A spice extract whose curcumin is anti-inflammatory in the lab. Evidence on skin is early and small, and it can stain skin yellow.
Turmeric root contains curcumin, a yellow polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. In skincare it appears in brightening and calming serums and masks.
Curcumin dissolves poorly and breaks down easily, and products rarely say how much they contain. Strongly coloured products can leave a yellow tint on skin and fabric.
A 2016 systematic review found 18 small clinical studies of oral or topical turmeric or curcumin across acne, psoriasis, photoaging and other conditions; 10 reported significant improvement, but the authors called the evidence early and limited. Few studies test cosmetic topical products.
Of 18 clinical studies of oral or topical turmeric/curcumin across skin conditions, 10 reported statistically significant improvement over control, but the studies were limited and further research is needed.