What is ubtan
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What Is Ubtan? The Ancient Ayurvedic Secret for Glowing Skin

by JiViSa Wellness on Jun 04, 2025

Are you someone who struggles with stubborn tan, dull skin, and random breakouts, especially before a special event?  Yeah, you are not alone!

As adults, our skin constantly battles with pollution, stress, hormonal changes, and our (not-so-healthy) eating habits. While you might be running after chemical-laden products and peels, the solution to all your skin problems might just lie in the centuries-old Ayurvedic remedy: Ubtan. Ubtan is not just time-tested and trusted for centuries, but also backed by modern science. Ethnopharmacological studies have concluded that traditional ubtan is rich in antioxidants (thanks to our hero- turmeric) and can reverse free-radical damage.  So, what is ubtan exactly? And how can you gain the benefits of ubtan for yourself? Let’s dive right into it.  

What is Ubtan in Ayurveda?

Ubtan is one of the oldest and most revered beauty treatments in Indian culture (which we have seen during pre-wedding rituals). Ubtan is a natural herbal paste used as a face or body mask by mixing flour (besan or wheat flour), turmeric and sandalwood with milk, curd, oil, or rose water. It not only exfoliates the dead skin cells but also improves circulation, reduces acne by clearing pores, and improves skin texture.

Benefits of Ubtan For Face

There are several benefits of applying ubtan, especially for your face. The skin of your face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body, which is why it needs extra care.

Here are some benefits of ubtan for face

  1. Cleanses Without Drying

Since the skin of your face is thinner and more sensitive, you need to ensure that you gently clean your skin without drying it out. 

Ubtan, unlike soaps, gently removes dirt and impurities without harsh chemicals, maintaining your skin’s natural moisture.

  1. Brightens Dull Skin 

Pollution and dirt can make your face dull. Ingredients like turmeric and sandalwood help revive tired skin, owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

  1. Fights Acne & Pimples

With the antibacterial properties of turmeric, ubtan helps reduce breakouts and inflammation. It also cleans your pores, reducing sebum build-up, which is the root cause behind acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

  1. Minimizes Pores 

Regular application of besan ubtan can help tighten open pores and refine skin texture. Besan is a natural astringent, which means it can tighten your pores and minimise their appearance. Plus, since your pores are not clogged with sebum, they are less likely to be stretched and appear enlarged!

  1. Controls Oil Naturally

Ingredients like besan and chandan can regulate oil production, which makes ubtan a holy grail for oily skin. It balances sebum without over-drying your skin.

Benefits of Ubtan For the Body

Yes, you need to apply ubtan across your body, including your neck, arms, legs, and back, to ensure healthy and glowing skin. Why? Well, check out the benefits of ubtan for body:

  1. Removes Tan & Evens Out Skin Tone

Great for sun-exposed arms, legs, and back, ubtan helps fade tanning and pigmentation.

  1. Softens Rough Skin

Natural exfoliants like besan and sandalwood powder remove dead skin, leaving skin baby-soft.

  1. Improves Blood Circulation

The massage-like application process stimulates circulation, giving your skin a healthy glow.

  1. Reduces Body Acne & Ingrown Hairs

Ubtan helps clear clogged pores on the back or shoulders and prevents ingrown hair after waxing/shaving.

  1. Prevents Body Odour Naturally 

Antibacterial ingredients like turmeric help keep odour-causing bacteria in check.

How To Apply Ubtan 

Want to know how to use besan ubtan for glowing skin? Well, to get the best results, it is important to follow the process. So, here’s how you can get the maximum benefits of ubtan for skin

On Body:

  1. Wet Your Skin, and apply ubtan to damp skin for better spreadability. We recommend using ubtan before a shower.

  2. Apply generously. Use your hands to spread the ubtan evenly over arms, legs, back, and neck.

  3. Leave it for 10–15 minutes and then proceed to scrub. Gently massage in circular motions, focusing on rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.

  4. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Avoid using soap immediately after to retain its natural oils.

  5. Use once or twice a week for glowing, soft skin.

On Face:

  1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.

  2. DIY ubtan at home or use a readymade herbal ubtan like JiViSa’s deep cleanse facial ubtan.

  3. Using your fingers or a brush, apply a thin and even layer all over your face, avoiding the eyes and lips. 

  4. Leave it on for 10 -15 minutes. Wait for it to start drying, but it isn’t completely hardened.

  5. Gently massage using circular motions to exfoliate, and rinse off with lukewarm water. 

  6. Gently pat dry and follow with a light moisturizer or aloe gel.

Explore JiViSa’s Deep Cleanse Facial Ubtan for All Skin Types

Every skin type is different, and hence, the products that you apply to your skin should align with your skin’s needs. Not sure about your skin type or what ubtan ingredients are best for your skin type? Don’t worry, this guide will help you out.

Modern Skin Type

Ayurvedic Dosha

Indicators / Characteristics

Best Facial Ubtan 

Dry Skin

Vata

Thin, rough, flaky, dull tone, early wrinkles, prone to dehydration

Kumari Elaichi Ubtan with Cardamom & Aloe Vera


Oily Skin

Pitta-Kapha

Soft, slightly reddish or warm tone, acne-prone, sensitive to heat, frequent breakouts

Nimba Tulsi Ubtan with Neem and Tulsi

Normal Skin

Balanced Doshas

Clear, smooth, balanced moisture and texture, minimal sensitivity or issues

Gulaab Chandan Ubtan with Rose & Sandalwood



Conclusion

To sum it up, ubtan must be a part of your skincare routine. Whether you choose a DIY ubtan made from ingredients easily available in your kitchen or opt for a herbal ubtan available readymade in the market, add it to your skincare regimen 2-3 times a week. To make sure you choose the right ubtan for your skin type, choose a clean and natural ubtan from JiViSa. We recommend JiViSa, as their products meet the strictest EU safety standards.  JiViSa offers clean, Ayurvedic, luxurious yet clinically effective skincare products that will give you healthy and glowing skin. 

FAQS on Ubtan

  • What are the ingredients in Ayurvedic Ubtan?

Ayurvedic ubtans generally have 3 major ingredients - a flour for exfoliation (chickpea or wheat), turmeric or chandan for brightness, and milk, curd, rosewater, or oil (depending on skin type).

  • Which oil is used in Ubtan?

Cold-pressed oils like almond oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil can be used in ubtan to nourish the skin, add moisture, and enhance its glow naturally.

  • What happens if we use Ubtan daily?

Using ubtan daily is not recommended. It can agitate your skin and cause dryness.

  • Where can I buy the best Ayurvedic Ubtan for my face?

You can buy the best Ayurvedic Ubtan for face from JiViSa.

  • Does Ubtan have side effects?

There are no side effects of using ubtan that is suitable for your skin type. However, using it too frequently can irritate your skin.

  • What is Ubtan made of?

Ubtan is a natural herbal paste made from besan, haldi, chandan, and gulaab jal.

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