Homemade Ayurvedic Skincare Recipes for Every Skin Type

Whether you’re the bride, the groom, a bridesmaid, or simply attending as a guest, glowing, healthy skin is something we all want.

These homemade Ayurvedic skincare rituals aren’t just bridal exclusives; they’re universal.

Rooted in ancient wisdom and made with ingredients suggested by Ayurveda, this blog on skincare rituals and recipes is for anyone looking to calm breakouts, soothe dryness, or simply feel more connected to their skin.

No chemicals, no hype — just gentle, honest care your skin will thank you for.

Skincare Recipe, Routine, Ritual for Acneic, Oily and Congested Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, you likely already know it tends to be congested and oily. According to Ayurveda, acne is the body’s way of revealing inner heat, clogged pores, and a buildup of toxins. This can arise from many causes, including food, stress, or digestive issues.

Here is an A-beauty (Ayurvedic beauty) backed, step-by-step guide with routines and tailored recipes. When layered in the right order and used as suggested, these methods are sure to yield wonderful results. 

Many are inspired by the book Beauty Unbottled by Kavita Khosa, and I’ve added my personal touch, drawn from my research and learning in Ayurveda.

Step 1 – Toner

And you thought toner was only a K-beauty essential. Surprisingly, it’s one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, no matter your skin type. The difference is, A-beauty champions natural, organic options over chemical-laden formulas. 

In Ayurveda, gentle herbal waters like rose water, jasmine water, vetiver water, or sandalwood hydrosol are used as natural toners to soothe, refresh, and balance the skin after cleansing.

Ingredients required:

• ½ cup of jasmine water
• ½ cup of aloe vera pulp (homemade, not store bought)
• 1 teaspoon Glycerine

Preparation:

Be patient with me, because this is going to be an in-depth blog. If you already have the three above-mentioned ingredients ready to use, feel free to skip straight to How to Store.

1. Preparation: How to make Jasmine water

• Take 1 cup of fresh jasmine flowers.
• Wash the flowers thoroughly to ensure they are free from dust and dirt.
• In a saucepan, add 2 cups of distilled water.
• Simmer the jasmine flowers on low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. 
• Turn off the heat, and let the water sit with the flowers until cool.
• Once cool, strain the water and store it in a spray bottle.
• You can use it for up to two weeks. 

2. Preparation: How to make Aloe vera gel at home

• Select a healthy, thick aloe vera leaf, usually it is the one from the outer edges of the plant, as these are the most mature and nutrient-rich.
• Wash the leaf under cool running water to remove any dust or dirt from the surface.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the serrated edges along both sides of the leaf.
• Place the leaf flat on a clean cutting board. Gently slice through the top layer of green skin lengthwise, exposing the translucent gel beneath.
• With a spoon, gently scoop or lift out the clear, jelly-like pulp, taking care to avoid the yellowish latex (just beneath the skin), which can be irritating.

Storage Instructions:

• Blend it all well and add to the pump cap bottle, and refrigerate. 
• You can also store it in ice cube trays
• The bottle will last about two weeks, and the ice can survive a month.

Toner Application:

• With clean hands, use a toner ice cube and rub it all over face and neck. 
• If using a pump bottle, squirt a few pumps and apply all over the face and neck. 
• Thirsty skin is quenched with all the hydration from the toner. 
• The toner helps balance skin pH.

You can use this every day, before each step of skincare, or in between the day as a refreshing facial mist.

Step 2: Cleanser

You might be surprised to learn how even oily and acne-prone skin can benefit from the right kind of facial oil cleanser, especially if you choose non-comedogenic oils (won’t clog pores), which gently purify and support balance according to Ayurveda.

Below is a 100% Ayurvedic-inspired oil cleanser is the first step of double cleansing, simple, safe, and ideal for oily or acneic skin.

Ingredients required:

• 1 part Kalonji (black seed) oil 
• 2 parts Jojoba oil 
• 2–3 drops of neem oil 

Preparation:

This one’s easy, just make sure you use the highest quality cold-pressed oil. Be sure they are 100% cold pressed and not mixed with any other hero ingredient.

• Take a small clean glass bottle (30–50 ml is ideal for home use).
• Add 2 tablespoons jojoba oil to the bottle.
• Add 1 tablespoon kalonji (black seed) oil.
• Add 6–8 drops of neem oil (for every 3 tablespoons of total oil blend).
• Cap the bottle tightly and shake gently to mix well.

