Can saffron priced at Rs 3 lakh per kg solve all your skincare problems?

If you’ve always trusted your nani and dadi’s age-old nuskhe, you’d agree that our kitchens are stocked with ingredients that benefit not only our gut health but also our skin.

Many of us already rely on curry leaves for hair health and experiment with raw garlic for acne relief. Recently, though, the spotlight on social media has turned to saffron, with influencers touting it as a solution for various skincare issues. Given that this luxurious spice can sell for as much as Rs 3,00,000 per kg in India, it’s worth asking: do skincare experts actually recommend adding saffron to your routine?

First things first… Is saffron good for the skin?

Saffron threads are derived from the delicate, crimson stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Since it takes roughly 75,000 flowers to produce a single pound of saffron, it’s among the most expensive spices in the world.

Meanwhile, giving saffron for skin a nod, Dr Shristi, an aesthetic physician and founder of Aviv Aesthetics in New Delhi, tells India Today that this spice is beneficial for all skin types.

“It brightens the complexion, helps fight acne, and reduces inflammation. Saffron is especially great for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin in terms of nourishment, balancing moisture, and oil levels,” she says.

Further, Dr Niti Gaur, a dermatologist and founder of Citrine Clinic in Gurugram, mentions that saffron is often used in lotions, moisturisers, and de-pigmentation and anti-ageing products.

Studies also claim that saffron can protect against UV radiation. Shedding light on this, Dr Nirupama Parwanda, a dermatologist and founder of Zolie Skin Clinic in New Delhi, notes that research on saffron’s high crocin and safranal concentrations suggests it may help shield the skin from damaging UV rays, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing.

“Tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin, is inhibited by saffron, which is why it lightens the skin and lessens hyperpigmentation. Although these assertions are promising, more thorough clinical research is needed to fully validate saffron’s effectiveness as a skincare ingredient for these uses,” adds Dr Parwanda.

Let’s get to the benefits
Antioxidant: Saffron is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from free radicals that cause premature ageing and photodamage.

Anti-inflammatory: Saffron can help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate discomfort.
Skin brightening: Saffron naturally brightens the skin, diminishing pigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes.

“Saffron stimulates both collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, promoting firmer, brighter, plumper, healthier, and more even-toned skin. It also improves blood circulation and oxygenation of the tissues,” shares Dr Gaur.

According to Dr Shristi, saffron also helps hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, while acting as an antibacterial agent to combat acne.

Dried saffron vs saffron oil
Dried saffron threads and saffron oil differ in form, extraction process, uses, and potency. While saffron threads are the pure, unaltered stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, saffron oil is made by infusing dried saffron threads in a carrier oil, like almond or jojoba oil.

Dr Shristi states that, like dried saffron, saffron oil also brightens skin, reduces inflammation, and fights acne. “In oil form, it is more concentrated, making it effective for deep hydration and absorption, while dried saffron works well in masks or infusions, offering gradual, long-term benefits,” she says.

On the other hand, Dr Parwanda notes that while dried saffron and saffron oil share comparable benefits, their applications and concentrations differ.

“Saffron oil is useful for skincare since it retains its antioxidant and skin-brightening qualities even when blended with carrier oils. Dried saffron, when added to food or tea, has broader health benefits, including improved digestion and mood enhancement. Although both have antioxidant properties, dried saffron is consumed for internal health, while saffron oil is more often applied externally.”

Want to add saffron to your DIY routine?

If you’re looking to experiment with saffron in your skincare routine, try incorporating it through serums, oils, or face masks.

Dr Shristi suggests mixing it with yogurt and turmeric for brightening, rose water for a soothing toner, or honey as a spot treatment for acne.

“These simple methods provide hydration, reduce pigmentation, and promote a glowing complexion,” she adds.

• Crush the saffron threads into a fine powder in a small dish.
• Stir in the honey and saffron powder.
• Add almond flour or finely ground oats and stir until a thick, gritty mixture forms.
• Using gentle circular strokes, massage the saffron scrub into wet skin, paying particular attention to rough spots.
• Allow the saffron to work its magic by letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Rinse your skin with warm water, pat dry, and apply your favourite moisturiser.

Be cautious
When starting with saffron in your skincare routine, apply a small amount initially, as excessive use can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin. It’s also essential to choose high-quality, authentic saffron to help prevent allergic reactions and ensure the best results.

Adding to this, Dr Gaur advises that saffron may not be safe for those with pollen allergies, and pregnant women should also avoid it.

The cost factor
“While saffron offers excellent skin benefits, its cost may not be affordable for everyone,” states Dr Shristi. She adds that for those who don’t want to splurge, alternatives like turmeric or liquorice root can provide similar benefits.

“Turmeric and liquorice root, for instance, brighten skin, reduce pigmentation, and have anti-inflammatory effects, making them great substitutes for saffron in skincare.”

Dr Parwanda also mentions a few alternatives, “Reasonably priced options such as rosehip oil and aloe vera are available. Rosehip oil aids in pigmentation and anti-ageing, while aloe vera hydrates and calms the skin. These alternatives make beauty rituals more affordable by offering cost-effective ways to care for your skin without the high price of saffron.”