Want Glowing Skin? Expert Shares DIY Onion Face Packs

Onion is a common kitchen ingredient, especially in an Indian household. They are used in almost every meal. But onion’s use is not just limited to cooking, it is also beneficial when it comes to skincare and haircare. Yes, you read that right. Onion DIY face packs are quite popular. So, if you want a glowing and acne-free skin, maybe onion is the answer. With some DIY face packs using this one kitchen ingredient, you can get the flawless skin you want. But are onions completely safe for skin? Let’s find out.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant - Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

Why Onion Is Good for Skin

As per a 2016 research, onion extracts are said to inactivate most forms of bacteria. This property is believed to help your skin, as bacteria can escalate inflammation on your skin’s surface. Moreover, acne is a common skin problem. Thus, when dealing with active acne breakouts, antibacterial properties prove beneficial. In addition to this, onions also consist of a naturally occurring sulfuric acid, which is also said to aid in treating some types of acne.

So various research has shown how onions can be beneficial for our skin. But it can give you glowing skin? We ask our expert.

“Onions can be used to make your skin glow because of their high sulfur content, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties. They help to increase blood circulation, reduce acne-causing bacteria, and renew skin cells. The juice of onions also has vitamin C, which helps to increase the production of collagen and make your skin glow. However, onions are very strong and should be used with caution and mixed with other soothing ingredients,” explains Dr Passi.

Also Read: Onion Juice for Hair Regrowth: Things You Need to Know About

DIY Onion Face Packs For Glowing Skin

Homemade face packs are the best. This is because they don’t contain any harmful chemicals, and can be used as per convenience. Our expert shares how you can incorporate the goodness of onion in your DIY face packs.

“A healthy diet which is balanced with all nutrients along with a balanced lifestyle is key to inside out glow. However, if one enjoys self care with DIY masks, use diluted onion juice with natural sources of ingredients like, honey, aloe vera, yogurt, rose water and multani mitti. Always dilute onion juice, patch test first, and limit use to once a week,” shares Dr Passi.

What Are The Side Effects Of Onions On Skin?

When it comes to your skin, you should be extra careful. Thus, every ingredient – especially when used on the face – needs to be tested, even if they are natural. On this note, Dr Passi shares the risks of using onions on skin. “Onions are potent and can cause side effects if not applied properly,” she says, adding that rhese side effects include:

• Redness.
• Stinging.
• Itching.
• Drying.
• Irritation, especially if the skin is sensitive.

“Raw onion juice can be harmful to the skin and may exacerbate conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Onions can also cause inflammation or acne if overused,” warns Dr Passi.

On top of all this, onions contain certain proteins which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms ranging from mild (like skin rashes and itchiness) to severe (difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis) can also occur due to this. If you experience any of these after using an onion face mask or any topical onion treatment, discontinue it immediately. It is always better to consult a healthcare professional, if needed.

Who Should Avoid Onion Face Packs?

Now that we know that using onions on the face comes with its own risks as well. So, who should avoid using it altogether? “People with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, active rashes, open wounds, or broken skin should avoid using onions on the face. Those with known allergies to sulfur-rich foods should also stay away,” says Dr Passi.

The expert further adds, “Pregnant women and individuals undergoing dermatological treatments like chemical peels or retinoid therapy should consult a dermatologist before use. For such skin types, gentler ingredients are safer alternatives for achieving glow without risking irritation or inflammation.”

But always remember to do a patch test on a small portion of the onion face mask on your wrist or back of the ear. This will ensure that these combinations will not cause any skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience a burning sensation after application, it is advisable to wash it off immediately. Always avoid the area around the eyes when using onion masks.

The Final Word

Onions provide multiple benefits for skin. While they can give your skin the glow you want, it’s important to do a patch test before applying them on your face. Also, use them as part of a balanced skincare routine and always follow up with a moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.

Also Read: From Kitchen To Skincare: The Surge of Spice-Led Beauty in Urban India