The amazing benefits of onion water for treating acne and lightening the skin and the correct ways to use it


If you're looking for a natural and effective solution for acne, you must try onion water! It might sound a bit unusual, but the truth is, onions aren’t just for cooking—they’re a natural treasure packed with antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that help cleanse the skin and fight acne.In this article by Dalily Medical, we’ll explore the top benefits of onion water for your face, especially in treating acne, and show you how to use it safely and easily at home.

Benefits of Onion Water for Skin: The Natural Secret to Healthy, Radiant Skin
If you want smooth, glowing skin without acne or dark spots, you need to know about the amazing benefits of onion water — a trending natural skincare remedy!

✔️ 1. Sun Protection
Onion water is rich in antioxidants that help protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause darkening and pigmentation.

✔️ 2. Fighting Wrinkles
Onions contain natural compounds that help combat signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look younger and more refreshed.

✔️ 3. Brightening Skin and Reducing Dark Spots
Onion water is known for its ability to lighten skin tone and reduce pigmentation by promoting skin cell renewal and removing dead skin.

✔️ 4. Natural Glow and Radiance
Regular use of onion water boosts blood circulation in the skin, giving your face a healthy and radiant glow all day long.


How to Make Onion Water for Your Face — Simple Steps
If you want to enjoy the benefits of onion water at home, here’s an easy way to prepare it with simple ingredients:

Preparation Steps:

  1. Peel a medium-sized onion and wash it well.

  2. Chop it into small pieces to make blending easier.

  3. Blend the pieces with a small amount of water until smooth.

  4. Strain the mixture through a clean cloth or fine sieve to get pure onion water.

  5. If you don’t like the strong onion smell, add one or two drops of essential oils like:

    • Lavender oil

    • Peppermint oil

    • Rosemary oil
      These will also help soothe your skin.

Benefits of Onion Water for Face and Skin

  1. Protects Skin from the Sun
    Onion water is rich in important vitamins like A, C, and E, along with antioxidants such as flavonoids. These help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and reduce their damaging effects.

  2. Fights Wrinkles and Aging
    Onion water contains a powerful antioxidant called quercetin, which helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, keeping your skin youthful.

  3. Detoxifies the Skin
    The antioxidants in onion help purify the blood from toxins, which reflects positively on skin health and reduces skin problems.

  4. Reduces Skin Inflammation
    Onions have natural anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the skin and help reduce irritation and redness.

  5. Boosts Radiance and Glow
    Thanks to its antioxidants, onion water stimulates blood circulation in the face, giving your skin a healthy and glowing appearance.

  6. Brightens Skin and Fades Dark Spots
    Onion water is rich in vitamin C, which helps lighten the skin and fade dark spots and pigmentation. You can mix it with a bit of turmeric for enhanced results.

  7. Treats Acne
    With its antibacterial properties, onion water helps cleanse pores and reduce acne, especially those caused by infections or excess oil buildup.


Benefits of Onion Water for Dry Skin: Natural Hydration with Fast Results

If you have dry skin suffering from flakiness or dullness, onion water could be the natural solution you’re looking for. Here’s how it helps:

  1. Soothes Inflammation
    Onion water contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that calms irritated and red skin — perfect for sensitive dry skin.

  2. Delays Wrinkles
    Dry skin is more prone to aging signs, but the antioxidants in onion help fight wrinkles and fine lines, keeping your skin youthful and smooth.

  3. Removes Blemishes and Minor Spots
    Onion contains natural acids and active compounds that can help lighten minor spots and gently cleanse the skin from impurities.

  4. Vitamin C for Clear Skin
    Rich in vitamin C, onion water plays an important role in brightening the skin and reducing pigmentation, restoring your face’s natural glow.

  5. Hydrates and Softens Skin
    One of its best features is moisturizing dry skin, preventing flakes, and leaving your skin soft, smooth, and free from excessive dryness or rough patches.


Benefits of Onion Water for Oily Skin: Natural Balance and Glow

If you have oily skin, onion water also plays a strong role in treating most of its problems, such as:

✔️ 1. Treating Acne
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, onion water deeply cleanses pores and reduces acne, especially for oily skin that produces excess sebum.

✔️ 2. Fighting Early Aging
It protects the skin from wrinkles and fine lines that can appear early due to excess oil and sun exposure.

✔️ 3. Sun Protection
Onion water contains antioxidants and vitamins that help protect the skin from sun damage and reduce inflammation caused by daily sun exposure.

✔️ 4. Evening Skin Tone
It stimulates blood circulation in the face, making oily skin look clearer and brighter over time, while reducing dark spots and uneven pigmentation.


Why Onion is Great for Skin and Acne Treatment

Onion is rich in natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances, making it an excellent choice for treating skin problems, especially acne.

