At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about curcumin and turmeric. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: Some studies on this page tested turmeric or curcumin for acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, which are medical uses. We share them for transparency. ORY® curcumin products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Curcumin is the golden polyphenol of turmeric (Curcuma longa). In ORY® products, curcumin and its colorless form, tetrahydrocurcumin, provide antioxidant support and help skin look more even and radiant. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Curcumin is widely studied for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. A systematic review found early evidence that turmeric products, taken by mouth or applied to skin, may benefit several skin conditions, but most studies were small. We found no completed CIR safety assessment for turmeric-derived ingredients.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
- What it shows: Systematic review of clinical studies of turmeric and skin.
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- What it shows: Review of curcumin’s biological effects.
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Curcumin is extracted from dried turmeric root and purified to about 95% curcuminoids. Tetrahydrocurcumin is a colorless, more stable form used where yellow staining is unwanted. Curcumin dissolves poorly in water and degrades in light and alkaline conditions. |
Verification: Supported. Chemistry and stability limits are well documented.
Citations:
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- What it shows: Describes curcumin chemistry and its poor solubility.
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Curcumin suits oily, combination, normal, and mature skin. Sensitive skin should use tetrahydrocurcumin or low levels and patch test. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Curcumin is a documented contact allergen for some people.
Citations:
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
- What it shows: Review of contact allergy to curcumin.
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, curcumin is used at low levels in scalp oils and treatments for antioxidant support. It can tint light hair. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of curcumin on the scalp in cosmetic products. Curcumin is not an FDA-approved dandruff ingredient. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to grow hair or prevent hair loss.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- What it shows: FDA dandruff actives list, which does not include curcumin.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
5. Benefits
Claim: Curcumin provides antioxidant support and helps skin look more even and radiant. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are well supported in lab studies. Clinical studies in acne, psoriasis, and other conditions are medical uses and were mostly small; ORY® does not make acne, antimicrobial, or wound claims.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
- What it shows: Clinical evidence and its limits.
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- What it shows: Mechanism review.
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Curcumin is used in all four ORY® product lines at low levels. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Curcumin and turmeric are added for their skin benefits, not for color. FDA has not approved turmeric or curcumin as color additives in cosmetics; they are approved only for food. We found no data on how much curcumin survives the alkaline conditions of soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.1–1% curcumin; 0.1–0.5% tetrahydrocurcumin | Masks, cleansers, and serums. |
| Haircare | 0.05–0.5% | Scalp treatments and pre-shampoo oils. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–10% infused oil | Turmeric-infused oil in the recipe. |
| Cosmetics | 0.1–0.5% | Tetrahydrocurcumin in foundations and primers. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA rules: color additives in cosmetics must be approved for that use.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
7. Pros
Claim: Well researched, antioxidant, with a colorless option for face and makeup. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Research is extensive but mostly preclinical or small clinical studies.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
- What it shows: Evidence summary.
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
8. Cons
Claim: Curcumin stains, is unstable, dissolves poorly in water, and can cause allergy. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Staining. Can tint skin, nails, hair, and fabric yellow.
- Instability. Degrades in light and alkaline conditions.
- Poor water solubility. Needs oil, solubilizers, or encapsulation.
- Allergy. A documented contact allergen.
Citations:
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
- What it shows: Contact allergy review.
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- What it shows: Stability and solubility.
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Products may temporarily tint skin, nails, and fabrics.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
- What it shows: Allergy data.
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Chaudhari, S. P., Tam, A. Y., & Barr, J. A. (2015). Curcumin: A contact allergen. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/curcumin-a-contact-allergen/
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
