Himalaya neem face gel: how to use it, step by step
The Himalaya neem face gel is a face wash in gel form from the Indian brand Himalaya, made with neem leaf, the Indian lilac (Polish: "miodla indyjska"). Himalaya sells it as the Purifying Neem Face Wash. You use it like a cleanser: a small amount on a wet face, massage, then rinse it off with water.
What the product is
Many people search for "Himalaya neem face gel" because the product is a green gel in a tube. It is not a leave-on gel or a cream. It foams lightly when you mix it with water, and it is made to be washed off.
Neem is a tree from the Indian subcontinent. Its leaves, oil and bark have been part of Indian household and personal-care products for a long time, and Himalaya uses neem in a whole line of face and body products. The label of the face wash lists neem and other plant extracts; read the ingredient list on your tube for the exact formula, because brands change formulas from time to time.
Before you start, check the front of your tube. If it says "Face Wash", the steps below apply. If you have a different neem product, such as a face pack or a cream, follow its own label.
How to use the Himalaya neem face gel
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze out a small amount, about the size of a pea or a little more. Too much only makes it harder to rinse.
- Rub it between your fingertips with a few drops of water until it foams lightly.
- Massage it over your face in small circles for about half a minute. Avoid the area around the eyes.
- Rinse well with water until no gel is left on the skin, especially along the hairline and the jaw.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Do not rub.
- Follow with your usual moisturiser, if you use one.
If the gel gets into your eyes, rinse them with plenty of clean water.
How often to use it
The directions on the tube usually say twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Some people use it once a day, in the evening, and wash with only water in the morning. Follow the label and stop using the product if your skin reacts badly to it.
If you have never used a neem product before, try a small amount on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear first and wait a day.
Other neem products: neem oil and neem face pack
People who search for the face gel often also look for:
- Neem oil ("olej z miodli indyjskiej" or "olej neem"). A thick oil with a strong, bitter smell. It is used in hair and body care, often mixed with a lighter oil such as coconut. Read the label before you put it on your skin.
- Neem face pack powder ("maseczka z neem"). A powder that you mix with water or rose water into a paste, spread on the face, and wash off once it dries.
- Neem soap. Himalaya makes a neem and turmeric bar soap, and other Indian brands make neem bars too.
Where to buy the Himalaya neem face gel in Poland
Little India sells the Himalaya neem face wash in its online shop and its shops in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdańsk (shop addresses). The neem face gel is not always in stock; the link goes to the Himalaya Neem Foaming Face Wash (150 ml). On the same shelf you will find neem face pack powder, neem oil and the Himalaya neem and turmeric soap. Our guide to the Indian shop in Poland lists what else the shops carry.
For another Indian bathroom classic, read about Mysore Sandal soap and its variants.
FAQ
Is the Himalaya neem face gel a face wash?
Yes. Himalaya sells it as the Purifying Neem Face Wash. It is a gel cleanser that you rinse off, not a leave-on gel.
Do I leave the neem gel on my face?
No. Massage it in for about half a minute, then rinse it off fully with water.
How much of the gel should I use?
A pea-sized amount is enough for the whole face. Add a few drops of water to make it foam.
What is neem in Polish?
Neem is "miodla indyjska" in Polish. Shops often keep the English name, so look for "neem" on the label.