Key Benefits of Onion for Skin and Acne:

  • Antibacterial and Germ-Fighting:
    Onion contains natural antiseptic compounds that kill bacteria causing acne and reduce inflammation that worsens skin problems.

  • Cleansing and Soothing:
    It helps purify and cleanse the skin, accelerating the healing of acne scars and minimizing their appearance over time.

  • Sun Protection:
    Onion water is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which protect skin from harmful UV rays and reduce their damaging effects.

  • Detoxifying Skin:
    The antioxidants in onion help remove toxins from the body and blood, which improves skin health and decreases facial skin issues.

  • Brightening Dark Spots and Pigmentation:
    Vitamin C in onion water is very effective in fading dark spots and pigmentation caused by acne or sun exposure. Adding a pinch of turmeric enhances this effect, as turmeric is known for its spot-reducing properties.


Best Ways to Use Onion for Skin Care and Appearance Improvement

Onion is not just a kitchen staple but also packed with amazing benefits for your skin. To get the best results, try these natural methods:

1. Exfoliate Dead Skin with Onion Peel Massage

  • Gently rub your skin with onion peel for 5 minutes.

  • Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
    This helps remove dead skin cells and renew your skin.

2. Onion Juice Toner to Even Skin Tone

  • Finely chop an onion and squeeze out the juice.

  • Soak a cotton pad in the juice and apply it to dark areas on your face.

  • Leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then wash with water.
    Repeat twice a week for more even skin tone.

3. Onion Mask to Purify and Cleanse Skin

  • Blend two onions into a paste.

  • Apply the paste to your face and leave for 15–20 minutes.

  • Wash off with lukewarm water.
    This will leave your skin clearer and smoother.

4. Onion Water for Skin Cell Renewal

  • Grate an onion and soak it in clean water in a container for 12 to 24 hours.

  • Strain the onion water and use it as a daily facial rinse to renew skin cells and improve skin appearance.

5. Onion Oil to Reduce Wrinkles and Improve Skin Elasticity

  • Boil onion pieces in vegetable oil for 15–20 minutes.

  • Strain and let the oil cool.

  • Gently massage the oil onto your skin to enhance elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

6. Onion and Honey Mask for Radiance and Elasticity

  • Mix onion juice with a teaspoon of natural honey.

  • Apply to your face for 15–20 minutes.

  • Rinse with lukewarm water to reveal a more radiant and elastic skin.


Natural Onion Water Face Masks for Healthy, Radiant Skin

Combining onion water with other natural ingredients enhances its effectiveness. Try these recipes for clear, even-toned, and glowing skin:

1. Onion Water and Yogurt Mask for Skin Purification

  • Mix equal parts onion water and yogurt in a small bowl.

  • Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or peppermint.

  • Apply to your face for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

  • Use twice a week for clean, soft skin.

2. Onion Water and Milk Mask for Skin Nourishment

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1.5 tablespoons onion water, half a tablespoon milk, and a pinch of nutmeg.

  • Stir until you get a thick paste.

  • Apply to your face and leave for 20 minutes until dry.

  • Rinse with warm water. Repeat twice a week for rejuvenated skin.

3. Onion and Flour Mask for Smooth, Glowing Skin

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 tablespoons flour

    • 1 tablespoon fresh onion juice

    • Half a teaspoon milk

    • A few drops of lavender oil

    • A pinch of nutmeg

  • Mix onion juice, flour, and lavender oil to form a dough-like paste.

  • Apply to face and neck after cleansing.

  • Leave for 20 minutes, then gently massage in circular motions.

  • Rinse with milk softly.

4. Onion Mask to Remove Dark Spots and Pigmentation

  • Method 1:

    • Cut an onion in half.

    • Gently rub your face with the onion half.

    • Leave onion juice on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash with water.

  • Method 2:

    • Mix equal parts fresh onion juice and milk, add a few drops of coconut oil.

    • Apply and massage gently in circular motions.

    • Leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

  • These recipes effectively lighten dark spots and pigmentation.

5. Onion and Rice Water Mask to Even Skin Tone

  • Mix 1 tablespoon onion juice with 1 tablespoon rice water (soaked or boiled).

  • Soak a cotton pad with the mixture and apply to your face.

  • Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

  • Regular use will even your skin tone and soften your skin.

6. Onion, Turmeric, and Yogurt Mask for Brightening

  • Mix 1 tablespoon onion juice with a pinch of pure turmeric and 1 tablespoon yogurt.

  • Apply to your face and leave for 10–15 minutes.

  • Rinse gently with lukewarm water.

  • This natural mask is powerful for brightening spots and improving skin glow.


