Turmeric Skincare Without the Yellow Stains? Yes, It's Possible

Vogue

2 days ago

Per the ancient texts, turmeric's skincare benefits date back thousands of years, used across cultures as a healing spice, topical remedy, and part of beauty rituals. Modern skincare has only recently brought turmeric into the spotlight, as wellness-driven and Ayurvedic-inspired brands embrace its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. Celebrity esthetician Sadaf Jaffari notes that clinical and lab studies show turmeric offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits, with promising effects on acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and even photoaging.
Today, the best turmeric skincare products marry these time-honored benefits with science-backed formulas and complementary botanicals to deliver clear, radiant skin—without the yellow staining raw powder can leave behind. Below, leading experts share what to know about turmeric skincare, how to use it, and the 12 best turmeric products worth trying across cleansers, creams, masks, serums, and oils.
Vogue's Favorite Turmeric Skincare:
In This Article
Ranavat Brightening Dark Spot and Anti-Aging Facial Oil
Ranavat
Brightening Dark Spot and Anti-Aging Facial Oil
$35
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Let the record show I'm on my fourth bottle of this facial oil, and it's firmly in my holy grail lineup for glowy skin. A little goes a long way, and I love pairing it with a gua sha session to Michelangelo my cheekbones. It might err on the pricier side, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says that it contains over 150 bioactive compounds to help fade dark spots and fine lines. 'The star ingredient is pure saffron, which helps brighten and even out the complexion. It's lightweight enough to layer under SPF or moisturizer, and gentle enough for twice-daily use,' he says.
Let the record show I'm on my fourth bottle of this facial oil, and it's firmly in my holy grail lineup for glowy skin. A little goes a long way, and I love pairing it with a gua sha session to Michelangelo my cheekbones. It might err on the pricier side, but board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says that it contains over 150 bioactive compounds to help fade dark spots and fine lines. 'The star ingredient is pure saffron, which helps brighten and even out the complexion. It's lightweight enough to layer under SPF or moisturizer, and gentle enough for twice-daily use,' he says. Key Ingredients: Saffron, lotus flower, turmeric
Saffron, lotus flower, turmeric Best For : Dullness, uneven texture, acne-prone skin
: Dullness, uneven texture, acne-prone skin Size: 5 mL, 30 mL
Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Sunday Riley
C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
$80
AMAZON
$80
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Touted by Jaffari as a 'clever combo,' this face oil pairs vitamin C for brightening and tackling pigmentation with turmeric for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. 'The lightweight oil texture nourishes without feeling greasy, making it ideal for layering under makeup or using as the last step in a nighttime routine.' Think of it as a modern take of a traditional approach, pairing natural brighteners into a silky, stable formula that reveals its results over time. The only downside is that there isn't enough oil to slather all over our bodies.
Touted by Jaffari as a 'clever combo,' this face oil pairs vitamin C for brightening and tackling pigmentation with turmeric for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. 'The lightweight oil texture nourishes without feeling greasy, making it ideal for layering under makeup or using as the last step in a nighttime routine.' Think of it as a modern take of a traditional approach, pairing natural brighteners into a silky, stable formula that reveals its results over time. The only downside is that there isn't enough oil to slather all over our bodies. Key Ingredients: THD ascorbate, turmeric, ginger root extract, bisabolol
THD ascorbate, turmeric, ginger root extract, bisabolol Best For: Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture, dryness
Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture, dryness Size: 15 mL, 35 mL
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gold Jelly Gel Mask
Medicube
Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gel Mask
$18
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Medicube has been making the rounds on TikTok lately, and not just because the products are oddly satisfying to use—the Korean formulations deliver real results. 'I love the combination of kojic acid and turmeric,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi. 'They work well together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten your skin. Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory effects to the mask to help calm the skin.' And because it's a sheet format, it's easy to throw on while you're watching TV or slip into your carry-on for a long-haul flight.
Medicube has been making the rounds on TikTok lately, and not just because the products are oddly satisfying to use—the Korean formulations deliver real results. 'I love the combination of kojic acid and turmeric,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi. 'They work well together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten your skin. Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory effects to the mask to help calm the skin.' And because it's a sheet format, it's easy to throw on while you're watching TV or slip into your carry-on for a long-haul flight. Key Ingredients: Kojic Acid, turmeric, niacinamide
Kojic Acid, turmeric, niacinamide Best For : Dull, dry skin
: Dull, dry skin Size: 4 masks
Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Brightening Refillable Moisturizer
Kora Organics
Turmeric Glow Brightening Moisturizer
$66
AMAZON
Why We Love It: You might associate Kora Organics with its signature noni fruit oil, which here is paired turmeric and other nutrient-rich oils to help minimize the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Dr. Camp says it's particularly great for those with dry skin, noting that it not only brightens but also deeply hydrates and plumps, leaving the complexion firmer and smoother.
