Playing with colors on Holi is fun, but it can take a toll on your skin. Even when you use organic colors, pigments often stick to the skin and cause dryness, irritation, or dullness. One of the most natural and effective ways to protect and cleanse your skin during Holi is by using Ubtan.

In many Indian households, applying ubtan a day before Holi or after playing with colors—before bathing—has been a long-standing tradition. This age-old skincare practice, passed down by our elders, helps remove color gently, cleanse the skin deeply, and restore its natural glow.

The good news is that making ubtan at home is very easy. Most of the ingredients are already available in your kitchen. Let’s learn how to prepare a traditional Holi ubtan and how to use it correctly.

Ingredients Needed for Ubtan

To make this natural skin scrub, you’ll need:

• Gram flour (besan)

• Yogurt or raw milk

• Turmeric

• Lemon juice

• Almond oil or coconut oil

You can adjust the quantity based on your needs. For example, if you take 2 tablespoons of gram flour, use the same amount of yogurt. Turmeric should be used in half the quantity. If the paste feels too thick, add raw milk or rose water to get a smooth consistency.

How to Make Ubtan

Take a large bowl and sift the gram flour into it. Add yogurt, turmeric, and oil. Mix everything well with a spoon until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Add a few drops of lemon juice if needed—but use it sparingly, as lemon is acidic. If you have sensitive skin, it’s better to skip lemon juice altogether.
You can prepare this ubtan a day before Holi and store it in the refrigerator.

How to Apply Ubtan

Apply the paste evenly on your face and entire body. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Once it is about 70% dry, gently massage it off in circular motions using milk or rose water. After that, take a warm bath.
Apart from Holi, you can use this ubtan once every 15 days to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Benefits of Using Ubtan

• Yogurt moisturizes and cleanses the skin, making it soft and supple

• Turmeric helps brighten the complexion

• Gram flour exfoliates dead skin cells and removes dirt from pores

• Helps prevent recurring skin issues like dryness and breakouts

• Soothes and repairs skin after exposure to Holi colors

This natural ubtan not only helps remove stubborn colors but also revives your skin, leaving it fresh, clear, and radiant.