11 Ways to Lighten Your Skin Fast without Chemicals

Co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: September 26, 2024 Fact Checked

Lots of products claim to safely lighten your skin a few shades, but most contain harsh chemicals that can actually damage or darken your skin over time—are there any gentle, natural solutions? As it turns out, you probably have a ton of items in your kitchen right now that can brighten your complexion without harm. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best natural, DIY methods to whiten your skin safely. If you’re ready to get started, read on!

Things You Should Know

Apply mixtures with natural lighteners like lemon juice, honey, turmeric, or papaya to your face and skin. Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.
Keep your skin exfoliated and moisturized and use sunscreen to keep your skin from getting darker or duller.
Remember that all skin shades are beautiful! Healthy, radiant skin looks great in any color.

1

Lemon Juice

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Dab your skin with equal parts lemon juice and water. Squeeze 1 whole lemon into a bowl, then add an equivalent amount of water. Stir the mixture and dab a cotton ball into it. Rub the cotton ball on your face or any other area of your skin and let the juice sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it away with water (no soap).^{[1]
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- Do this 3-4 times a week to lighten your skin, fade dark spots, and even out your skin tone. You’ll start seeing result in 3-4 weeks.
- If the lemon juice is irritating, dilute the solution with more water.
- Lemon juice might react to sunlight and cause irritation, so make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed off before you go outside.

2

Milk and Tomato Juice

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Wear a mask of milk and tomato juice 3 times a week. Mix equal parts milk and tomato juice (about 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of each) in a bowl, then use a brush to apply the mixture evenly all over your face. Let it sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. Use larger quantities to make a bigger batch for other areas of skin on your body.^{[2]
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- The lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates your skin and removes tanned or blemished skin cells. The acidity of tomato juice helps it act even faster.

3

Yogurt and Honey

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Make a hydrating yogurt and honey mask 1-2 times a week. Mix 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of plain, unflavored Greek yogurt and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of raw honey in a bowl. Then add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of fresh lemon juice and stir thoroughly. Rub a thin, even layer all over your face and leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.^{[3]
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- Moisturize your skin afterwards if it feels dry.
- Use extra honey to make the mask even more moisturizing.
- Wear this mask 1-2 times a week and give your skin a break for a few days or weeks if you notice any irritation.

4

Gram Flour and Curd

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Make a paste of gram flour, curd, and lemon juice daily. Mix 4 tsp (19.2 g) of gram flour with a pinch of turmeric, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of curd in a bowl. To make it more exfoliating, add a pinch of salt, too. Rub the paste onto your skin daily for 20 minutes, then rinse the paste away with lukewarm water.^{[4]
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- Substitute milk for curd if you don’t have any.
- Use this paste on your face or any other areas that you want to lighten.
- Gram flour has been used as a traditional whitener for centuries and leaves your skin looking fresh and cleansed.

5

Turmeric

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Mix turmeric, honey, and milk to make your complexion glow. Stir 0.25 tsp (1.2 g) of turmeric, 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of honey and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of milk into a paste. Rub it onto your skin and let it sit for 25 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water. Repeat 3-4 times a week until you see results.^{[5]
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- Add a few drops of lemon juice to make the mixture a little more intense if desired.
- Alternatively, add a few drops of turmeric essential oil to your favorite cream or oil-based moisturizer.^{[6]
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6

Potato

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Use potato juice on large areas or target dark spots with potato slices. Grate a small potato and squeeze all of the juice out of the little bits. Use a towel or cotton pads to rub the juice onto your face, neck, or other areas, then wait for it to dry completely. Afterwards, rinse the area with lukewarm water. Potato is very mild, so repeat this up to twice a day.^{[7]
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- Alternatively, cut your potato into thin slices and wet them with a few drops of water. Place the slices over spots you want to lighten for 10 minutes daily.^{[8]
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- The starches and sugars in potatoes act as exfoliants. They also have vitamins C and B6, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus to boost your collagen.

