11 Effective Ways To Use Tamarind For Skin Care

The benefits of tamarind go beyond its zesty flavor - learn how to use it for your skin.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Zeel Gandhi, BAMS
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Tamarind is the heart and soul of many savory dishes, curries, and sauces. Who does not love it in your food? But what about tamarind for skin care? Well, apart from the zesty flavour, it is a highly effective solution for your skin care woes. You can use tamarind as face packs to provide skin nourishment and sun damage protection and improve your skin health. Want to know more? We have listed the different natural remedies where you can use tamarind on your skin. First, let us discuss how it benefits your skin. Keep reading!

Benefits Of Tamarind For The Skin

  1. Tamarind pulp contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which helps in skin exfoliation. They unclog the pores, reduce age-related spots and blemishes, and keep your skin clear (1), (2).
  2. It also has an anti-aging effect on your skin. This is due to the presence of alpha hydroxy acids in tamarind (3).
  3. Tamarind is loaded with antioxidants that protect your skin from the harmful free radicals (4).
  4. Tamarind also possesses skin healing properties (5).

I am sure you didn’t know that the humble tamarind had such amazing powers for skin brigthening. Now, the question is, how can you use this fruit to reap the maximum benefits? Read on to find out.

Tamarind Face Masks And Packs: Your Road To Clear And Glowing Skin

  1. Tamarind Face Wash
  2. Tamarind Face Pack For Skin Lightening
  3. Tamarind And Honey Face Mask
  4. Tamarind Exfoliating Face Scrub
  5. Hydrating Tamarind Toner
  6. Tamarind Face Mask For Skin Bleaching
  7. Tamarind And Semolina Anti Aging Face Pack
  8. Tamarind Acne Face Mask
  9. Tamarind Anti Blemish Face Mask
  10. Tamarind Face Pack For Skin Inflammation
  11. Tamarind And Papaya Face Mask

1. Tamarind Face Wash

Tamarind face wash for dehydrated skin
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp (soak it in water, extract the pulp, and discard the skin and seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater
Method
  1. Take a clean glass bowl and add all the ingredients. Mix them well.
  2. Apply the mask on your face and wait for at least 15-20 minutes.
  3. Wash it off.
Preparation Time

10-15 minutes

How It Works

Tamarind and yogurt provide skin hydration and keep it clean and bacteria-free.

2. Tamarind Face Pack For Skin Lightening

Exfoliating face scrub made of tamarind
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 30 g tamarind (ripe)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 cup water
Method
  1. Boil the tamarind in water until it softens.
  2. Let it cool down and then extract the pulp.
  3. Mix the turmeric in the tamarind pulp.
  4. Apply this pack and let it dry for 20 minutes.
  5. Wash it off.
Preparation Time

10 minutes

How It Works

Turmeric contains curcumin that clears the skin and kills bacteria. The antioxidants present in turmeric and tamarind causes dark spot reduction, blemish reduction, reduces the signs of aging, and brighten your skin.

Sweta Tiwary, a blogger, had forgotten to pack a foundation for an event that she had to attend but she was able to make do with just some compact powder. The reason? She writes, “Thank God, that a night before, I had used this tamarind face mask and so my skin was in a good condition that day (i).”

3. Tamarind And Honey Face Mask

Tamarind and honey face mask for oily skin
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon tamarind pulp
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons gram flour
Method
  1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients until you get a paste of medium consistency.
  2. Apply evenly to your face and neck. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
  3. Wash it off with cold water.
  4. Apply moisturizer.
Preparation Time

5 minutes

How It Works

Honey provides moisturization while the gram flour keeps it toned and removes dark spots, tanning, and leads to hyperpigmentation reduction. This face mask is especially beneficial for oily skin.

4. Tamarind Exfoliating Face Scrub

Exfoliating face scrub made of tamarind
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
Method
  1. In a glass bowl, mix all the ingredients and make a smooth paste.
  2. Use the scrub during the shower to exfoliate your face and neck. This can be used as a body scrub.
Preparation Time

5 minutes

How It Works

Tamarind pulp is rich in AHA, which removes dead skin cells and helps in skin rejuvenation. Brown sugar removes dirt and unclogs the pores, while lemon and baking soda brighten your skin and reduce dark spots, which leads to skin toning and skin texture improvement.

5. Hydrating Tamarind Toner

Tamarind for preparing hydrating toner
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 cup tamarind (ripe and unseeded)
  • 2 teaspoons tea leaves
Method
  1. Boil the tamarind in two cups of water for 4-5 minutes and extract the water.
  2. Boil the tea leaves in water for 2-3 minutes and extract the tea-induced water.
  3. Mix both the tea and tamarind waters and store in a spray bottle.
  4. Use a cotton pad to apply the toner to your face.
Preparation Time

10 minutes

How It Works

Tamarind and tea are rich in antioxidants and have hydrating and anti-aging properties. This toner reduces wrinkles and keeps your skin smooth and radiant.

6. Tamarind Face Mask For Skin Bleaching

Honey, tamarind, and lemon face mask for reducing blemishes on the skin
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 cup tamarind (ripe)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Method
  1. Soak the tamarind in water. Wait for it to turn soft and then extract its pulp.
  2. In a bowl, mix honey and lemon juice with the tamarind pulp.
  3. Apply the mask on your face and neck and leave it to dry.
  4. Wash with cold water.
Preparation Time

10-15 minutes

How It Works

This face mask has anti-tan properties (due to the presence of tamarind and lemon). It bleaches your skin and reduces blemishes and spots.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Apply generous amounts of sunscreen and avoid exposing your skin to sunlight for a few hours after using this face mask.

