The claim that bay leaf is “100,000 times stronger than Botox” is not supported by scientific evidence. Bay leaves contain antioxidants and aromatic compounds that may help soothe skin or act as a mild toner, but they do not work like Botox, which reduces wrinkles by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles.
If you’re interested in the viral bay leaf skincare recipe, here’s a commonly shared version:
Bay Leaf Facial Toner
Ingredients
- 5–7 dried bay leaves
- 1½ cups (350 mL) water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon rose water
- Optional: a few drops of vitamin E oil
Instructions
- Add the bay leaves to the water.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Strain the liquid.
- Add rose water or vitamin E if desired.
- Store in a clean bottle in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Use
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply the cooled toner with a cotton pad or spray bottle.
- Let it dry naturally.
- Follow with a moisturizer.
- Use once or twice daily if your skin tolerates it.
Safety Notes
- Do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Stop use if irritation, redness, or itching occurs.
- Do not apply concentrated bay leaf essential oil directly to the face.
What Results Can You Expect?
Bay leaf preparations may provide temporary skin-refreshing effects and some antioxidant benefits, but they are unlikely to remove deep wrinkles or produce Botox-like results. Consistent sun protection, moisturization, and evidence-based skincare ingredients (such as retinoids and vitamin C) generally have stronger support for improving signs of aging.