What Is Kumkumadi Tailam? Ayurvedic Glow Oil and the modern Apricot & Saffron Serum Version
What Is Kumkumadi Tailam? And How We Reimagined It as Apricot & Saffron Night Serum
Kumkumadi-InspiredA short guide to this classical Ayurvedic saffron oil, why it’s loved for radiance, and how Angels in My Garden has created a modern Apricot & Saffron Night Serum inspired by its philosophy.
What is Kumkumadi Tailam in Ayurveda?
Kumkumadi Tailam is a traditional Ayurvedic facial oil centred on Kumkum (saffron). It was designed as a luxurious, slow-made blend to support a radiant, even-looking complexion and nourished skin.
Classical Ayurvedic texts describe skin—Twak—as a reflection of inner balance. When that balance is disturbed, the skin can appear dull, uneven or tired. Kumkumadi Tailam was formulated to deliver deep nourishment through oils infused with herbs, helping restore that sense of harmony.
Why Kumkumadi Tailam is valued
As a concept, this oil is used to:
- Support natural radiance and “inner glow”
- Reduce the look of dullness and uneven tone
- Soften the appearance of fine lines over time
- Minimise the look of marks and pigmentation
- Nourish and comfort the skin’s barrier
In practice, it’s often used at night as a calming facial ritual, not just a “quick fix”.
How the classical oil is made (in short)
Traditional Kumkumadi Tailam is described in texts such as Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Yoga Ratnakara. While exact recipes vary, they follow a three-part method:
- Kashaya – a herbal decoction (e.g. Manjistha, Lodhra, Padmaka, Lotus)
- Kalka – a paste of saffron, sandalwood, turmeric and other botanicals
- Sneha – oils and milk (often sesame oil and goat’s milk) as the base
These are slowly simmered together so the herbs infuse into the oil, creating a rich, golden elixir.
How Angels in My Garden has reimagined the concept
Instead of recreating a heavy, classical oil, we’ve taken inspiration from the idea of Kumkumadi—saffron-led radiance, herbal support and night-time nourishment—and translated it into a lighter, serum-style texture: Apricot & Saffron Night Serum .
- Inspired by Kumkumadi’s focus on glow and nourishment
- Uses a blend of modern emollients, heritage botanicals and gentle actives
- Designed to feel silky and cushiony on the skin, without feeling too heavy
What is inside Apricot & Saffron Night Serum
The formula brings together apricot and other oils for nourishment, saffron and Ayurvedic-inspired botanicals for complexion support, and modern actives like bakuchiol for an updated approach to night care.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).
comfortsupple feelCrocus Sativus (Saffron) Stigma Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract, Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetiver) Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil.
radiancecomplexion supportHydrogenated Olive Oil (EcoSilk), Hydrolyzed Silk (Silk Protein) help create a smooth, silky glide with a refined serum-like finish.
silkyserum-likeBakuchiol, Alpha-Bisabolol, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Extract*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract*, Oudh Oil*.
soothingnight ritualFull ingredient list:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil (EcoSilk), Hydrolyzed Silk (Silk Protein), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Crocus Sativus (Saffron) Stigma Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract, Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) Root Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetiver) Root Extract, Bakuchiol, Alpha-Bisabolol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Oudh Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E). * Essential Oils
Notes about this serum
This product is not vegan as it contains traces of Clarified Butter (Cow’s ghee) from Kumkumadi heritage infusions.
- Our full ingredient list appears on the product packaging.
- We use premium Kashmiri Mogra saffron from India.
- This product may contain naturally occurring allergens, including Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Geraniol, Farnesol.
- Contains trace amounts of Manjistha, Dandelion Root, Sesame Seed Oil, Clarified Butter (Ghee) and Aqua from Kumkumadi heritage infusions to enhance sensorial properties.
How to use in your night routine
Cleanse gently and pat dry. Keep the routine calm and non-stripping.
Take a small amount of Apricot & Saffron Night Serum , warm between fingertips and massage into face and neck using gentle upward strokes.
If skin is dry, follow with a light moisturiser. Always pair any night routine with daily sunscreen in the morning.
Quick FAQs
Is this a classical Kumkumadi Tailam?
No. Apricot & Saffron Night Serum is a Kumkumadi-inspired cosmetic serum. It draws on the idea of saffron-led radiance and herbal nourishment, but uses a modern blend of oils, botanicals and actives in a lighter texture.
Can I use it every night?
It is designed as a night serum for regular use. If your skin is sensitive, patch test first and start a few nights a week, then increase as your skin feels comfortable. Always use sunscreen during the day.
Is it suitable if I only want a traditional oil?
If you prefer a pure, traditional-style oil, a classical Kumkumadi Tailam may be more aligned. If you like the heritage story but want a smoother, more modern texture, Apricot & Saffron Night Serum offers that middle ground.
This article provides general information about cosmetic skin care only. It does not provide medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Results vary. Always read product labels and follow directions for use. Stop use if irritation occurs and seek advice from a registered health professional if symptoms persist.
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