Mustard Oil for Skin: 8 DIY Face & Body Care Uses

1. Deep Moisturiser for Dry Skin

Best for: Dry, flaky, or rough skin on hands, feet, elbows, and knees

Mustard oil's high MUFA content makes it an excellent emollient — it penetrates the skin barrier and locks in moisture without leaving a greasy residue (when used in the right amount).

How to use:

• Apply a few drops to damp skin immediately after bathing
• Massage gently until absorbed
• For very dry areas (heels, elbows), apply generously at night and wear socks or gloves

Why it works: The oleic acid in mustard oil is structurally similar to the skin's natural sebum, allowing it to integrate into the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

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2. Tan Removal and Skin Brightening

Best for: Sun-tanned skin, uneven skin tone, dark spots

Mustard oil contains vitamin E and selenium — both powerful antioxidants that help neutralise free radical damage from UV exposure and gradually fade tan lines and dark spots.

DIY tan removal pack:

• 1 tablespoon kachi ghani mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon besan (chickpea flour)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• A few drops of lemon juice

Mix into a paste, apply to tanned areas, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use 2–3 times per week.

Why it works: Besan gently exfoliates dead skin cells, turmeric inhibits melanin production, lemon brightens, and mustard oil provides the antioxidant base that repairs UV damage.

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3. Anti-Ageing Face Massage

Best for: Fine lines, dull skin, loss of elasticity

The vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids in mustard oil support collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress — two key factors in skin ageing.

How to use:

• Warm 3–4 drops of mustard oil between your palms
• Apply to a clean face using upward, circular massage strokes
• Focus on the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes (avoid the eye area itself)
• Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse or wipe off with a warm cloth

Use 2–3 times per week at night. Do not use during the day if you are going out in the sun — the oil can increase photosensitivity.

Note: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, do a patch test first. Mustard oil is comedogenic for some skin types.

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4. Fungal Infection Treatment

Best for: Ringworm, athlete's foot, nail fungus, skin rashes

Mustard oil's allyl isothiocyanate has demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans and dermatophytes (the fungi that cause ringworm and athlete's foot) in laboratory studies.

How to use:

• Apply undiluted mustard oil directly to the affected area
• Leave for 30–60 minutes, then rinse
• Repeat twice daily until the infection clears

For nail fungus, soak a cotton ball in mustard oil and tape it over the affected nail overnight.

Important: Mustard oil is a complementary remedy, not a replacement for medical treatment. If the infection is severe or spreading, consult a dermatologist.

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5. Chapped Lip Treatment

Best for: Dry, cracked, or chapped lips

A tiny drop of mustard oil on chapped lips works as well as any commercial lip balm — and without the petroleum derivatives, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives.

How to use:

• Apply a single drop to lips before bed
• Massage gently
• Leave overnight

The fatty acids in mustard oil repair the delicate lip skin barrier and lock in moisture. You will notice softer lips within a few days.

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6. Stretch Mark Prevention and Reduction

Best for: Pregnancy stretch marks, post-weight-loss stretch marks

Mustard oil's vitamin E and fatty acids support skin elasticity and help repair the connective tissue damage that causes stretch marks.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts mustard oil and coconut oil
• Massage into the affected area for 5–10 minutes
• Use daily, ideally after bathing when skin is still slightly damp

For prevention during pregnancy, start using from the second trimester. For existing stretch marks, consistent use over 3–6 months can reduce their appearance.

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7. Sunscreen Booster (Not a Replacement)

Best for: Adding antioxidant protection to your sun care routine

Mustard oil has a natural SPF of approximately 1–2 — not enough to use as a standalone sunscreen, but its antioxidant compounds (vitamin E, selenium) help neutralise the free radicals generated by UV exposure.

How to use:

• Mix 2–3 drops of mustard oil into your regular sunscreen before applying
• This adds antioxidant protection without reducing the SPF of your sunscreen

Important: This is not a replacement for proper SPF 30+ sunscreen. It is an enhancement.

