duo, Explained

Few ingredients are as familiar in Indian homes as haldi (turmeric) and chandan (sandalwood). From the haldi ceremony before a wedding to grandmother's ubtan, the two have been part of beauty rituals for generations. Here is what each is traditionally used for, and how to use a face pack that includes them.

Haldi (turmeric)

Haldi is a bright yellow spice used in Ayurveda and in everyday Indian cooking. In face packs it is traditionally used for a clear, glowing look and is often part of pre-wedding ubtan. On the skin, a little goes a long way.

Chandan (sandalwood)

Chandan has a soft, woody fragrance and a cooling feel. It is traditionally used in face packs to calm the skin and for a more even-looking tone, and is a favourite in summer.

Why they are used together

Haldi and chandan are a classic pairing: one associated with glow, the other with a calm, cooling feel. Many traditional packs add a clay such as multani mitti as a base, and rose water to mix.

The trouble with DIY haldi packs

  • Staining: raw turmeric can leave a yellow tint on skin, nails and towels.
  • Mess: mixing powders at the right thickness takes practice.
  • Purity: store-bought sandalwood powder varies a lot in quality.
  • Irritation: some people react to raw spices on the face. Always patch-test.

A ready-made option

The Theraglam Revive Face Mask combines haldi and chandan with other traditional and modern ingredients:

  • Kapoor kachri and haldi, traditionally used in detoxifying face packs.
  • Chandan and nagarmotha, for a more even-looking tone.
  • Multani mitti and kaolin, clays that absorb excess oil and help unclog pores.
  • Rose flower extract and aloe vera, to soothe and hydrate.
  • Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

How to use it

  1. Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
  2. Apply an even layer, avoiding the eyes and lips.
  3. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  5. Follow with serum and moisturiser.

Use it two to three times a week. Start with once a week if your skin is dry or sensitive.

Who it suits

  • Oily and combination skin: a great match because of the clays.
  • Normal skin: once or twice a week as a refresh.
  • Dry or sensitive skin: use less often, keep the time short, and always moisturise after.

A pre-wedding ritual

If you are preparing for a wedding, start a weekly face pack two to three months before, not in the last week. Skin needs time to get used to anything new.

Quick questions

Will a haldi mask stain my skin? Raw turmeric can. A formulated mask that you rinse off within 15 minutes is much less likely to, but patch-test first.

Can I add rose water? The Revive Face Mask already includes rose extract, so you do not need to mix anything in.

Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.

Patch-test any new product on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice.

Related reading: For the full besan and herb paste, see Ubtan: The Traditional Indian Face Pack and How to Use It.

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