Storage Instructions:

It would be great to use a dark glass bottle to store this potent concoction. Storing Ayurvedic oil blends in dark glass bottles keeps them potent, fresh, and pure by protecting them from light, oxidation, and chemical contamination.

Cleanser Application:

• Pour a small amount of the oil blend into your palm (about a teaspoon).
• Apply toner and then, pat, push and press on face, focusing on oily and congested areas.
• Soak a soft cloth in warm water, wring it out, and gently wipe off the oil.

Use twice a week. Although you shouldn’t have any issues, it is always suggested to patch test and see how your skin reacts to this blend. 

Step 3: Exfoliant (Ubtan)

Go to your grandmothers and mothers for a ubtan, they will have great recipes too. Just in case you still want some wisdom from A-beauty, here is this ubtan. 

You can use this every day, instead of your face wash, because let’s face it, even the face washes that claim to be all natural and mild do have chemicals and might not work for everyone. 

Make sure the face pack or any form of ubtan is never 100% dry. 

Ingredients required:

• 1 part Bala powder
• 1 part Manjistha powder
• Pinch Haldi (not the one you use in food, try using Kasturi Manjal)
• 1tsp Multani Mitti
• 1 tsp Sandalwood
• Milk (Regular milk, or you can opt for vegan options)

Preparation:

• All you have to do is mix it all. 
• You can prepare extra and store it for about 6 months. Keep in a dark glass jar.
  
  By 1 part, I mean, as per your need, be sure to use equal amounts of bala powder and manjishtha powder. For example, if you add 1 tablespoon of bala powder, add 1 tablespoon of manjishtha powder. 

Storage Instructions:

It would be great to use a dark glass bottle to store this potent concoction. Storing Ayurvedic oil blends in dark glass bottles keeps them potent, fresh, and pure by protecting them from light, oxidation, and chemical contamination.

Ubtan Application

• Scoop 1 tablespoon of the ubtan powder into a clean glass bowl.
• Add cool milk (or your preferred herbal water) slowly—just enough to make a loose, smooth paste.
• Prepare your skin: Before applying, wet your face with milk or any gentle herbal water (like rose, vetiver, or jasmine water).

Tip: Avoid using tap or distilled water, as their alkaline nature may dry out the skin further.

• Apply the ubtan paste evenly to damp skin, gently massaging in circles.
• Leave on for 1-2 minutes.
• Rinse off gently with water.
• Pat dry and follow up with a few drops of nourishing facial oil (like almond or kumkumadi tailam).

Step 4: Steam (Swedana)

Steam is such a concept, you see it way too often but don’t give it the respect it deserves. 

Ingredients required:

• Facial steamer or a shallow pot
• 1-2 cups water
• 1 tbsp mulethi powder
• Toner ice cube/ toner spray
• A towel to cover your head with. 

Steam Preparation:

• Add water and mulethi powder (you can use mulethi sticks, just ensure they are the highest quality)
• Steam for 5 minutes, not more. As it might irritate your skin. 
• Make sure you steam your neck and face together, so wear an oversized V-neck tee. 
• Once done steaming, pat your face with a clean towel. 
• The last step should be to always run toner cube or spray toner water on your face, to calm the skin and restore some healthy hydration. 

Storage Instructions:

Make sure you throw the water away after use and prepare a fresh batch every time. Do the steam step not more than once a week for acne-prone skin.

Step 5: Mask (Lepana)

Ingredients required:

• 2 tablespoons Chandan powder
• 1 tablespoon Moringa powder
• 2 tablespoons bala powder
• Cold Milk

Preparation:

Mix everything mentioned above and store it in a glass jar. Make sure it is a dark glass jar. 

Mask Application:

• Take 1 tablespoon of the powder, and use a glass bowl or even a high-quality wooden bowl. 
• Add some cold milk of your choice. 
• Add just enough milk to make a fine loose paste.
• Use a brush to apply this paste on your face and neck. I urge you to keep those fingers away from your face. 
• Don’t leave the mask on for more than 5 minutes. This is enough time for the mask to work its magic into your skin. 

Storage Instructions:

The idea is to always keep the jar contents far away from moisture. Make sure you use this mask no more than twice a week. This will be enough to keep your skin healthy and in check.

Step 6: Moisturise

Use any moisturiser that is light on your face, works well for your skin. Or you can just use herbal water as the last step and call it a day. 