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8. Body Scrub Base

Best for: Exfoliating and softening rough skin all over the body

Mustard oil makes an excellent base for DIY body scrubs because it moisturises while you exfoliate.

DIY mustard oil body scrub:

• 2 tablespoons kachi ghani mustard oil
• 3 tablespoons sugar or sea salt
• 1 teaspoon honey
• A few drops of essential oil (optional — lavender or rose)

Mix together, apply to damp skin in circular motions, rinse off. Use once or twice a week.

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Important Precautions

Patch test first: Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours before using on your face. Some people are sensitive to mustard oil, particularly those with mustard allergies.

Avoid broken skin: Do not apply mustard oil to open wounds or severely inflamed skin.

Dilute for sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, dilute mustard oil with a carrier oil (coconut or almond) in a 1:2 ratio.

Not for infants: Despite traditional practices, research suggests that mustard oil applied to newborn skin may damage the skin barrier. Consult a paediatrician before using on babies.

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Use Only Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil for Skin Care

For skin care, always use kachi ghani (cold pressed) mustard oil — not refined mustard oil. Refined oil has been stripped of the vitamin E, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that make it effective for skin.

Dune Aura's kachi ghani mustard oil is stone-ground in Gurugram, with zero additives and zero heat treatment. The same oil that goes into your cooking is pure enough for your skin.

Shop kachi ghani mustard oil →

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FAQ

Can I apply mustard oil on my face daily?
For most skin types, 2–3 times per week is sufficient. Daily use may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin. Always do a patch test first and use only a few drops — a little goes a long way.

Does mustard oil remove tan?
Yes, over time. Mustard oil's vitamin E and antioxidants help fade UV-induced tan and dark spots. For faster results, use the besan-turmeric-mustard oil pack described above, 2–3 times per week.

Is mustard oil good for dry skin?
Yes, it is excellent for dry skin. Its high MUFA content deeply moisturises and repairs the skin barrier. Apply to damp skin after bathing for best results.

Can mustard oil cause skin irritation?
Some people are sensitive to mustard oil, particularly those with mustard allergies. Always do a patch test before using on your face. Dilute with a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin.

Which mustard oil is best for skin — kachi ghani or refined?
Always use kachi ghani (cold pressed) for skin care. Refined mustard oil has been stripped of the vitamin E, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that make it effective for skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mustard oil good for face skin?

Cold press mustard oil contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and essential fatty acids that moisturise and protect skin. It has natural SPF properties and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, it is comedogenic for some skin types, so patch-test on your inner arm before applying to your face.

Can mustard oil remove tan?

Mustard oil contains beta-carotene and Vitamin E which support skin cell renewal. Traditional recipes mixing mustard oil with gram flour (besan) and turmeric are used as natural tan removal scrubs. Results vary by skin type and sun exposure level.

How do I use mustard oil as a body moisturiser?

Apply a small amount of warm cold press mustard oil to damp skin immediately after bathing. The oil absorbs better into moist skin and locks in hydration. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels. The slight pungent smell dissipates within 15 to 20 minutes.

Does mustard oil help with cracked heels?

Yes. Mustard oil is one of the most effective traditional remedies for cracked heels. Apply generously to clean, dry heels before bed, wear cotton socks overnight, and wash off in the morning. Consistent use for 2 to 3 weeks shows significant improvement.

Can I use mustard oil on oily skin?

Mustard oil is heavy and may clog pores on oily or acne-prone skin. If you have oily skin, use it only on dry patches or as a scalp treatment rather than an all-over face oil. Sesame oil or jojoba oil are better alternatives for oily skin types.

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Order in Gurugram and Delhi NCR

If you are looking for cold pressed mustard oil for your kitchen, Dune Aura offers local ordering options for readers in Gurugram and the wider Delhi NCR region. Explore cold pressed mustard oil in Gurugram and cold pressed mustard oil across Delhi NCR to compare availability and choose the right option for your household.