Cloves supply eugenol, a potent antioxidant and mild topical anaesthetic that calms inflammation, fights microbes, and can encourage collagen synthesis. Baby oil (purified mineral oil) forms an inert, non-allergenic film that locks in water and active botanicals, leaving skin satin-smooth. Combined, they create a cheap but effective carrier base for DIY actives.

DIY #1 — Glass-Skin Clove & Rice-Powder Mask

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp baby oil

  • ½ tsp clove powder (or 4 crushed whole cloves)

  • 1 tbsp fine rice powder/flour (natural exfoliant)

  • 1 tsp raw honey

  • 1 tsp aloe-vera gel

  • Contents of 1 vitamin E capsule

Procedure

  1. Warm the baby oil in a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds.

  2. Stir in clove powder; steep 5 minutes so eugenol disperses.

  3. Fold in rice powder, honey, aloe, and vitamin E until a gritty paste forms.

Instructions

  • Massage onto damp, cleansed face with feather-light circles for 60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.

  • Leave as a mask for 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat dry.

  • Use twice weekly.

Benefits

  • Rice powder buffs dead cells, controlling oil and revealing a smoother “glass” surface.

  • Baby oil seals moisture, preventing post-exfoliation dryness.

  • Clove’s antioxidants minimise environmental dullness.

  • Honey adds natural antimicrobials and glow.

  • Aloe and vitamin E calm irritation and supply extra antioxidants for clarity.

DIY #2 — Dark-Spot-Defying Clove & Turmeric Serum

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp baby oil

  • ½ tsp clove powder

  • ½ tsp turmeric powder (high-grade “Lakadong” preferred)

  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

  • 5 drops tea-tree oil

  • 1 tsp plain yoghurt

Procedure

  1. Combine baby oil and clove; warm gently for 30 seconds.

  2. Whisk in turmeric, lemon juice, yoghurt, and tea-tree until a smooth ochre emulsion forms.

Instructions

  • Spot-dab on pigmented marks nightly with a cotton bud.

  • Let it sit 15 minutes; wash off with a mild cleanser (turmeric may stain linens).

  • Apply three times a week and follow with sunscreen the next morning.

Benefits

  • Curcumin in turmeric helps fade dark spots over time.

  • Lemon’s vitamin C brightens and boosts collagen for an even tone.

  • Lactic acid in yoghurt offers gentle chemical exfoliation.

  • Clove reduces inflammation that can worsen post-acne marks.

  • Baby oil prevents water loss, allowing actives extra contact time.

DIY #3 — Youthful-Glow Clove & Coffee Scrub-Mask

Ingredients