Natural Face Mask Recipes Using Onion Juice for Radiant and Healthy Skin

Onion juice is one of nature’s beauty secrets with many benefits for the skin. Here is a collection of easy and effective recipes you can use to improve your skin:


1. Onion and Starch Mask for Clear and Smooth Skin

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 tablespoon starch

  • A little warm water to form a smooth paste

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
Apply it evenly on your skin and leave it to dry completely.
Then rinse your face with warm water.

Result:
Clear, smooth, and firm skin.


2. Onion and Potato Mask to Remove Strong Pigmentation

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 tablespoon potato juice

Preparation:
Mix the onion juice with the potato juice well.
Apply to pigmented areas every other day.
Leave for 10 minutes, then wash your face.

Result:
Quick lightening of dark spots and reduction of old pigmentation marks.


3. Onion and Pomegranate Peel Mask for Firming and Anti-Wrinkle

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • ½ tablespoon finely powdered pomegranate peel

  • 1 tablespoon yogurt

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients well.
Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it for 15 minutes.
Wash your face with lukewarm water.

Result:
Firm skin, reduced wrinkles, and noticeable radiance.


4. Onion and Fenugreek Mask for Deep Pore Cleansing

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • ½ tablespoon ground fenugreek

  • 1 tablespoon yogurt or aloe vera gel

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Apply the mask for 10 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.

Result:
Deep pore cleansing, reduced acne and blackheads.


5. Onion and Eggplant Water Mask for Brightening and Evening Skin Tone

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 teaspoon boiled eggplant water

  • ½ tablespoon starch

Preparation:
Mix ingredients well.
Apply on your face and leave for 15 minutes.
Wash with warm water.

Result:
Brightened, soothed, and more even skin tone.


6. Onion and Dried Fig Mask for Moisturizing and Nourishing Dry Skin

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 dried fig soaked and mashed

  • 1 tablespoon honey

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients well.
Apply the mixture on your face for 20 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.

Result:
Deep hydration, skin renewal, and excellent nourishment.


7. Onion and Cabbage Juice Mask for Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cabbage juice

  • A drop of lemon juice (optional)

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients.
Soak a cotton pad with the mixture and wipe your face.
Leave for 10 minutes and then rinse.

Result:
Tightened pores, reduced oil secretion, and clear radiant skin.


8. Onion and Raw Cocoa Mask for Instant Glow and Radiance

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 teaspoon raw cocoa powder

  • 1 tablespoon yogurt

Preparation:
Mix ingredients well until smooth.
Apply the mask on your face for 15 minutes.
Wash your face with warm water.

Result:
Radiant, glowing skin with a very soft texture.


9. Onion and Flaxseed Gel Mask for Natural Firming and Hydration

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed gel (soaked, boiled, and strained)

Preparation:
Mix the onion juice with the flaxseed gel thoroughly.
Apply the mask like a gel and leave for 20 minutes.
Rinse your face with lukewarm water.

Result:
Natural skin firming, reduced sagging, and deep hydration for a healthy youthful look.


Weekly Onion Face Mask Schedule for Different Skin Types

If you’re looking for a natural skincare routine using onion, this schedule offers a simple and organized plan suited for every skin type, helping you get the best results safely.

Day Oily Skin Dry Skin Combination Skin Normal Skin Sensitive Skin
Saturday Onion & Tomato Juice Mask for Acne Onion with Honey & Coconut Oil Mask Onion & Yogurt Mask Onion & Honey Mask Onion & Rose Water Mask
Sunday Rest or Natural Toner Rest or Toner with Light Oil Moisturizer Rest or Toner with Rose Water Rest or Light Rose Water Wipe Full Rest
Monday Onion & Oatmeal Mask for Oil Exfoliation Onion & Aloe Vera Gel Mask for Moisturizing Onion with Honey & Mild Lemon Mask Onion & Rice Water Mask Onion & Fat-Free Yogurt Mask
Tuesday Rest and Toner Only Moisturizing Only Rest Rest Rest
Wednesday Onion & Turmeric Mask for Spot Lightening Onion with Starch & Olive Oil Mask Onion & Potato Juice Mask Onion & Aloe Vera Gel Mask Onion & Small Amount of Honey Mask
Thursday Rest or Rose Water Wipe Rest with Good Moisturizing Rest with Light Cleansing Rest Full Rest
Friday Onion & Lemon Mask (on acne spots only) Onion & Honey Mask Onion with Oatmeal & Yogurt Mask Onion with Aloe Vera Gel & Honey Mask Onion & Aloe Vera Gel Mask

 


Important Tips When Using Onion Face Masks:

  • Patch Test: If this is your first time using onion masks, try applying a small amount on a small skin patch first to make sure you don’t have any allergic reaction.