Skincare Recipe, Routine, Ritual for Dry, Dehydrated and Flaky Skin

Step 1 – Toner

Dry skin can be characterised as a dry patch of land that regains its colour and texture. In order to regain lost goodness, using the right ingredients helps.

Ingredients required:

• 1 cup rose hydrosol water/ rose water
• 1 cup of uncooked rice water
• 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera pulp

Preparation:

Be patient with me, because this is going to be an in-depth blog. If you already have the three above-mentioned ingredients ready to use, feel free to skip straight to How to Store.

1. Preparation: How to make Hydrosol rose water

• Rinse the rose petals gently to remove any dust or bugs.
• Place the small bowl in the centre of the pot (this will collect the hydrosol).
• Scatter rose petals around the bowl, then pour enough distilled water to just cover the petals (don’t flood the bowl).
• Invert the lid on the pot and place ice cubes on top of the lid (the ice will help condense the rose steam into hydrosol, which drips into the bowl below).
• Bring the water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil), and keep the heat very low.
• As steam rises, it hits the cold lid, condenses, and drips into the bowl as pure rose hydrosol.
• Simmer for 30–45 minutes, adding new ice as needed on top of the lid.
• When done, carefully remove the bowl with your pure rose hydrosol.

2. Preparation: How to make rice water

• Add ½ cup of rice to 2 cups of water for 4 hours.
• Strain the water, and voila, your rice water is ready. 

Storage Instructions:

• Add rose hydrosol, rice water, aloe vera pulp and make a smooth paste.
• You can store it in ice cube trays or a spray bottle.
• The bottle will last about a week, and the ice can survive a month.

Toner Application:

• With clean hands, use a toner ice cube and rub it all over face and neck. 
• If using a pump bottle, squirt a few pumps and apply all over the face and neck. 
• The toner helps balance skin pH.

You can use this every day, before each step of skincare, or in between the day as a refreshing facial mist.

Step 2: Double Cleanser (Powder & Facial Oil)

Double cleanser is a saving grace for dry, parched skin. 

POWDER CLEANSER

Ingredients required:

• 3 tablespoons amla powder
• 3 tablespoons bala powder
• 3 tablespoons liquorice powder
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (make sure it is not commercial honey, don’t use the ones you normally find, they can make your skin sensitive)

Preparation:

1. Preparation: How to make Amla Powder at home

• Take fresh amlas, approximately 6-7 small amlas.
• Wash them thoroughly, cut them into 4 pieces each.
• Now air-dry them in the sun; this might take a few days, depending on your weather conditions. A shortcut would be to use your airfryer to dehydrate them. 
• Once you have them dried up, grind them into fine powder. 
• Your amla powder is ready.

2. Preparation: How to make Liquorice Powder at home

• Buy dried liquorice (yashtimadhu/mulethi) roots from a trusted source.
• Rinse roots to remove dust; pat dry completely.
• Chop roots into small pieces with a clean, sharp knife.
• Allow the pieces to air-dry completely in a cool, dry place (out of direct sunlight).
• Grind the dried pieces in a spice grinder or food processor until they are fine.
• Sieve the powder to remove coarse fibres; re-grind if needed.
• Store finished liquorice powder in an airtight glass jar, in a cool, dark place.
• Use within 3–4 months for best potency.

Storage Instructions:

Store bala powder, the prepared amla powder and liquorice powder (in the mentioned quantity) in a dark glass jar. You can buy packaged powders, but make sure you buy the highest quality. 

Powder Cleanser Application:

• Take a tablespoon of the powder from the dark glass jar and add it to a ceramic or glass bowl.
• Add cold milk gradually and mix the powder with milk until loose, fine paste.
• Then, add a tsp of raw honey.
• Wet the face and neck with toner.
• Scoop a little by little of the mixture you just prepared and start applying in a circular motion on your face. Make sure not to be rigorous, apply enough pressure to press the goodness of the cleanser into the skin not to scratch the skin.
• Make sure to keep the cleanser on your face for 2-3 minutes.
• Wash off with cool water, pat dry.

FACIAL OIL CLEANSER

Ingredients:

• Cold-Pressed Black Sesame Oil (warm in nature) (Use in Winters)
• Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil (cold in nature) (Use in summers)

Ayurveda classifies everything as warm or cold; this helps decide the impact it will have. For example, coconut oil in winter can cause you to catch a cold, even when you use warm coconut oil, so be sure to check your oils next time. 

Storage Instructions:

I’m sure the bottle that the oil comes in is enough to store it, so easy-peasy. 

