What if the spice sitting quietly in your kitchen cupboard was actually the secret to brighter, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin? Most of us think of cloves as a flavor booster for mulled wine or spicy dishes—but this tiny aromatic bud also has purifying, firming, and antioxidant powers that make it a hidden skincare gem.
With just a few simple ingredients you already have at home (yes, even baby oil), you can create five easy DIY treatments that refresh, soothe, and transform your skin.
1. Clove Toning Spray – Goodbye to Blemishes and Enlarged Pores
Skin concern: Shiny skin by the end of the day, small spots, and visible pores.
Solution: A purifying, refreshing tonic that helps tighten pores and clarify skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 375 ml water
- 1 tsp rose water (optional, for softness)
- 2–3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
Preparation: Boil the cloves for 5–7 minutes, allow to cool, and strain. Mix in the other ingredients and pour into a spray bottle.
Directions: Spray onto clean skin morning and evening for an instant feeling of freshness and gentle purification.
2. Clove Radiance Gel – A Youthful Boost
Skin concern: Dull complexion, fine lines, dark spots.
Solution: A smoothing gel that restores glow and refines skin texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp clove powder
- 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 vitamin E capsule (optional, for extra antioxidant protection)
Preparation: Mix all ingredients together and store in the refrigerator.
Use: Apply a thin layer in the evening, 2–3 times a week, to reveal brighter and smoother skin.
3. Fresh Mint-Clove Ice Cubes – Instant Revitalization
Skin concern: Morning puffiness, visible pores, tired skin.
Solution: A cooling boost that tones and energizes the skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 500 ml water
- 1 tsp rose water (optional)
Preparation: Infuse the cloves and mint in hot water for 10 minutes, strain, then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Directions: Each morning, rub one ice cube gently over your face for a refreshing, pore-tightening effect and a luminous complexion.
4. Clove & Baby Oil Face Oil – Softness and Radiance
Skin concern: Dry, rough, or dull skin.
Solution: A nourishing oil blend that restores suppleness and glow.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 2 tbsp coconut or jojoba oil
- 1 tbsp baby oil (Johnson’s type)
- 1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Preparation: Gently heat the cloves in the oils using a bain-marie for 15 minutes. Leave to infuse for 1–2 days, then strain.
Directions: Apply 2–3 drops to the face in the evening with a gentle massage, or mix into your night cream. Wake up to softer, more radiant skin.
5. Brightening Night Serum – The Complete Treatment
Skin concern: Uneven tone, blemishes, lack of radiance.
Solution: A simple nighttime serum with purifying, soothing, and illuminating benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp clove tonic spray (from recipe #1)
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 drop clove essential oil
Directions: Apply to clean skin before bed and rinse off in the morning for a brighter, clearer complexion.
A Word of Caution
Clove is a powerful spice with strong active compounds. Always perform a patch test before using these treatments and limit use to 3–4 times per week, especially if you have sensitive skin.
With the right care, this humble kitchen spice can become a natural, effective ally in your beauty routine—bringing you clearer, fresher, and more radiant skin.
