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Kumkumadi oil is a traditional Ayurvedic face oil named after kumkuma, the Sanskrit word for saffron. It is made by slowly cooking herbs and floral waters into an oil base, and it is used at night to help skin look brighter, more even and well nourished.
What is in kumkumadi oil?
Every kumkumadi oil is built around saffron, with a long list of supporting herbs. The method, known as taila pak vidhi, heats herbs, floral waters and oil together for hours so the oil takes on the herbs.
Varnya Drops, H-Mantra's kumkumadi oil, contains more than twenty botanical powders. Red sandalwood, saffron, manjistha and licorice lead, with blue lotus and sacred lotus petals among the rest. They are infused with rose water, guava leaf hydrosol and sesame oil, and finished with geranium essential oil.
What is kumkumadi oil used for?
People use kumkumadi oil to help with:
- dull or tired-looking skin
- the look of uneven tone and dark spots
- dryness, as part of a nourishing night routine
On the Varnya Drops page, saffron is described as brightening the complexion, red sandalwood as improving texture and licorice as promoting an even skin tone.
How to use kumkumadi oil
- Cleanse your face, then tone if you use a toner.
- Warm a few drops between your palms. Use 3 to 4 drops if you are using a kansa wand.
- Massage into your face and neck with upward, circular motions.
- Leave it on overnight, or for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
For a deeper ritual, use it with the Kansa Wand: the oil gives the wand its glide. Both come together in The Gold Edit.
Which skin types suit kumkumadi oil?
| Skin type | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Dry | Nightly |
| Normal | Nightly |
| Combination | 3 to 4 nights a week |
| Oily | Use sparingly, 2 to 3 drops at night |
| Acne-prone | Patch test first and use in moderation |
Kumkumadi oil or vitamin C serum?
They are different products. A vitamin C serum is usually a water-based formula built on one active ingredient. Kumkumadi oil is an oil-based infusion of many herbs, used mainly at night. Some people use a serum in the morning and kumkumadi oil in the evening. If you combine products, introduce one at a time.
Is kumkumadi oil safe?
Kumkumadi oil contains plant extracts and essential oils, so patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a healthcare professional before using new skincare.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use kumkumadi oil every day?
Yes, if you have dry or normal skin. Combination skin often does better with 3 to 4 nights a week, and oily skin with a smaller amount.
Should I leave kumkumadi oil on overnight?
Yes, overnight is the traditional way to use it. If you prefer, leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Can I use kumkumadi oil with a kansa wand?
Yes. Apply 3 to 4 drops to clean skin and use the wand in upward and outward strokes for 5 to 10 minutes.
Where can I buy kumkumadi oil in the UK?
Varnya Drops Kumkumadi Oil (30 ml, £120) is available from H-Mantra with delivery to England, Scotland and Wales. A travel-size mini costs £30.
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