Facial Oil Cleanser Application:

• Muslin facecloth works best for this facial oil. 
• Wet your skin with toner. Take 3 pumps of oil of your choice, apply all over your neck and face. 
• The idea is to douse your skin with facial oil, so use more if needed. 
• You must massage your skin for 4-5 minutes, consider it a time where you unwind and just relax, feel the oil on your skin massage it gently.
• After 5 minutes, use a damp, warm cloth and press on your skin; this helps the steam from the warm towel penetrate the skin pores. 
• Wipe away the face and finish with hydrosol water. I use my trusted toner again. 

Step 3 – Exfoliant (Ubtan)

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons Mulethi powder
• 5 tablespoons Manjishtha powder
• 5 tablespoons of amla powder

Storage Instructions:

Mix all the powders in a dark glass bottle. If you keep it away from moisture, you are sure to enjoy the perks of this ubtan for at least a year. 

Ubtan Application:

• Take 1 tablespoon of the powder mix, two drops of glycerine, and add milk only enough to make a loose, wet paste. 
• Apply the prepared paste on the face and neck using a face brush.
• Massage it upwards and outwards for a minute, so it helps get rid of dirt and grim. 
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Wipe dry and mist your skin with toner or rub the ice toner on your face as the last step after ubtan.

Step 4: Steam (Swedana)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried rose petals (soothing, hydrating, pitta-vata balancing)
• 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers (calming, anti-inflammatory, moisture-supporting)
• ½ tsp liquorice (yashtimadhu) powder (moisturising, softens skin, varnya)
• ½ tsp fennel seeds (cooling, supports moisture retention)

Steam Preparation:

• Bring 3–4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
• Add all the herbs to the water. (Turn off the heat after adding, so it doesn’t boil vigorously and destroy the delicate aromatics.)
• Let steep, covered, for 2 minutes to allow the herbs to release their goodness.
• Lean over the pot (keep a safe distance), drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam.
• Steam your face for 3–5 minutes, breathing gently and allowing the vapours to hydrate and soften your skin.
• Pat skin gently with a soft towel.
• Immediately follow with a light moisturiser or facial oil while skin is still damp.

Step 5: Mask (Lepana)

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons mulethi powder
• 3 tablespoons moringa powder
• 3 tablespoons chandana powder
• 3 tablespoons bala powder

Storage Instructions:

• Mix the above-mentioned powders in the mentioned quantities and store them in a dark glass jar.
• You can store and save the jar for a year when you keep it out of the sun and moisture.

Mask Application:

• Take 1 tablespoon of the stored powder mixture.
• Add 2 tablespoons of milk and organic honey to make a smooth paste.
• Use a face brush to apply the mask all over your face and neck. 
• Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes and then wipe your face with cool water.
• Once your face is dry, mist it with hydrosol water or any herbal water.

Step 6: Moisturise

Use any moisturiser that is light on your face, works well for your skin. Or you can just use herbal water as the last step and call it a day. 

Skincare Recipe, Routine, Ritual for Allergic, Sensitive and Irritation-Prone Skin

Step 1 – Toner

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rose water
• ½ cup home-made aloe vera pulp
• 1 teaspoon glycerine

Preparation:

1. Preparation: How to make Rose water
   

• Take 1 cup of fresh rose flowers.
• Wash the flowers thoroughly to ensure they are free from dust and dirt.
• In a saucepan, add 2 cups of distilled water.
• Simmer the rose flowers on low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. 
• Turn off the heat, and let the water sit with the flowers until cool.
• Once cool, strain the water and store it in a spray bottle.
• You can use it for up to two weeks. 

2. Preparation: How to make Aloe vera gel at home

• Select a healthy, thick aloe vera leaf.
• Wash the leaf under cool running water to remove any dust or dirt from the surface.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the serrated edges along both sides of the leaf.
• Place the leaf flat on a clean cutting board. 
• Gently slice through the top layer of green skin lengthwise, exposing the translucent gel beneath.
• With a spoon, gently scoop or lift out the clear, jelly-like pulp, taking care to avoid the yellowish latex (just beneath the skin), which can be irritating.

Storage Instructions:

• Blend the mix well and then pour it into an ice-tray. 
• If ice-tray is a bit of a stretch, feel free to just use a spray bottle to store the toner.
• Be sure to refrigerate it.

Toner Applications:

• Thirsty skin needs hydration, especially sensitive skin. 
• Spritz your skin with toner, or if you are using an ice cube, rub it all over your neck and face.

