Clove (Laung) for Pimples: Does It Work, and Is It Safe?

Clove (laung) isn't a safe or reliable pimple treatment. Its main compound, eugenol, has antibacterial and numbing effects in lab studies, which is why clove oil eases toothache. On facial skin, though, clove oil is a well-known irritant and a common allergen. Applied to a pimple, especially undiluted, it can burn, cause a rash and leave a dark mark that lasts longer than the spot.

Crushed clove paste, clove oil dabbed on a spot, or cloves mixed with honey all circulate as quick pimple fixes. The reasoning seems sound: if clove works on a sore tooth, why not a sore pimple? Here is what clove really does, why the face reacts differently from the gums, and what to reach for instead.

What does clove do to a pimple?

Clove mainly numbs a pimple and irritates the skin around it. Clove oil is mostly eugenol, which acts as a local anaesthetic. That's why a dab on a sore tooth dulls the pain. On a pimple, the same effect makes a throbbing spot hurt less for a while. It doesn't unclog the pore, which is where every pimple starts.

Eugenol also shows antibacterial and antioxidant activity in lab studies, including against some acne-related bacteria. That is the scientific seed of the "clove kills pimples" claim. As with most kitchen remedies, what happens in a petri dish doesn't carry over to a face. The strength that kills bacteria in the lab is also strong enough to damage skin cells.

Why is clove oil fine for teeth but risky on the face?

The mouth and the face are very different surfaces. Dental use involves a tiny amount, usually diluted in a formulated product, applied briefly to gum tissue under a dentist's guidance. On the face, people tend to:

• apply it undiluted, straight from the bottle;
• leave it on for hours or overnight;
• repeat it daily until the spot goes;
• put it on broken skin, where it penetrates more.

Every one of these raises the risk of a reaction. Eugenol is a recognised contact allergen. Clove oil can also cause irritant dermatitis and even chemical burns at high concentrations.

What are the side effects of clove on the skin?

That dark mark is often the worst outcome. A pimple left alone might fade in a week. An irritated, burned patch on brown skin can stay dark for months. Our guide to acne marks vs acne scars explains why.

Is clove and honey good for pimples?

Honey is gentle, soothing and mildly antibacterial, and it's one of the safer kitchen ingredients on skin. Mixing it with crushed clove doesn't make clove safe, though. It only dilutes it somewhat, by an unknown amount. If you do try it, use a tiny pinch of clove powder, rinse after 10 minutes, and stop at any stinging. On its own, honey is the lower-risk choice. See honey for face.

Clove vs other spot remedies

For the other kitchen spot fixes, see garlic on pimples, toothpaste on pimples and camphor for skin. Our tea tree oil guide covers the one plant oil with modest clinical backing.

What should you put on a pimple instead?

1. Cleanse gently and pat dry. Don't scrub the spot.
2. Apply a thin layer of a leave-on salicylic acid serum to the area. It works inside the pore to loosen the plug and calm inflammation over the next few days.
3. Cover a whitehead with a hydrocolloid patch overnight. It absorbs fluid and stops you from picking. See do pimple patches work.
4. Use a cold compress for pain and swelling instead of a numbing oil, for 1–2 minutes wrapped in a cloth.
5. Don't squeeze. It's the fastest way to turn a one-week pimple into a months-long mark. See how to stop picking your pimples.

For a spot before an event, realistic expectations help. Read how to get rid of a pimple overnight. Deep, painful cysts that keep coming back need a dermatologist, not a home remedy.

If you choose to try clove anyway

• Never apply clove oil undiluted to the skin.
• Patch-test first on the inner arm for 24–48 hours. See our patch-test guide.
• Avoid broken skin, the eye area and the lips.
• Rinse off within 10 minutes, and never leave it on overnight.
• Stop immediately if you feel burning or see redness, and don't try again.
• Skip it entirely if you're pregnant, have sensitive skin or eczema, or have reacted to fragrances before. Eugenol is a common fragrance allergen.

Frequently asked questions

Can clove oil remove pimples overnight?

No. It may make a pimple feel less sore, but it doesn't clear the blocked pore. The irritation it causes can make the area look redder by morning.

Does clove remove acne marks?

There's no good evidence that it does, and irritation from clove can create new dark marks. Niacinamide and daily sunscreen are better choices for fading marks.

Is clove water safe to use on the face?

Weak clove-infused water is less risky than the oil, but it offers little proven benefit for acne. Patch-test first and rinse it off.

Why does clove oil burn my skin?

Eugenol, its main compound, irritates the skin at the concentrations found in clove oil. Burning is a sign of skin irritation, not proof that it's "working".

Can I use clove for acne on my back?

The same risks apply. For body acne, a salicylic acid body wash left on for about a minute before rinsing is a safer, better-studied option.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a dermatologist.