What Is Kumkumadi Thailam? A Plain Guide to the Kerala Face Oil
Saffron, manjishta and sandalwood in a classical Ayurvedic face oil, and how to use it.
Kumkumadi thailam is one of the best known Ayurvedic face oils in Kerala. The name comes from kumkuma, the Sanskrit word for saffron, and thailam, which simply means oil. Classical recipes steep saffron with herbs such as manjishta, red sandalwood and licorice in a base oil, then cook it slowly.
Why people reach for it: the oil is traditionally used as an evening ritual for skin that looks dull or uneven. It is a nourishing oil, so a little goes a long way.
How to use it: warm two or three drops between your palms, press them into clean skin and massage upward in small circles. Do this at night. Most people leave it on and wash the face in the morning.
What to look for in a bottle: a short ingredient list, real saffron, and a proper herbal base rather than a mineral oil. Our own Kumkumadi Thailam is made in small batches in Kerala.
Ingredients behind it: Saffron, Manjishta, Red Sandalwood, Licorice.
Patch test any new oil on your inner forearm first. This article is for general interest and is not medical advice.