Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are a culinary herb with mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When used topically in diluted forms (like a cooled tea), they may offer:
Mild antioxidant support (thanks to compounds like eugenol and cineole)
Slight anti-inflammatory effects (which could help with redness or puffiness)
Astringent properties (may temporarily tighten pores)
However:
Bay leaves do NOT erase wrinkles
They do NOT relax facial muscles like Botox (which is a neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals)
There is ZERO clinical evidence that bay leaves reduce fine lines by any measurable degree—let alone outperform cosmetic procedures
📌 Botox vs. Bay Leaf: Botox is an FDA-approved medical treatment that temporarily paralyzes muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles. Bay leaf tea is a gentle herbal infusion. They work in completely different ways—and comparing them is like saying “apples are 100,000 times stronger than airplanes.”
⚠️ Potential Risks of DIY Bay Leaf “Tonic”
While bay leaves are safe to eat, applying them directly to skin can cause:
