Last Updated on: 03/11/2026
Use of Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) for Skin Issues – A Review of Research Evidence
Out of these 13 studies (Haritaki Review), two have focussed on metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia and T2DM); three studies have targeted issues associated with oral cavity; and three studies targeted different skin conditions.
We found three relevant clinical studies conducted among healthy volunteers, patients with epidermal facial melasma and patients with tinea corporis. All the three studies were randomized controlled trials. Two studies were conducted in India (Randhawam M. et al. & Parapur et al. 2023) and one in Iran (Kheirieh AE et al.).
In the first study, Randhawa M et al. compared the efficacy of standardized 1% Terminalia chebula extract with placebo (applied as a thin layer on face twice daily) among healthy individuals who were chronically exposed to a high pollution environment in Bangalore, India. The duration of intervention was eight weeks. Assessments were subjective in nature and done by dermatologists as well as self-reported by subjects in the study. (In vitro Study was also conducted along with the clinical trial, details are only briefly reported here in view of focus on clinical relevance. TC extract in vitro was found to neutralize ROS better than tocopherol and effect lasted at least 3 hours longer).
The second study done by Kheirieh et al. compared Terminalia chebula 5% cream with hydroquinone 2% cream among patients with melasma. Both groups improved over time with a faster improvement and less side effects in the haritaki group. Between groups the difference was not statistically significant.
The third study conducted by Purpura et al. compared the efficacy of topical haritaki+sirka (Terminalia chebula+Vinegar) and Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% cream in treatment of tinea corporis. Both groups improved over time. Haritaki with sirka was not inferior to terbinafine for the treatment of tinea corporis.
Haritaki for Skin Issues – Characteristics of the Studies
Authors/Study Design Study Title Diagnosis Duration/Groups/Numbers Intervention Randhawa M., 2021
RCTStandardized Terminalia chebula Fruit Extract: A Natural Ingredient That Provides Long-Lasting Antioxidant Protection and Reverses Visible Signs of Pollution-Induced Skin Damage Healthy Female Subjects with chronic pollution exposure 8 Weeks
A: 26
B: 26
Data: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 weeksA: 1% TC Fruit Extract for application on face BD
B: Placebo BDKheirieh A.E., 2024
RCTEvaluating the efficacy of Terminalia chebula Retz. 5% cream compared to hydroquinone 2% cream in the treatment of melasma Female patients with Epidermal Facial Melasma At Bedtime for 12 Weeks
A: 15
B: 15
Data: 0, 4, 8, 12 weeksA: Terminalia Chebula 5% cream at bedtime
B: Hydroquinone 2% cream at bedtimeParapur S.T., 2023
RCTEvaluation of the efficacy of topical Terminalia chebula Retz. with vinegar in the treatment of tinea corporis: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial Tinea Corporis Twice Daily for 40 Days
A: 21
B: 19
Data: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 dayA: Terminalia Chebula fruit powder mixed with vinegar (1:1)
– Topical (for 20 minutes)
B: Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1% – Topical
Potential Clinical Applications:
Due to heterogeneity in the populations (healthy individuals, patients with melasma & patients with tinea corporis) focussed in the three studies, it is not possible to club the findings. Improvements were seen in skin’s visible condition and appearance (visual texture, skin firmness, skin hydration and skin even tone) with 1% standardized Terminalia chebula extract; melasma with Terminalia chebula 5% cream; and tinea corporis with haritaki+ sirka application.
While considering the clinical applications of the different drugs used in the two studies, we need to have clarity on composition of drugs. First study used 1% standardized Terminalia chebula extract which ensures the homogeneity of composition of haritaki. Second study has used Terminal chebula 5% cream which contained Terminalia chebula 5% dried extract, acetyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, Vaseline and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives and Tween 80 and Span 80 as surfactants were also used in the formulation. The third study has a combination of haritaki and sirka (two powders mixed in 1:1 ratio and a paste was made).
Hence results can be considered to be dependent solely on topical application of haritaki in the first two studies only. Response rate was good in the first study where more than 80% participants reported improvement across various domains. This subjective improvement was in agreement with dermatologists’ reporting. In the second study, two patients in the hydroquinone group and five patients in Terminalia Chebula group showed complete improvement, suggesting a better response rate for Terminalia chebula in comparison to hydroquinone. These findings can be considered clinically relevant and use of topical application of Terminalia chebula can be considered.