  • For Sensitive Skin: Use diluted onion juice with rose water or aloe vera gel in very small amounts to avoid irritation.

  • Water Temperature: Never rinse the mask off with hot water. Always use lukewarm or cold water.

  • After the Mask: It’s essential to moisturize your skin with a light cream or aloe vera gel to keep hydration and soothe your skin.

  • Frequency: Twice a week is enough for sensitive or dry skin to prevent dryness or irritation.


⚠️ Potential Side Effects of Using Onion Masks on the Skin: Important Precautions

Onion has many benefits for the skin but can cause problems if used incorrectly or on sensitive skin. Here are the main possible side effects and tips to avoid them:

  1. Skin Irritation and Redness
    Onion juice is concentrated and strong, which may cause burning or redness, especially for sensitive skin.
    Tip: Always dilute onion juice with moisturizing ingredients like yogurt or aloe vera gel before applying.

  2. Skin Allergies
    Some people are naturally allergic to onion, which can cause:

  • Severe itching

  • Intense redness

  • Peeling or rash
    Safety Test: Apply a small drop behind the ear and wait 24 hours before full use.

  1. Dryness
    Onion contains astringent compounds that may dry out or tighten the skin if used frequently or for a long time.

  2. Strong Onion Smell
    The smell may linger on your skin even after washing, which can be unpleasant for you or others around you.
    Tip: Wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in rose water or lemon juice after washing off the mask.

  3. Increased Sun Sensitivity
    Onion compounds can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, especially if you go out without washing your face properly afterward.
    Tip: Always wash your face well after the mask and avoid direct sun exposure immediately.

  4. Worsening Acne or Open Wounds
    If you have inflamed acne or open wounds, onion juice might increase inflammation and cause severe burning.

  5. Dark Spots or Hyperpigmentation
    In rare cases, continuous onion use may cause dark spots, especially with sun exposure without protection.

  6. Eye and Sinus Irritation
    The strong onion smell can cause tearing, burning in the eyes, headaches, or nasal congestion if exposed in closed spaces for long periods.

  7. Weakening the Skin’s Natural Barrier
    Excessive use (more than twice a week) can reduce the natural oils that protect the skin, making it drier and more sensitive.

  8. Chronic Rash or Itching
    Even if no allergy appears initially, repeated use can cause chronic rash or itching.

  9. Who Should Avoid Onion Masks?

  • People with very sensitive skin

  • Patients with rosacea or eczema

  • Those with open wounds or cracks

  • People sensitive to strong onion smells

  1. Clogged Pores
    Heavy or long-lasting masks can clog pores, especially for oily skin types.

  2. Negative Reactions with Other Products
    Using onion masks with strong skincare products (like serums containing AHA/BHA acids or retinol) can increase irritation or weaken the skin.

  3. Excessive or Uneven Peeling
    Onion enzymes help exfoliate, but wrong use may cause excessive peeling affecting skin softness.

  4. Problems Around Mouth and Eyes
    Skin there is very sensitive; onion may cause:

  • Excessive peeling

  • Itching

  • Dryness
    Especially if not diluted properly.

  1. Mild Flaking or Scaling
    Some may notice mild flaking a couple of days after use due to sulfur compounds in onion.

⚠️ Important Precautions Before Using Onion Juice on the Skin

Onion juice is effective for the skin but can cause problems if not used correctly. To protect your skin, you must pay attention to these precautions:

  1. Avoid Contact with Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and Lips
    Onion juice is strong and burning, so avoid getting it near your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips.
    If it accidentally touches these areas, rinse immediately with cold or lukewarm water.

  2. Do Not Use on Wounds or Damaged Skin
    Do not apply onion juice on:

  • Open wounds

  • Sunburned skin

  • Dry or irritated skin
    If your skin is wounded or inflamed, wait until it heals before applying onion juice.

  1. Avoid Using on Eczema Areas
    If you have eczema, do not apply onion juice on those areas unless they are fully healed.

  2. Do Not Mix with Acne Medications Without Doctor’s Advice
    If you use other acne medications, do not combine them with onion juice on the same area unless your doctor approves.

  3. Avoid Using Irritating Products Alongside Onion Juice
    Stay away from products containing:

  • Harsh or strong soaps and cleansers

  • Products with harmful alcohol

  • Excessive astringent agents
    These ingredients can increase irritation when used with onion juice.

  1. Do Not Use Topical Sulfur Medications with Onion Juice
    Sulfur combined with onion can increase skin irritation, so if you use sulfur-based medications, avoid using onion juice at the same time.

  2. Be Careful If You Have Sensitive Skin or Allergy to Onion
    If your skin is very sensitive or you have allergies to onion, sulfur, or similar substances, it is best to avoid using onion juice altogether.