7

Cucumber and Aloe Vera

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Blend a cucumber with aloe vera and lemon juice for a soothing remedy. Throw a whole cucumber (sliced), 0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) of aloe vera, and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice in a blender and mix it all into pulp. Apply it to your skin with your hands and leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it away with water (no soap).^{[9]
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- Use this mixture daily until you start seeing results. Cucumbers have a high water content and lots of vitamins and minerals that fight skin discoloration.
- To target dark spots, slice up a cucumber and rub the juice on dark pigmented areas. Leave the slices on each spot for 20 minutes.
- Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, all of which are helpful for skin lightening (especially when combined with cucumber).^{[10]
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8

Honey

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Rub raw or organic honey onto your skin daily until you see results. Use your fingertips to rub the honey (preferably with 80% sugar or more) into your skin and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse it away with lukewarm water. Use raw or organic honey to get all of the nutrients, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents that benefit your skin and slow down aging.^{[11]
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- The sugar in the honey acts as a natural exfoliant to remove dead, pigmented skin and stimulate new cell growth.
- Honey has been used in cosmetics and medicine for thousands of years.

9

Orange Peel Juice

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Put the juice from orange peels directly on your skin. Save up your orange peels and run them through a juicer to make orange peel juice. Use a cotton pad to dab the juice directly onto your skin, especially on age spots or dark spots. Let the juice sit and dry for about 20 minutes, then rinse your skin with water.^{[12]
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- Alternatively, place orange peels over dark pigmented areas to draw toxins and impurities out of your skin.
- Orange peels have lots of vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants that rejuvenate skin and fight free radicals, which helps create new skin cells.

10

Papaya

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Make a papaya paste to brighten your complexion. Mash up a few pieces of ripe papaya in a bowl and add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of fresh lemon juice. Mix it thoroughly and then apply the paste to your skin for 10-20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.^{[13]
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- Use this paste 2-3 times per week to get rid of an unwanted tan or dull skin.
- Papaya contains enzymes and minerals that remove dark spots. The lemon juice adds vitamin C and citric acid which brighten your complexion.^{[14]
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11

Rice Flour

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Nourish and de-tan your skin with a rice flour paste 2-3 times a week. Combine 2 tbsp (15.6 g) of rice flour with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of milk and 3-4 strands of saffron in a bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully blended and then set the paste aside for 5-10 minutes. Then, rub the paste onto your face, neck, or other areas you want to lighten.^{[15]
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- Leave the paste on for about 20 minutes, then rinse it away with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry.
- Use this mixture 2-3 times per week until you see results and moisturize after each use if your skin feels dry.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I stop my skin from darkening?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

If you don't want your skin to darken, use some sort of photoprotection against sunlight.

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Is rose water good for our skin?

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It sure is! Rose water soothes, tones, and moisturizes, and it is very gentle on the skin. It's great for your hair, too.

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How do I protect myself from sun damage?

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Wear protective clothes and sunscreen. Examples of protective clothing are hats, tracksuits and closed shoes.

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Tips

Exfoliate your face 2-3 times per week if you use a physical exfoliant, like a salt or sugar scrub, or once a week if you use a chemical exfoliator like a face peel to keep your complexion glowing. Exfoliate your whole body once a week in the bath or shower to get a healthy gleam all over.^{[16]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Moisturize your skin daily in the morning and evening. Choose a product with SPF 30 for your face. It will protect your skin from UV rays, plus it reflects some light and makes your complexion glow.^{[17]
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EatRight.org
Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness

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Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to cleanse your body of toxins and promote a clear, glowing complexion.^{[18]
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Warnings

If you notice chronic dryness, redness, or irritation after using a home remedy, stop using it and let your skin rest and recover. Try a milder method when your skin is healthy enough for lightening again.^{[20]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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Avoid bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemical lighteners. They might lighten your skin in the short term, but may cause lasting damage and darkening if overused.^{[21]
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Some whitening products may contain toxic substances like mercury or hydroquinone that inhibit your body’s ability to make and move protective melanin.^{[22]
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Be wary of marketing terms like “lightening” or “brightening” that aim to make you feel self-conscious about your skin or promote colorism in the beauty industry. Embrace your skin and remember it’s beautiful no matter what shade it is!^{[23]
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