Haritaki for Skin Issues – Conclusions
| Study Title | Results | Limitations | Take Home Message |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standardized Terminalia chebula Fruit Extract: A Natural Ingredient That Provides Long-Lasting Antioxidant Protection and Reverses Visible Signs of Pollution-Induced Skin Damage | Intervention group showed significant improvement in comparison to placebo in facial skin appearance, including skin texture, skin firmness, skin hydration, skin tone and skin radiance. There was higher agreement of dermatologist and patient’s self assessment in comparison to placebo group. | 1) Subjective parameters (though supported by in vitro study). 2) Study was funded by Sytheon Ltd (Boonton NJ) who also provided the 1% standardized fruit extract. Authors were either owner/employees of Sytheon Ltd or were reimbursed for the study. 3) Only females subjects | 1% standardized TC fruit extract can be used to address the visible signs of facial damage caused by chronic exposure to a high pollution environment. In addition, in vitro study established that this standardized TC fruit extract possesses powerful long-lasting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Evaluating the efficacy of Terminalia chebula Retz. 5% cream compared to hydroquinone 2% cream in the treatment of melasma | Both groups showed statistically significant improvements with haritaki group showing faster improvement and lesser side-effects. Between group difference was not statistically significant. Skin irritation was statistically significantly more in the hydroquinone group. | 1) Small sample size 2) Hydroquinone used was 2% and not 4% which could have shown better efficacy but probably more side-effects too 3) Only female subjects | 5% TC cream can be considered equivalent to 2% hydroquinone for patients with epidermal facial melasma in terms of efficacy with a better side-effect profile. |
| Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Terminalia chebula Retz. with vinegar in the treatment of tinea corporis: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial | Both groups showed improvement. Between group effects were not statistically significant. | 1) Small sample size | Application of Haritaki+Sirka (Vinegar) can be considered equivalent to Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% cream for patients with Tinea corporis |
Dosing/Duration:
The studies under focus have considered topical application once or twice daily. If we intend to use the haritaki in raw form, application more than once or twice will not make sense. Treatment guidelines for dermatological disorders do not suggest use of haritaki for topical application, though as part of triphala it has been advised for a few dermatological conditions.
Adverse Events/Side Effects:
No adverse effects were reported in studies using standardized extract of Terminalia chebula and Terminalia chebula with vinegar. The study using 5% cream of Terminalia chebula reported side effects like skin irritation and pruritus and resulted in drop out of one subject. Though side-effects were milder in comparison to hydroquinone group. These side effects should be kept in mind while using Terminalia chebula for topical application.
With the available information, topical application of haritaki can be considered for overall health of skin and for patients with melasma in view of its efficacy and safety profile under supervision of a clinician.
References:
1) Randhawa, M., Meyer, T., Sachdev, M., & Chaudhuri, R. K. (2021). Standardized Terminalia chebula Fruit Extract: A Natural Ingredient That Provides Long-Lasting Antioxidant Protection and Reverses Visible Signs of Pollution-Induced Skin Damage. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 14, 1257–1269. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S326492
2) Kheirieh, A. E., Sharififar, F., Ansari Dogaheh, M., Dabaghzadeh, F., Shamsi Meymandi, S. & Bakhshoudeh, B. (2024). Evaluating the efficacy of Terminalia chebula Retz. 5% cream compared to hydroquinone 2% cream in the treatment of melasma. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 14(5), 527–536. https://doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2024.23932
3) Tasneem Parapur S, Husain N, Khalid M, Mamdapur SAR, Kauser Khan KA. Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Terminalia chebula Retz. with vinegar in the treatment of tinea corporis: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Drug Metab Pers Ther. 2023 Apr 4;38(3):237-245. doi: 10.1515/dmpt-2022-0188. PMID: 37012894.
4) Standard treatment guidelines on management of dermatological disorders in the Ayurveda system of medicine. https://ccras.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/01102026-STG-Dermatological-Disorders-Ayurveda.pdf (Google search on 03/11/2026 at 18:49)