Step 2 – Cleanser

Ingredients: 

• 1 teaspoon Oats powder
• 1 teaspoon Mulethi powder
• 1 teaspoon Chandan powder
• 1 teaspoon Aloe vera pulp
• 1 teaspoon honey

Storage Instructions:

This is a one-time recipe, so no need to store it. 

Cleanser Application:

• Mix all the powders with milk and aloe vera pulp. 
• Once the paste is nearly ready, add some aloe vera pulp, just enough to make the paste lose. 
• Once the paste is ready, feel free to spray your face with the toner, or rub the toner ice cube all over your face and neck. 
• Once you are all prepped, apply the ubtan on your face, massage very lightly to not tug your sensitive skin. 
• You can even leave it on your face and not scrub at all. Choose what your skin needs and what it best responds to. 

Step 3 – Steam

I have sensitive skin that doesn’t react well to steam, since I have Seborrheic Dermatitis that aggravates with steam. But if I do have to steam, I use distilled water alone and from a distance, not too close to my skin. 

Step 4 – Mask (Lepana)

This polti mask is something I first discovered in the book Beauty Unbottled. It worked wonders for my sensitive skin.

The results were so good, I just had to share them. Especially with those of you who, like me, have skin that needs extra care.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup red rice (njavara)
• 100 ml milk 
• 5 tablespoons bala powder
• 800 ml water
• Cotton cheesecloth
• Cotton string to tie the potli with
• An oil warmer to warm the rice paste
• Surgical gauze 1 pack

Potli Preparation:

• Take bala powder and water.
• On a low flame, cook the mix and make a decoction.
• Reduce the liquid until 100 ml is left of the liquid.
• Take the milk and the decoction and mix them well. 
• Now divide the total 200 ml of the prepared decoction into half.
• Take 100 ml out of the 200 ml prepared mixture, and add rice to it, let it boil. 
• Then allow it to cool.
• The remaining 100 ml of the decoction now goes into a warmer.
• Now add the cooked rice to the cotton cheesecloth and, with a string, make a potli with it.

Potli Mask Application:

• Place the gauze all over the face and neck.
• Press and massage rice potli on the face from the neck upwards in large circular motions. 
• The rice paste will release from the potli. 
• Dip the potli into warm decoction to soak the bottom.
• Keep dipping and continue till the rice paste has all oozed out.
• Let the mask stay 30 minutes. 
• Now remove the gauze, wipe the face with clean cotton cloth and rose water until the rice paste and mask are all cleansed. 

Step 5 – Moisturiser 

I highly recommend Oleum Cottage if you have sensitive skin like mine and are dealing with conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Having used it consistently for three months now, I can’t promise it will cure your condition, but I can wholeheartedly say it has helped heal mine.

One of the things I appreciate most is that their formulations are carefully curated with activated oils, not chemicals. It feels gentle, clean, and nourishing.

If you’re exploring options in this space, definitely check them out.

But please—consult a dermatologist first. I’ve personally had multiple check-ups, tried various medications, and only then discovered something that helps me manage dermatitis without relying on pills.

Also, this isn’t a paid promotion—I’m in no way affiliated with Oleum Cottage.

I’m simply sharing what genuinely worked for me, hoping it might offer some relief to you, too.

Because I know exactly how it feels—the frustration, the embarrassment—of stepping out when your skin is flaring and nothing seems to help.

I remember wishing someone would just point me towards something that made a difference.

So if you’re in that space right now, I see you. And I hope this helps, even a little.

Skin care isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you feel in your skin. And when that skin is breaking out, flaky, irritated, or simply out of balance, it can impact so much more than your mirror moments. Through Ayurveda, I’ve learned that true skincare starts with connection — with your body, your ingredients, and your inner rhythm.

I Hope this Helps!

These rituals aren’t overnight fixes. They’re gentle, grounding acts of self-care that nourish skin over time — with patience, presence, and pure, natural ingredients.

Whether you’re navigating acne, struggling with dryness, dealing with sensitivity, or just want a moment to slow down and reconnect with yourself, there’s something here for you.

So save this blog, share it with a friend, try what feels right for your skin, and come back to it whenever you feel lost in the noise of products and promises. Because sometimes, what your skin needs isn’t in a bottle — it’s in a handful of jasmine, a bowl of rice water, or the quiet of a 5-minute mask.

And if no one told you this before, let me be the first: your skin isn’t a problem to fix. It’s a story to nurture.