Ida Naturals : Ubtan

Ubtan, made using natural ingredients is traditionally an Indian beauty paste applied on brides & grooms-to-be a few days before the D-Day as part of a ritual. Made using a myriad variety of natural ingredients, ubtan serves as a cleanser, de-tanner, astringent, stimulant, and skin-tonic all at the same time. It has several beauty benefits for the skin and is even used for babies in place of soap. 

Priya Iyer of Ida Naturals was kind enough to send me a complimentary sample of her ubtan for my daughter and I cannot thank her enough!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Ida Naturals HERE!
 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Green Gram Flour: Rich in vitamins A and C, it rejuvenates the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it (1). Applied topically, moong dal is a great way to soothe dry skin and retain its lost moisture. It is packed with cell rejuvenating vitamins and enzymes that help to lock in moisture into the skin (1). Its exfoliating properties help lighten the skin (de-tan) and get rid of fine facial hair. It also prevents the pores of your skin from clogging up with oil or dirt and draws out impurities from the skin and skin pores preventing acne (1). It’s antiseptic properties along with being cooling and soothing that can heal your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing (1).  

• Wild Turmeric (Kasturi Manjal): It has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties due to which it is used to as a cure for acne and acne marks, as a scrub in conjunction with other exfoliating agents, as an anti-ageing agent, to help removing facial peach fuzz and as a remedy for removing sun tan (2). 

• Red Sandalwood: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (3). The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (3). It is also a natural astringent, especially for oily skin and also helps in toning up the skin (3). 

• Neem (Azadirachta Indica) : The leaves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and hence they are quite effective on skin infections. They also soothe irritation and reduce inflammation without drying the skin (4). High in beneficial fatty acids, neem can keep oil secretion in control and  effectively kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces inflammation thus clearing acne and preventing new ones (5). A neem pack has moisturising properties that is quite effective in taking care of excessively dry skin and helps keep dry skin from getting rough and itchy (5).

• Tulsi (Basil): Antibiotic, disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal in nature, external application on the skin removes extra oil from the skin surface and prevents acne. Essential oil camphene in tulsi gives a soothing, cooling effect (6). Vitamin-C, A, phytonutrients and the essential oils in Holy Basil are excellent antioxidants and protect the body from nearly all the damage caused by free radicals in the body (6).

• Aloe Vera: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (7). (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Aavaram Senna (Tanner's Cassia): Avaram Senna flower is a natural source of antioxidants and the flower extract contains terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroid (8). Saponins found in the flower extract is a natural antimicrobial compound that fights against fungal and microbial infections (8). Dried Avaram Senna flower when used in topically  prevents black spots, treats uneven skin tone and improves skin complexion (8).

• Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (9). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (9).

The ayurvedic version of microdermabrasion, ubtan is a a powerful exfoliating yet gentle treatment that stimulates the underlying tissues of the skin.  

Powdery in consistency, smooth to touch, the ubtan has a greenish yellow color with a sweet basil fragrance.  I was sent a 100 gm sample which lasted me for 2-2.5 weeks at the rate of 1 tablespoon per day. 

To use, I take 1 tablespoon of the dry powder and mix it with hot water to bring it to a paste like consistency. When wet, the ubtan smells of green gram which brings back childhood memories! 

I employ this ubtan as a body cleanser (in place of soap) for my daughter. Generally, I oil my tiny tot followed by gently massaging of the ubtan in circular motion to the oiled skin before rinsing it off. The ubtan effectively removes the excess oil but does not dry the skin. Her skin is soft and feels cleansed and well hydrated after the shower. I do moisturize her skin after as she is prone to eczema. 

The ubtan has a yellowish tinge due to the turmeric which does not stain the skin nor does it leave behind any detectable herbal fragrance. I am so glad to have found a natural cleanser for my baby...thanks a ton Priya!!

I have already extinguished my supply  and have made a bulk order of the same, that is how much I have fallen in love with this ubtan!