Cloves for Skin: 5 DIY Recipes to Brighten, Smooth, and Refresh Your Face
You might assume all the skincare products in your bathroom are safe and effective—but what if one of the most powerful beauty boosters is already sitting in your spice rack?
Recent research suggests cloves aren’t just flavor-packed—they’re rich in antioxidants, antibacterial compounds, and skin-loving nutrients that can transform dull or uneven skin.
Used correctly, cloves can brighten your complexion, tighten pores, and help fight early aging. Used incorrectly, they can also irritate sensitive skin—so preparation matters.
Below are five simple, effective DIY clove-based skincare recipes to help you achieve clearer, firmer, more radiant skin naturally.
1. Clove Toner Spray
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cloves
1½ cups water
1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
2–3 drops tea tree oil
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (optional)
Preparation:
Boil the cloves for 5–7 minutes and strain. Once the mixture cools, add the remaining ingredients. Keep refrigerated for up to a week.
Use:
Mist onto clean skin morning and evening.
Benefits:
Tightens pores
Controls excess oil
Firms and refreshes skin
Helps prevent breakouts
2. Soothing Clove Gel
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon clove powder
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
2 drops tea tree oil
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Preparation:
Mix until smooth and store in the refrigerator for 7–10 days.
Use:
Apply nightly or every other night if your skin is sensitive.
Benefits:
Reduces acne and inflammation
Fades dark spots and acne scars
Improves overall texture
3. Clove and Mint Ice Cubes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cloves
8–10 fresh mint leaves
2 cups water
1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
Preparation:
Boil the cloves and mint, strain, and pour into an ice tray to freeze.
Use:
Glide a cube across your face each morning, then moisturize.
Benefits:
Shrinks pores
Refreshes dull skin
Boosts circulation for a healthy glow
4. Clove-Infused Oil
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon lightly crushed cloves
3 tablespoons carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, or almond)
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Preparation:
Warm gently in a double boiler for 10–15 minutes. Let rest for 1–2 days, strain, and store in a dark bottle.
Use:
Massage 2–3 drops onto your face at night or mix with your night cream.
Benefits:
Stimulates collagen production
Softens fine lines
Restores elasticity and radiance
5. Clove Night Serum
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon clove toner
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
2 drops tea tree oil
1 drop clove oil
Preparation:
Shake well before each use.
Use:
Apply before bed, leave on overnight, and rinse in the morning.
Benefits:
Brightens dull skin
Evens out discoloration
Adds visible radiance by morning
Precautions
Cloves are potent. To avoid irritation:
Always perform a patch test first.
Do not apply near the eyes or use on broken skin.
Limit use to 3–4 times a week for dry or sensitive skin.
If you feel burning, redness, or discomfort, rinse immediately.
Conclusion
Cloves are far more than a kitchen spice—they’re a powerful skincare ally packed with natural antibacterial and antioxidant benefits.
When used correctly, cloves can help reduce acne, brighten dull areas, tighten pores, and bring out a luminous glow. These quick DIY recipes make it easy to incorporate the spice into your routine safely and effectively.