Multani Mitti, Toothpaste, Lemon for Pimples in Pakistan: Safe?
Home remedies for pimples are popular in Pakistan, from multani mitti to toothpaste and lemon, but we have not found good trials showing they treat acne, and some can sting, dry or burn skin. If you try one, patch test first, keep it short, and moisturize. Persistent or painful pimples need a doctor.
Key takeaways
- Most home remedies for pimples are traditional, not trial-tested; we make no claim that they treat acne.
- Toothpaste and undiluted lemon juice are the two we would avoid on the face because they can irritate and burn.
- Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) is a clay many people use as a mask; it can feel oil-absorbing but can also dry skin out.
- Gentle cleansing, a proven active and sunscreen do more than most kitchen remedies.
What do common home remedies do, and what are the risks?
| Remedy | Why people use it | What we found | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) | Feels oil-absorbing on oily skin | We have not found trials for acne; clay masks can dry and tighten skin | Occasional mask at most, short time, then moisturize; skip if skin is irritated or peeling |
| Toothpaste on a pimple | Believed to dry it overnight | No trials in what we reviewed; toothpaste is not made for facial skin and can irritate | Avoid |
| Lemon juice | Acidic, “natural” brightener | No trials for acne in what we reviewed; undiluted juice can sting and can cause irritation, especially in sun | Avoid on the face |
| Honey | Traditional, soothing feel | We have not found trials showing it treats acne; sticky and can trigger allergy in some | Patch test; do not rely on it |
| Ice cube (wrapped) | Soothing on a swollen spot | Feels calming; we found no evidence that it treats acne | Short, wrapped contact only |
| Aloe vera gel | Soothing, light feel | Common in moisturizers; evidence for treating acne is limited | Fine as a soothing layer if you tolerate it |
| Turmeric paste | Traditional ubtan ingredient | Can stain skin yellow and cause irritation in some | Patch test; do not rely on it |
| Raw potato, egg white, baking soda | Kitchen “masks” | No evidence for acne; baking soda is very alkaline and can damage the barrier | Avoid |
Is multani mitti good for pimples?
Multani mitti is a mineral clay. Because it absorbs surface oil, it can make oily skin feel matte for a while. That is a feeling, not a treatment: acne begins inside the pore, as the American Academy of Dermatology explains, and a mask sitting on the surface does not change that. Used often or left to crack dry, clay can leave skin tight, flaky and more reactive.
If you like it, keep it simple:
- Patch test on the jawline first.
- Mix with plain water, not lemon or other acids.
- Leave on for a few minutes, not until it cracks.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize.
- Use no more than once or twice a week, and not alongside a strong acid on the same night.
Why do toothpaste and lemon cause trouble?
Toothpaste contains detergents, flavourings and other ingredients that are designed for teeth. On the face they can cause stinging, redness and dryness. Lemon juice is acidic and uneven in strength; applied to skin, it can irritate, and irritated skin that goes into sunlight can end up with dark patches. Pimple marks are already a concern for many people, as our guide to pimple marks removal explains.
What can you use instead?
| Goal | Better option |
|---|---|
| Clean without stripping | A gentle cleanser; see face wash for oily skin |
| Help with clogged pores | A leave-on salicylic acid or niacinamide product, started slowly; see acne serum guide |
| Comfort and barrier | A light moisturizer; see moisturizer for oily skin |
| Protect marks from darkening | Daily sunscreen; see sunscreen for oily skin |
| Painful or persistent pimples | A dermatologist; the AAD guideline strongly recommends benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids |
How do you patch test a remedy or product?
- Apply a small amount behind the ear or on the inner forearm.
- Wait 24 hours.
- If you see redness, itching or swelling, do not use it on your face.
When should you stop and see a doctor?
- Burning, blistering or swelling after applying anything.
- Pimples that are painful, deep or not improving after 8 to 12 weeks. See cystic acne vs pimples.
- Dark marks or scars appearing.
Frequently asked questions
Is multani mitti good for acne?
We have not found trials showing it treats acne. It can feel oil-absorbing but may dry skin, so use it sparingly and moisturize.
Can I put toothpaste on a pimple?
We advise against it. Toothpaste is not made for facial skin and can irritate it.
Does lemon juice remove pimple marks?
We have not found evidence that it does, and it can irritate skin and cause marks to look worse after sun. See pimple marks removal for safer options.
Is honey good for pimples?
We have not found trials showing honey treats acne. It is generally gentle, but patch test, because some people react.
Can I use multani mitti every day?
We would not. Daily use can dry and irritate skin; once or twice a week is a more cautious limit.
What is the safest home care for pimples?
Gentle cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreen, and not squeezing. These do more than most remedies.
Do natural remedies work better than products?
“Natural” does not mean safer or more effective. Many products are tested for irritation; kitchen ingredients are not.
When do I need a doctor for pimples?
If pimples are painful, deep, scarring or not improving after a couple of months of gentle care, see a dermatologist.
Sources
- Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017 (PubMed 38300170)
- Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. Management of acne vulgaris: a review. JAMA, 2021;326(20):2055-2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17633 (PubMed 34812859)
- American Academy of Dermatology. Acne: who gets and causes
A gentle reminder
Skincare helps the look and feel of your skin; it does not treat medical conditions. Patch test any new product behind the ear or on the inner arm first, and introduce one new active at a time. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have a skin condition such as eczema, ask your doctor before adding active ingredients. See our FAQ for more, or build your own routine.
Related reading: How to deal with a pimple safely · Oily and acne-prone skin guide · Oily skin in Karachi.
If you want a leave-on option, Chelure’s Acne & Oil Control Serum has 2% salicylic acid and 10% niacinamide; the full ingredient list is on its product page.