What Is Neem Face Wash?

The neem tree has a long folk-medicine history in the countries where it grows, and neem face wash is a beauty product with roots in traditional, or alternative, medicine. This cleansing solution combines neem leaves or extracts from seeds with water to make a natural cleanser for one’s face. One also can use this type of cleanser to treat common skin problems such as acne, blackheads and clogged pores.

Neem trees are native to Africa, Australia, India and several countries in Asia. People in these areas have developed uses for all parts of the tree. One traditionally makes a fine powder by grinding the leaves of the neem tree and then mixing that powder with water to make a neem face wash.

Neem products are anti-bacterial and antimicrobial. Scientific evidence also suggests that the oil produced from neem seeds is an antioxidant. As a result, neem face wash provides one with an additional benefit, because antioxidants can slow the aging process of one’s skin and help one's body repair damaged cells.

When selecting a neem face wash, it is necessary to pick a commercial product that fits the skin condition one needs to address. For daily cleansing of one’s face, the formulation should have a moderate concentration of neem leaf in proportion to other ingredients. Neem cleansing products formulated for skin problems will have higher concentrations of the powdered leaf or extract so they can provide a larger amount of active antibacterial agents along with cleansing.

Depending on the source, a retail neem face wash might contain additional beneficial ingredients. Turmeric often is a component of this type of facial wash. It also has antibacterial properties, which is helpful when one is treating acne. Tulsi water, a liquid that contains ground basil, sometimes replaces plain water.

A retail neem face wash might contain fragrance to mask the natural smell of neem, which is similar to sulfur. Other ingredients that are common in such beauty products include glycerin, binders, preservatives and surfactants that lift soil from the skin. A natural or herbal formulation generally will not contain soap and will not produce much lather. Even when the product does not produce lather, it is necessary to rinse one’s face thoroughly after applying this cleanser. People who have normal to dry skin might need to use a moisturizer after cleansing the face with a neem product.