You might associate Kora Organics with its signature noni fruit oil, which here is paired turmeric and other nutrient-rich oils to help minimize the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Dr. Camp says it's particularly great for those with dry skin, noting that it not only brightens but also deeply hydrates and plumps, leaving the complexion firmer and smoother. Key Ingredients: Turmeric, licorice, noni fruit, marine microalgae, desert date oil
Turmeric, licorice, noni fruit, marine microalgae, desert date oil Best For : Dry skin, mature skin
: Dry skin, mature skin Size: 15 mL, 50 mL
True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Hydraglow Cream
True Botanicals
Ginger Turmeric Hydraglow Cream
$110
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It : Jaffari describes this gel-cream as having a rich texture that sinks in quickly, making it ideal for skin that's easily stressed or prone to redness. Instead of aggressively targeting pigmentation, she says it focuses on restoring balance, reducing flare-ups, and giving skin that just-had-a-good-night's-sleep look. 'Think calm skin and subtle radiance, not heavy-duty pigment correction.' As far as ingredients go, turmeric extract is paired with ginger, green tea, aloe, rosemary, and nourishing plant oils like jojoba, apricot, and cucumber seed for a soothing, anti-inflammatory blend.
: Jaffari describes this gel-cream as having a rich texture that sinks in quickly, making it ideal for skin that's easily stressed or prone to redness. Instead of aggressively targeting pigmentation, she says it focuses on restoring balance, reducing flare-ups, and giving skin that just-had-a-good-night's-sleep look. 'Think calm skin and subtle radiance, not heavy-duty pigment correction.' As far as ingredients go, turmeric extract is paired with ginger, green tea, aloe, rosemary, and nourishing plant oils like jojoba, apricot, and cucumber seed for a soothing, anti-inflammatory blend. Key Ingredients: Ginger extract, turmeric extracts
Ginger extract, turmeric extracts Best For : Dry skin, inflamed skin
: Dry skin, inflamed skin Size: 1.7 oz.
Eminence Organic Skin Care Turmeric Energizing Treatment
Eminence
Organic Skin Care Turmeric Treatment
$89
DERMSTORE
Why We Love It: Often found in top spas around the globe, Jaffari describes this turmeric treatment as a warming, exfoliating mask with turmeric, papain, and zeolite. 'The self-heating effect is invigorating, helping to open pores so the actives can work more effectively. Papain gently dissolves dull, dead cells while turmeric soothes any potential irritation, leaving skin soft and more even-toned.' However, since it's a rinse-off formula, she notes the benefits are more in-the-moment—perfect for a pre-event glow or post-exfoliation comfort—rather than a long-term pigmentation solution.
Often found in top spas around the globe, Jaffari describes this turmeric treatment as a warming, exfoliating mask with turmeric, papain, and zeolite. 'The self-heating effect is invigorating, helping to open pores so the actives can work more effectively. Papain gently dissolves dull, dead cells while turmeric soothes any potential irritation, leaving skin soft and more even-toned.' However, since it's a rinse-off formula, she notes the benefits are more in-the-moment—perfect for a pre-event glow or post-exfoliation comfort—rather than a long-term pigmentation solution. Key Ingredients : Turmeric, citrine gemstones, paprika, zeolite, kaolin clay
: Turmeric, citrine gemstones, paprika, zeolite, kaolin clay Best For: Dull skin, mature skin
Dull skin, mature skin Size: 2 oz.
Juara Anti-Aging Serum
Why We Love It: Formulated with turmeric, clove flower, goji berry, sea algae, watermelon, amla, pea extract, golden bamboo, and a palm-derived peptide, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia says this rich botanical blend supports 'anti-inflammatory action, brightening, collagen production, and structural elasticity.' Safe for all skin types, you only need a pump or two to cover the face and décolleté.
Formulated with turmeric, clove flower, goji berry, sea algae, watermelon, amla, pea extract, golden bamboo, and a palm-derived peptide, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia says this rich botanical blend supports 'anti-inflammatory action, brightening, collagen production, and structural elasticity.' Safe for all skin types, you only need a pump or two to cover the face and décolleté. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, palm peptides, clove flower, turmeric
Hyaluronic acid, palm peptides, clove flower, turmeric Best For: Mature skin
Mature skin Size: 30 mL
Aavrani Glow Activating Exfoliator
Aavrani
Glow Activating Exfoliator
$39
AMAZON
Why We Love It: The thing about turmeric is that it can easily stain both skin and nails, which is why we love this clay mask from Aavrani, which Dr. Rambhia promises is 'stain-free.' In addition to organic turmeric, it contains neem, jojoba, raw Manuka honey, and aloe. 'It gently exfoliates, brightens, calms inflammation, and clarifies skin tone while avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh irritants.'
