Bay leaves are usually known as a simple kitchen ingredient, but they have also become popular in DIY skincare routines. Some people use bay leaf water as a homemade facial toner and believe it can leave the skin looking smoother and fresher.
But can bay leaves really erase wrinkles?
The answer isn’t quite as simple as social media makes it sound.
Why Are Bay Leaves Popular in Skincare?
Bay leaves contain plant compounds with antioxidant activity, which is one reason they’re sometimes included in traditional beauty routines.
However, evidence supporting botanical skincare ingredients varies considerably depending on the specific plant, extract, concentration, and formulation. A recent systematic review found some benefits from certain plant-based topical products, including improvements in hydration and overall skin elasticity, but that doesn’t establish the same effect for homemade bay leaf water.
Can Bay Leaves Remove Wrinkles?
There’s currently not enough good-quality clinical evidence to say that bay leaves erase wrinkles.
Wrinkles are influenced by natural aging, sun exposure, genetics, collagen changes, and other factors. A homemade bay leaf toner shouldn’t be considered a replacement for proven skincare or professional treatments.
That doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy a simple bay leaf skincare ritual—it just means expectations should be realistic.
A Simple Bay Leaf Facial Tonic
If you want to try a traditional bay leaf facial tonic, keep the recipe simple.
Ingredients
- 5–7 dried bay leaves
- 1½ cups water
