An ubtan is a traditional skincare treatment hailing from ancient India that has been used for centuries to promote healthy, glowing skin. Consisting of a
powder or paste, ubtans are applied to the skin using a massage technique known as ubvartan. Rich in natural ingredients and packed with benefits, ubtans serve as a versatile remedy for various skin concerns.
As a cleanser, skin tonic, and refresher, ubtans are revered for their ability to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. They can help repair sun damage and cater to different skin types by balancing the moisture levels.
For individuals with Kapha skin, ubtans can help dry up excess moisture, while for those with Vata skin, the right blend of herbs can provide much-needed hydration. Discover the magic of ubtans and unlock the secret to a vibrant, healthy complexion.
Common Ingredients
Ubtans are typically made from a blend of natural ingredients that are tailored to address specific skin concerns. Some common ingredients found in ubtans include:
Base Ingredients May Include:
- Chickpea flour (Besan) - A popular base for ubtans, it helps remove dirt and impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells, and brighten the complexion. It is cleansing, drying and astringent.
- Almond powder - Rich in vitamin E, almond powder helps nourish the skin, provide gentle exfoliation, and promote a smooth, even complexion.
- Ground Oatmeal - The demulcent nature of oatmeal flour helps moisturize the skin.
- Rice flour - A gentle exfoliant, rice flour can help remove dead skin cells, brighten the complexion, and improve overall skin texture.
Common Herbs Include:
- Turmeric - Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric can help reduce pigmentation, even out skin tone, and fight acne. But it cannot be used on visible areas, as it temporarily turns the skin yellow.
- Sandalwood powder - With its soothing and cooling effects, sandalwood powder is excellent for reducing inflammation, treating acne, and brightening the skin. Sandalwood restores your natural glow.
- Neem powder - Renowned for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, neem powder helps combat acne, soothe skin irritations, promote a clearer complexion, and reduce blemishes such as liver spots.
- Rose petals - Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, rose petals can help rejuvenate the skin, reduce redness, and maintain skin's natural pH balance. Rose petal is astringent and anti-inflammatory.
- Orange peel powder - Packed with vitamin C, orange peel powder helps brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and stimulate collagen production.
- Saffron - A luxury ingredient that helps improve skin tone, fight blemishes, and impart a natural glow to the skin.
Typical Anupans
- Rosewater - Cooling astringent
- Milk or yogurt - Provides gentle exfoliation and moisturization, thanks to their lactic acid content.
- Honey - Moisturizing, nourishing, disinfectant. Use yogurt and honey in a 3:1 ration.
- Aloe vera gel - Moisturizing anti-inflammatory, disinfectant
- Curd - Moisturizing, nourishing
- May also be prepared as a dry powder
These ingredients can be combined in various proportions to create ubtans that cater to specific skin types and concerns. You can also add essential oils or other natural ingredients to enhance the benefits of your ubtan.
Recipes
Caution
Some commercial Indian ubtans include heavy metals, as these can help whiten the skin. Skin whitening makes up 61% of the dermatology market in India.
How to Make & Apply Ubtans
Measure the Dry Base
| Ingredient |
Amount (1 use) |
| Chickpea (besan) flour |
Face - 2 Tbsp / 16 Whole Body - 1 cup / 120 g |
| Finely ground oats or sandalwood powder |
Face - 1 tsp / 2 g Whole Body - ¼ cup / 30 g |
| Turmeric powder |
Face - ¼ tsp / 1 g Whole Body - 1 Tbsp / 8 g |
Optional: ½ tsp neem or licorice for blemishes; ½ tsp milk powder for extra emollience.
Add the Liquid & Binder
| Liquid |
Amount |
| Milk, yogurt, or rose water |
1 Tbsp (face) or ½ cup (body), add more as needed |
| Honey or almond/sesame oil |
½ tsp (face) / 1 Tbsp (body) |
Mix to a Smooth Paste
- Use a bowl or your palm.
- Paste should be like pancake batter: spreadable but not drippy.
Application Method
Apply a 2mm thick coating.
| Area |
Technique |
| Face & Neck |
Apply upward, gentle strokes; avoid eyes. 10-12 min (until just tacky, not fully dry) |
| Body |
Massage in circles from limbs toward heart 15-20 min, remove heavy material, then shower. |
Tip: Don't let the ubtan dry rock-hard; this can dehydrate skin and make removal harsh.
Removal
- Wet hands and gently massage paste in circles—it will ball up. Remove as much material as possible before rinsing, and use a strainer in the drain, to avoid clogging household plumbing.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. No soap needed unless skin is oily.
- Pat dry and apply a light moisturizer or facial oil.
Frequency
- Normal/combination skin: 2-3 × per week
- Dry/sensitive skin: 1-2 × per week (use milk/yogurt, extra oil)
- Oily/acne-prone skin: Up to 3 × per week (use rose or plain water, skip oil)
Safety & Storage
- Patch test inside the elbow for 12 h if sensitive.
- Turmeric can temporarily stain fair skin; do not use in visible areas.
- Store leftover dry mix in an airtight jar up to three months. Add liquids fresh for each use.
Enjoy your natural, glowing complexion!
Summary
Ubtans are versatile skincare treatments that promote radiant, healthy skin. Combining a powder or paste with natural ingredients such as chickpea flour, turmeric, sandalwood powder, and rose petals, ubtans exfoliate and revitalize the skin while addressing various concerns. Applied using a massage technique called ubvartan, these treatments can be customized to suit specific skin types by adjusting ingredient proportions and adding essential oils. However, caution is advised when selecting commercial Indian ubtans, as some may contain heavy metals for skin lightening purposes.
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