The thing about turmeric is that it can easily stain both skin and nails, which is why we love this clay mask from Aavrani, which Dr. Rambhia promises is 'stain-free.' In addition to organic turmeric, it contains neem, jojoba, raw Manuka honey, and aloe. 'It gently exfoliates, brightens, calms inflammation, and clarifies skin tone while avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh irritants.' Key Ingredients: Honey, turmeric, neem
Honey, turmeric, neem Best For : Hyperpigmentation, dark spots
: Hyperpigmentation, dark spots Size: 50 mL
Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum
Herbivore
Nova Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum
$68
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Many may not realize that Herbivore began as a small Etsy shop before evolving into the brand it is today. Along the way, they perfected their botanical formulas, including this brightening turmeric serum, which Dr. Camp says is suitable for all skin types and tackles concerns like dark spots and uneven texture. 'The vitamin C and turmeric combination nourishes the skin and visibly improves hyperpigmentation,' he explains. 'It also contains arbutin, which helps minimize the appearance of pores.'
Many may not realize that Herbivore began as a small Etsy shop before evolving into the brand it is today. Along the way, they perfected their botanical formulas, including this brightening turmeric serum, which Dr. Camp says is suitable for all skin types and tackles concerns like dark spots and uneven texture. 'The vitamin C and turmeric combination nourishes the skin and visibly improves hyperpigmentation,' he explains. 'It also contains arbutin, which helps minimize the appearance of pores.' Key Ingredients : THD Vitamin C, turmeric, arbutin
: THD Vitamin C, turmeric, arbutin Best For: Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture
Dark spots, dullness, uneven texture Size: 30 mL
Kiehls Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask
Kiehl's
Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Mask
$54
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Jaffari describes this mask as a 'texture and radiance boost in one,' and we have to agree. She explains that cranberry seeds provide physical exfoliation, gently buffing away roughness, while turmeric helps to calm and subtly brighten. 'The creamy base ensures skin feels conditioned, not stripped, after rinsing. The result is skin that looks fresher, smoother, and more awake,' she says, noting that it's not a deep pigment corrector so much as a weekend pick-me-up treatment. For more significant changes in pigmentation, she suggests looking for turmeric higher on the ingredient list or in a concentrated serum.
Jaffari describes this mask as a 'texture and radiance boost in one,' and we have to agree. She explains that cranberry seeds provide physical exfoliation, gently buffing away roughness, while turmeric helps to calm and subtly brighten. 'The creamy base ensures skin feels conditioned, not stripped, after rinsing. The result is skin that looks fresher, smoother, and more awake,' she says, noting that it's not a deep pigment corrector so much as a weekend pick-me-up treatment. For more significant changes in pigmentation, she suggests looking for turmeric higher on the ingredient list or in a concentrated serum. Key Ingredients: Cranberry, turmeric
Cranberry, turmeric Best For: Dry, dull skin
Dry, dull skin Size: 28 mL, 100 mL
Tula Skincare The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
Tula
The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
$34
AMAZON
Why We Love It: If you want to incorporate turmeric into your daily cleanser, this probiotic gel formula from Tula contains turmeric root extract, green tea, yogurt ferment, and retinyl palmitate. 'It deeply cleanses while offering antioxidant protection, brightening, and skin-soothing benefits without over-drying,' says Dr. Rambhia.
If you want to incorporate turmeric into your daily cleanser, this probiotic gel formula from Tula contains turmeric root extract, green tea, yogurt ferment, and retinyl palmitate. 'It deeply cleanses while offering antioxidant protection, brightening, and skin-soothing benefits without over-drying,' says Dr. Rambhia. Key Ingredients: Probiotic extract, chicory root, turmeric, white tea, blueberry
Probiotic extract, chicory root, turmeric, white tea, blueberry Best For: Oily skin, dull skin
Oily skin, dull skin Size: 50 mL, 120 mL, 200 mL
Seoul Ceuticals Ultra Glow Korean Turmeric Face Cream
Seoul Ceuticals
Ultra Glow Korean Turmeric Face Cream
$19
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: It'd be a crime not to include at least one affordable K-beauty pick, especially for those devoted to a ten-step routine. At under $20, this turmeric-infused face cream combines hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. 'This product nourishes and soothes the skin while also offering anti-aging benefits like reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone,' says Dr. Camp.
It'd be a crime not to include at least one affordable K-beauty pick, especially for those devoted to a ten-step routine. At under $20, this turmeric-infused face cream combines hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. 'This product nourishes and soothes the skin while also offering anti-aging benefits like reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone,' says Dr. Camp. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid
Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid Best For: Dull, dry skin
Dull, dry skin Size: 60 mL
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