Introduction Kumkumadi Taila is a classical Ayurvedic facial oil traditionally used in primary care as a routine preventive skincare product to enhance the complexion; however, clinical instrument-based data and detailed chemical profiling remain scarce. Methods In this single-arm 15-day exploratory study, 30 healthy adults with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV applied Kumkumadi Taila once daily to the face using a standardized massage and wash-off procedure, while biophysical skin parameters and safety were monitored at baseline, Day 7, and Day 15 with an integrated DermaLab Combo ® device. Results Facial melanin index, erythema index, hydration, and elasticity showed statistically significant changes over time, whereas transepidermal water loss and skin thickness did not. This indicates short-term cosmetic improvement without detectable disruption of barrier integrity. Parallel UPLC–MS/MS QTOF analysis of the oil identified multiple bioactive phytochemicals, including safranal, berberine, palmatine, liquiritin, nuciferine, rubiadine, retinol, sesamin, and aliuretic acid, which are consistent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pigmentation-modulating actions reported in the literature. No adverse events were reported during the study. The results were statistically significant ( p 0.05), indicating that the data deviates from a normal distribution and is skewed. Overall, Melanin and Erythema Index decreased significantly, indicating improved pigmentation and reduced redness. Skin elasticity declined over time, while skin hydration fluctuated. TEWL and skin thickness remained stable throughout the study. Discussion In this exploratory proof-of-concept assessment, short-term application of Kumkumadi Taila was associated with changes in selected facial skin biophysical parameters over 15 days. The study supports its potential as a safe and accessible primary care intervention in the form of a routine preventive skincare product, and its findings highlight the relevance of traditional Ayurvedic topical formulations in routine skin care. The study also demonstrates a practical framework for evaluating non-invasive skin metrics and phytochemicals, serving as a proof of concept.
Kulangara et al. (Tue,) studied this question.