In brief: Kumkumadi oil (Kumkumadi Thailam or Kumkumadi Taila, sold by Art of Vedas as Kumkumadi Serum) is the classical Ayurvedic face oil: a group of plants led by saffron, Kumkuma, among them liquorice, lotus, Manjishtha and turmeric, cooked into sesame oil by the Sneha Paka method. The name means the oil that begins with saffron, not a plant. The reference usually cited is the Ashtanga Hridayam. It is traditionally applied to the face at night in the Ayurvedic skincare routine. This guide covers what it is, what the name means, what it is made of, how to apply it, and how thailam, oil, serum and lepam differ.
Beauty & Skin
THE WHAT AND WHY OF KUMKUMADI OIL
Reviewed by Dr. Anu Joy, MD (Ayurveda), Ayurvedic doctor of Art of Vedas
If you’re even remotely into Ayurveda, you’d have heard about the Kumkumadi Oil. Let’s find out what it is, what it does, and how cherished it is for the skin. Kumkumadi oil, also known as Kumkumadi thailam, is a remarkable Ayurvedic elixir renowned for its traditional role in nurturing the skin and supporting a healthy-looking complexion.
This rich oil combines numerous precious herbs, with saffron as the primary ingredient. The term "Kumkumadi" translates to "Kumkum," meaning saffron, and "aadi," referring to a group of 20-26 herbs that collectively are traditionally valued for a glowing and healthy-looking complexion.
As a revered Ayurvedic facial oil, Kumkumadi thailam is cherished in skincare rituals and is considered one of the most extraordinary and ancient Ayurvedic beauty secrets. Often described as a 'miraculous elixir,' regular application of this oil is believed to make your skin glow like gold. It is celebrated in tradition for refreshing the look of the skin, illuminating the complexion, and supporting a youthful and healthy-looking appearance.
INGREDIENTS OF KUMKUMADI TAILAM
- Saffron (Kumkum)
- Kamal Kesar
- Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Yashtimadhu)
- Goat milk
- Sesame oil
- Rose water
- Neel Kamal (Nilkand)
- Ficus (Vat vriksha)
- Nisha
- Manjistha
- White sandalwood (Sweta Chandana)
- Lac (Laksha)
- Pakar
- Pattaga
- Daruhaldi
BENEFITS OF USING KUMKUMADI OIL/TAILAM
1. Supports a Radiant Complexion
Saffron, traditionally valued for brightening the look of the skin, combined with other herbs, is cherished for enhancing the overall appearance of the complexion and for refreshing the look of the skin.
2. Comforts the Look of Tired Skin
Kumkumadi thailam is traditionally appreciated in Ayurveda as a soothing facial oil, valued for caring for the look of the skin and supporting a smooth, even appearance.
3. Cared-for, Clear-looking Skin
A nourishing blend rich in plant botanicals, Kumkumadi oil is traditionally valued in Ayurvedic skincare for supporting a clear-looking, well-cared-for complexion.
4. Helps the Look of Dark Spots, Uneven Tone, and Blemishes
The natural ingredients help support skin texture, making it look radiant, clear, and moisturized.
5. Hydrates the Skin
Ingredients like lotus stamen and Manjistha in Kumkumadi oil hydrate and moisturize the skin with regular use.
6. Leaves Skin Feeling Soothed
Saffron in the oil is traditionally cherished in Ayurveda, while other herbs help leave the skin feeling cared for and comfortable.
7. Supports the Look of Skin Elasticity
Kumkumadi oil helps the skin look supple, softens the appearance of fine lines, and imparts a gracefully radiant appearance.
8. Softens the Look of Marks and Blemishes
Enriched with saffron and turmeric, this oil helps soften the look of marks and supports a gradually clearer-looking complexion. It is cherished in skincare rituals for a well-cared-for appearance.
9. Delivers a Cooling Sensation on the Skin
Infused with sandalwood, rose, lotus, and cooling herbs, Kumkumadi oil provides a soothing, cooling effect on the skin.
10. Supports a Refreshed, Renewed Look
Regular facial massage with Kumkumadi oil supports a refreshed, renewed look, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Want to check out wonderful Kumkumadi oil skincare products? Click here to view Art of Vedas Kumkumadi Collection.
Frequently asked questions about Kumkumadi oil
What is Kumkumadi oil? A classical Ayurvedic face oil in which a group of plants led by saffron (Kumkuma), among them liquorice, lotus, Manjishtha and turmeric, is cooked into sesame oil by the Sneha Paka method. The reference usually cited is the Ashtanga Hridayam. It is also written Kumkumadi Thailam or Kumkumadi Taila, and Art of Vedas sells it as Kumkumadi Serum, a 30 ml bottle for external use on the face.
What does Kumkumadi mean in English? Kumkuma is the Sanskrit name for saffron, the stigma of Crocus sativus, and the ending adi means beginning with, or and the others. Kumkumadi therefore means the preparation that begins with saffron. It is not a flower or a plant of its own: the only flower behind the name is the saffron crocus, and the word describes a recipe of many plants cooked into oil.
Is there a difference between Kumkumadi Thailam, Kumkumadi oil and Kumkumadi Serum? No. Thailam (also taila or thailam) is simply the Sanskrit word for a cooked oil, so Kumkumadi Thailam and Kumkumadi oil are the same thing. Serum is the name under which Art of Vedas sells its Kumkumadi oil, because it is used in a few drops on the face like a modern facial serum. Compare the declared ingredient lists of different makers rather than the names.
What is Kumkumadi oil made of? The classical recipe cooks saffron with a group of plants into sesame oil. The Art of Vedas Kumkumadi Serum declares sesame seed oil, liquorice root, saffron, lotus flower, Manjishtha root, turmeric root, bark of two Ficus trees, blue lotus flower and rose water. The full declaration with botanical names is on the product page and on the label; it names no animal-origin ingredient.
What is Kumkumadi oil used for? In Ayurveda, Kumkumadi oil is the traditional night-time face oil: a few drops are massaged into the clean face as the last step of the evening routine. The classical texts describe it as an oil for the skin of the face and keep it to that one use. Art of Vedas sells Kumkumadi Serum for external use on the face; it is not a body massage oil.
How do you use Kumkumadi Serum? Cleanse the face in the evening and leave it slightly damp. Warm two to four drops of Kumkumadi Serum between the fingertips, press it over the face and neck, then work it in with light upward strokes for a minute or two. Leave it on overnight, or for at least half an hour, and wash the face in the morning. Start with three evenings a week.
What is the difference between Kumkumadi Lepam and Kumkumadi Thailam? Kumkumadi Lepam is the paste or face-pack form: the same group of plants, ground and mixed into a paste that is applied, left to dry and washed off. Kumkumadi Thailam is the oil form, cooked by the Sneha Paka method and left on the skin. Art of Vedas sells the oil form, as Kumkumadi Serum; the lepam is prepared fresh in Ayurvedic practice.
Can Kumkumadi oil be used in pregnancy, by children or on sensitive skin? Ask your doctor or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner first. Kumkumadi Serum is for external use only: do a small skin test on the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 hours before the first application to the face, keep it away from the eyes and broken skin, and stop if the skin reacts. Saffron tints the skin slightly, which washes off.
