Besan and Turmeric Ubtan: The Oldest Cleanser We Still Use (Video)

Transcript

Besan & Turmeric Ubtan

Think of a cleanser that’s been passed down through generations, made with just chickpea flour, a pinch of turmeric and a splash of milk or yogurt. It’s simple, cheap, and still a favorite in many homes.

At a Glance

Ubtan is traditionally used for pre-wedding skin prep, cleaning arms and legs, and softening rough skin. It works best on body skin and normal-to-oily faces as a gentle alternative to grainy scrubs. It takes about five minutes to prepare, and a quick patch test on the inner forearm is recommended.

What Old Books Say

In old Ayurvedic and Unani texts, besan is described as a cleansing powder, part of a family of lepa preparations. Turmeric, called haldi, is noted as a warming, drying substance for skin that feels damp or sluggish. Milk or cream balances the paste so it doesn’t strip moisture. Together they act as a mild surfactant and a soft exfoliant, lifting oil, grime and dead cells.

Quote

Ubtan is a wash, not a treatment. Every honest thing about it fits in that sentence.

How to Use

Start with two tablespoons of besan and add just enough liquid, milk, yogurt, rose water or plain water, to form a spreadable paste. For dry skin, choose milk or cream; for normal skin, yogurt; for oily skin, water or rose water. Add a pinch of turmeric, about an eighth of a teaspoon for the face, a quarter for the body. Let the mixture sit five minutes so the flour hydrates, then apply to damp skin. Massage in gentle circles for ten minutes, but no longer on the face because dried besan can feel unpleasant. Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturise while the skin is still damp.

Myths vs Reality

A common myth is that ubtan makes skin fairer, but it only cleans and lightly exfoliates, giving a brighter look for the evening; it doesn’t affect melanin. Some believe turmeric removes facial hair over time; vigorous rubbing might pull out a few fine hairs but it doesn’t reduce growth and can irritate if overdone. More turmeric doesn’t mean better results, it just adds more colour and can stain. Using it daily on the face can add up friction; most people do better with a weekly session and a mild cleanser in between.

Special Occasion Mix

For weddings, the ubtan is richer: besan, turmeric, a spoon of mustard oil, cream, and sometimes sandalwood powder for scent. It’s made in larger batches and applied by many hands, meant as a special treatment rather than a daily habit. If you try it, think of it as a body pampering session before an occasion.

When to Skip

Avoid ubtan if you have a chickpea or other legume allergy, and always patch test first because it’s a food on your face. Turmeric can permanently stain fabrics and porous surfaces, so protect clothing and clean your basin. Skip it on broken, sunburnt or freshly waxed skin, and very fair skin should use the smallest pinch of turmeric or omit it altogether. Any painful, spreading, or persistent skin issue should be checked by a professional, not covered in flour.

Try This Weekend

Make a dry mix of half a cup of besan, a scant teaspoon of turmeric and two tablespoons of fine oat flour, shake it up and keep it by the shower. On Sunday, scoop two tablespoons, add yogurt to form a paste, and use it on arms, legs and elbows only, leave the face out the first time. Work in light circles for ten minutes, then rinse. You’ll notice the difference most on elbows and knees.

Thanks for Watching

If you liked this overview, read the full post on thecareonline.com; remember, this is not medical advice.