Is raw garlic good for your skin? Eating garlic is a tasty part of a balanced diet, but putting raw garlic on your skin is a different story. Crushed raw garlic is a known skin irritant and can cause chemical burns, so it's not a DIY remedy we'd recommend.
Garlic face masks and spot treatments pop up all over social media. Here's what you need to know before you reach for the garlic press.
The quick version
- Crushed raw garlic is a skin irritant and can cause chemical burns, so don't put it on your face.
- If you've already tried it and your skin is sore or blistered, rinse with cool water and speak to a pharmacist or GP.
- There's limited evidence that eating garlic directly improves your skin.
- Vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A all have recognised roles in maintaining normal skin.
Can you put raw garlic on your face?
We wouldn't. When garlic is crushed, it releases sulphur compounds, including allicin and diallyl disulfide, which can damage the outer layers of your skin. Doctors have reported cases of blistering garlic burns from home remedies, especially when garlic is left on the skin for a long time or covered up (Madke and Das, 2021). The authors concluded that the risk of skin damage outweighs any benefit.
If you're dealing with acne, eczema or any other skin condition, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or a dermatologist. They can recommend treatments that are proven to work.
What if I've already tried it?
Rinse the area well with cool running water. If your skin blisters, stings or stays sore, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Is eating garlic good for your skin?
Garlic adds flavour to food and contains plant compounds that researchers are interested in, but there's limited evidence that eating garlic directly improves your skin. Enjoy it as part of a varied diet, alongside plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein.
What actually supports healthy skin?
Several nutrients have officially recognised roles in skin health. Under UK rules:
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
- Vitamin A, biotin, niacin and riboflavin contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
You'll find them in foods like citrus fruit, peppers, berries, eggs, dairy, meat, fish, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. Our guide on how to support collagen production has more ideas.
Not sure if your diet is covering the nutrients your skin relies on? Take the ALYVE quiz to see what a personalised formula could include for you.
The bottom line: keep the garlic in the kitchen. Your skin will thank you for it.
Want personalised advice on eating for healthy skin? Take the ALYVE quiz, or book a call with one of our nutritionists.
References
Department of Health and Social Care (2021, updated 2026) Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/great-britain-nutrition-and-health-claims-nhc-register
Madke, B. and Das, A. (2021) 'Garlic burn: a home remedy gone wrong', Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 12(4), pp. 634–635. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_622_20