7. Tamarind And Semolina Anti-Aging Face Pack

Semolina and tamarind for an anti-aging face pack
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 3 teaspoons tamarind pulp
  • 1 teaspoon semolina
  • 2 teaspoons gram flour
  • 2 teaspoons honey
Method
  1. Add the semolina, honey, and gram flour to the tamarind pulp and mix well.
  2. Apply the paste to your face and neck and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Wash it with cold water.
  4. Follow it up with a moisturizer. You can also apply unrefined coconut or almond oil.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Avoid the use of coconut oil if you have acne-prone or oily skin.
Preparation Time

5 minutes

How It Works

This face pack is loaded with all the ingredients that give your skin the necessary boost of hydration and provides UV protection. It whitens your skin, restores its lost radiance, and treats the signs of aging (with regular use) such as skin elasticity and collagen production.

8. Tamarind Acne Face Mask

White and tamarind for anti-acne face mask
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 cup tamarind
  • ½ cup white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Method
  1. Extract the tamarind pulp and roast it with the uncooked rice until it turns brown.
  2. Put the mixture in a grinder and blend until it turns into a paste.
  3. Add olive oil to the mixture and mix well.
  4. Apply the mask on your face. Wait for at least 15-20 minutes to allow your skin to soak in its goodness.
  5. Wash your face with lukewarm water.
Preparation Time

15 minutes

How It Works

This face mask is used for acne treatment and scar reduction. Rice is anti-inflammatory that gives your skin a soothing effect by treating inflammation (such as acne).

9. Tamarind Anti Blemish Face Mask

Ripe banana and tamarind anti-blemish face mask
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
  • 1 tablespoon mashed ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon gram flour
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
Method
  1. Mix the ingredients to make a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the paste on your face.
  3. Leave it for at least 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Preparation Time

3 minutes

How It Works

Bananas contain antioxidants and keep your skin hydrated. Gram flour cleanses and exfoliates the skin. This face pack is suitable for every skin type, especially oily and acne-prone skin.

10. Tamarind Face Pack For Skin Inflammation

Lemon and tamarind for an exfoliating face pack
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Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
  • 1-2 tablespoons yogurt
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
Method
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply the pack on your face and neck and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Wash it off.
Preparation Time

3-5 minutes

How It Works

Lemon juice works as a bleaching agent and disinfects your skin as well. Yogurt is loaded with alpha hydroxy acids and gently removes the dead skin cells. This face pack helps in lightening your complexion and keeps your skin bacteria-free.

11. Tamarind And Papaya Face Mask

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of ripe papaya, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon of tamarind pulp
  • 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of yogurt (optional)
Method
  1. Soak the tamarind pulp in warm water for a few minutes, then strain it.
  2. Combine the mashed papaya with the tamarind paste in a small bowl.
  3. Add honey and yogurt to the mixture.
  4. Apply the mask evenly over your face, avoiding the eye area.
  5. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
  6. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Preparation Time

3-5 minutes

How It Works

Both tamarind and papaya help exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve overall skin texture, imparting a healthy glow. The yogurt and honey in the face pack help keep your skin moisturized and soft.

Before you start experimenting with these face packs, a few words of caution:

Things To Consider Before Using Tamarind Face Masks

  1. Never use tamarind after you have waxed or shaved your skin. The acids in tamarind might irritate your skin.
  2. Avoid applying tamarind directly on the skin. People who have sensitive skin often tend to be sensitive to acidic fruits such as tamarind. It might disturb the pH balance and cause itchiness.
  3. It is better to do a patch test to see if tamarind suits your skin or not.

Infographic: Top 5 Ways To Use Tamarind For Skin Care

Tamarind is the central ingredient for numerous dishes, sauces, and curries. However, did you know that it has many skin benefits? Click on the infographic below to learn how to use tamarind to eliminate skin woes and improve skin health.

top 5 ways to use tamarind for skin care (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Apart from adding a tangy taste to many dishes, tamarind can be an excellent addition to your skin care regime. Its alpha-hydroxy acids help exfoliate your skin. Additionally, tamarind has anti-aging and wound healing effects. The antioxidants in tamarind also protect the skin from harmful free radicals.

You can use tamarind in combination with various other ingredients like yogurt, turmeric, gram flour, or lemon juice to promote overall skin health. However, it may cause skin irritation and itchiness in some sensitive individuals. Hence, caution is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we use tamarind on the face daily?

No. Tamarind contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which are known for their exfoliating properties. So, it is advisable to use it no more than twice a week.

Does tamarind have vitamin C?

Yes. Tamarind contains trace amounts of vitamin C.

Does tamarind cause pimples?

No. Tamarind may help control pimples and regulate the oil secretion in the skin due to its pore minimizing properties.

What is the side effect of tamarind?

Tamarind may cause rashes, irritation, or redness in people with sensitive skin.

Key Takeaways

  • Tamarind is rich in alpha hydroxy acids that may exfoliate and cleanse your skin.
  • It may also reduce age spots and brighten your skin.
  • It may protect the skin from harmful free radicals.
  • It may be mixed with natural ingredients like yogurt, turmeric, or lemon juice to promote overall skin health.
  • Avoid using tamarind after waxing or shaving as its acidic content may irritate the skin.


Unlock the secret to radiant and glowing skin with the power of tamarind! Watch this video to learn the effective ways to use a tamarind face mask for your ultimate skincare routine.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit pulp extract. II. Study of cumulative irritation effects in human
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17760696/
  2. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
  3. An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277239/
  4. Assessment of Antioxidant Properties of Tamarind Fruit Pulp and its Effect on Storage Stability of African Bread Fruit Seed dhal and Flour
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0189724115300758
  5. Antioxidant activities of tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) seed coat extracts using in vitro and in vivo models
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152496/
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