Turmeric Chickpea Glow Ubtan
A soft golden paste where chickpea flour sloughs gently as you rinse, yogurt keeps it creamy and cool, and almond oil stops the whole thing feeling tight.
You will need
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tsp almond oil
The ritual
- Whisk the chickpea flour and turmeric together in a small bowl to break up lumps.
- Stir in the yogurt and almond oil until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Smooth it over arms, legs and shoulders on damp skin, working in short strokes.
- Leave ten minutes, until it is tacky but not cracked and dry.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, rubbing in small circles as the paste loosens.
Why these ingredients
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour
- The gritty body of the paste; it lifts dull surface flakes as you rinse and takes a little surface oil with them.
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- Traditional to ubtan and gives the paste its colour and warm, earthy smell. A quarter teaspoon is plenty to avoid staining.
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- Loosens the flour into a spreadable cream and leaves skin feeling cool and soft rather than stripped and squeaky.
- 1 tsp almond oil
- Keeps the paste from drying to a tight crust and puts a little slip back into the skin after rinsing.
Easy swaps
- 2 tbsp chickpea flour → fine oat flour, which is gentler if your skin reacts easily.
- 1/4 tsp turmeric → leave it out if staining worries you; the ubtan still polishes.
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt → coconut yogurt or a splash of milk if dairy is a problem.
- 1 tsp almond oil → olive or sunflower oil, and use those if nuts are out.
Keep it clean
Mix with freshly washed hands and clean, dry bowls and spoons. If a recipe is stored, use a jar or bottle washed in hot soapy water and dried completely, and never dip wet fingers into the batch.
Storage & when to let go
Single use only. Mix it fresh each time; yogurt will not sit safely on a shelf.
What to expect — honestly
Skin feels smoother straight away and looks a little brighter because the dull top layer has gone. This is polish, not a change in your skin tone, and it lasts a few days at most. Once or twice a week is plenty.
Common questions
Can I use this on my face?
You can, but use a thinner layer and only ten minutes, and do it at night so any yellow tint has faded by morning. Keep it well away from the eyes.
Will it lighten my skin?
No. It rubs away loose surface flakes so skin looks even and catches the light better, but it does not change your natural tone.
This recipe is shared for general cosmetic enjoyment, not medical advice — see how we research and write in our editorial policy and the full safety guide.
