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Know Your Herb
Kumkumadi tailam is a classical Ayurvedic face oil. Kumkuma means saffron and tailam means oil, which is how it got its name. You will also see it spelt kunkumadi or kumkumadi thailam.
It is widely searched in India, and prices are all over the place. So here is what it is, what you can fairly expect from it, and how to tell bottles apart.
What it is traditionally used for
- Dull skin: used as a night oil for softness and glow.
- Uneven tone: traditionally used where skin looks patchy.
- Dark spots: people use it hoping to soften how they look over time.
These are traditional uses. Good research on people is limited, and it is not a treatment. Skin feeling softer and more nourished is the part you can reasonably expect. Any change in tone or spots is slow and varies from person to person. For melasma or stubborn pigmentation, see a dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology explains melasma treatment well.
How to use kumkumadi tailam
Cleanse
Wash your face at night and pat it almost dry.
Warm
Warm 3 to 4 drops in your palm, or 2 if your skin is oily.
Press
Press it onto your face and neck, working upwards.
Leave it on
Leave it overnight and give it a few minutes to settle before lying down.
Repeat
Use it 4 to 5 nights a week, and give it several weeks.
Do a patch test first, on the inside of your arm or behind the ear. Herbal oils can irritate some skin. If you use a retinoid or an acid, use them on different nights.
Is it right for oily or acne-prone skin?
It is a rich oil in a sesame base, so go slowly. Start with 2 drops on a small area and watch for a week or two. If you get more breakouts, stop. Not every skin needs a face oil, however popular it is.
Kumkumadi or nalpamaradi?
They get mixed up, but they are different formulas. Nalpamaradi is built around turmeric and four milky trees, usually in coconut oil, and many people use it for tan, often on the body as well. Kumkumadi is built around saffron and is usually sold in small bottles for the face at night.
Why is the price so different?
On Amazon India today, you can find it from about ₹4 per ml to about ₹300 per ml. A 100ml bottle and a 5ml bottle can both be called kumkumadi, and they are not comparing like with like. Saffron is expensive, and labels rarely say how much is in there.
- Read the ingredient list. Recipes differ between makers, so do not assume two bottles match.
- Look at price per ml, not the price tag.
- Check the base oil and look for mineral oil on the label.
- Look for a glass, dark bottle. Oils keep better away from light.
- Check for milk if you avoid animal products. Many recipes use it, and ours uses goat milk.
Our own kumkumadi tailam is launching soon. See what is in it.
Looking for something for tan you can use right now? See our tan and glow guide, or read about kasturi manjal.
Questions people ask
What is kumkumadi tailam good for?
It is traditionally used as a night oil for dull skin, uneven tone and dark spots. Softer skin is the realistic part, and other changes are gradual.
Can I use it every day?
4 to 5 nights a week is a good place to start.
Can I use it in the daytime?
It is meant for night. It takes time to settle and is best left on overnight.
Can men use it?
Yes.
How long does a bottle last?
It depends on the size and how much you use, but at a few drops a night, a small bottle lasts a good while.
Does kumkumadi tailam contain real saffron?
It should, since it is named after it, but amounts vary and most labels do not state them. Ask the seller if this matters to you.
