Why Onion Juice Works for Dandruff and What to Expect
Onion juice contains sulfur compounds, antioxidants, and mild antimicrobial agents that can reduce scalp flakiness and support healthier hair. It may help slow dandruff-causing yeast, soothe irritation, and strengthen hair when used regularly. Always patch test first and avoid eye contact. If you have cuts, open wounds, or a very sensitive scalp, skip or dilute the juice.
Results take time — expect several weeks of consistent use before noticing real change. Start slowly (once or twice weekly) and adjust to your tolerance. Manage the smell by rinsing well, adding fragrant carriers, or using a scented conditioner. If irritation occurs or dandruff worsens, stop and consult a dermatologist. Small studies show modest benefits.
Fast Home Remedies for Dandruff: Simple, Effective Tips
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Recipe 1: Pure Onion Juice Scalp Rinse — The Simple Starter
What you’ll need
1 medium red or yellow onion (higher sulfur content)
Grater or small blender (handheld immersion blender or a compact NutriBullet/Vitamix)
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Water or mild carrier (distilled water or aloe juice) for dilution
A friend of mine started with a simple kitchen grater and a coffee filter — messy but effective for a first try.
Must-Have
Onionvital Onion, Rosemary, Biotin Hair Serum
Lightweight hydration with onion and biotin
A lightweight serum combining onion extract, rosemary, biotin, and arginine to hydrate the scalp and soften hair without weighing it down. Fragrance is mild and formula is ammonia- and paraben-free, suitable for regular scalp massages or nighttime use.
Strain through cheesecloth/mesh, press to collect juice.
Dilute: start 1:3 onion juice to water (mild) or 1:1 if tolerated. Never use undiluted on sensitive skin.
Apply, timing, and frequency
On damp (not dripping) hair, part hair and apply juice to the scalp with a dropper or fingertips.
Massage gently for 2–3 minutes to boost circulation (expect a mild tingling).
Leave 15–30 minutes, then shampoo with a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly.
Use 1–2 times per week; increase only if no irritation.
Precautions & storage
Patch test 24–48 hours on inner arm. Avoid broken skin and eyes. Stop if burning, severe redness, or increased flaking occurs.
Store leftover juice in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3–5 days or freeze in ice-cube trays for longer.
If this basic rinse suits you, the next recipe shows how adding coconut oil brings moisture and extra antimicrobial benefits.
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Recipe 2: Onion Juice and Coconut Oil Nourishing Mask — Moisture Plus Antimicrobial Action
Ingredients
2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
1–2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil or melted virgin coconut oil (adjust by hair length)
A friend with a chronically dry scalp found 1 tablespoon oil enough for shoulder-length hair — less greasy, still hydrating.
Hair Growth Booster
Babaria Onion Hair Mask—No Smell, No Tears
Deep conditioning mask that promotes hair growth
A rich hair mask formulated with onion extract to repair and strengthen hair fibers, reduce breakage, and add shine and smoothness. It also soothes the scalp, helps reduce dandruff and frizz, and is cruelty-free.
Gently warm the coconut oil until liquid (microwave 5–10 seconds or warm in a bowl over hot water). Do not heat onion juice. Stir the warm oil into the onion juice slowly so they emulsify; if using solid virgin coconut oil, melt first. Product examples: NOW Solutions Fractionated Coconut Oil (light, stays liquid) vs. organic virgin brands (Kirkland/Viva Naturals) that solidify at room temp.
Application & timing
Section hair and apply the mixture directly to the scalp with fingertips or a tint brush.
Massage 3–5 minutes, cover with a shower cap, and leave 30–60 minutes for deep penetration.
Shampoo thoroughly with a mild cleanser; repeat weekly.
Why it helps
Coconut oil’s lauric and capric acids hydrate and have mild antimicrobial action, complementing onion’s sulfur-rich compounds that may reduce microbial triggers and support scalp repair.
Tips & storage
Reduce smell with 2–3 drops lavender or sweet orange essential oil; patch-test (24 hrs) for sensitivity.
Oily scalps: use 1 tbsp oil or rinse twice.
Store small batches in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3–5 days; warm before use.
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Recipe 3: Onion Juice and Honey Soothing Blend — Gentle Anti-inflammatory Care
Ingredients
2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
1 tablespoon raw honey (Manuka UMF 10+ or local raw honey)
A reader with a reactive, itchy scalp found this combo soothed flare-ups without sting after three weeks of twice-weekly use.
How to make & apply
Warm the honey slightly (5–8 seconds in the microwave or set jar in hot water) so it blends easily — do not heat the onion juice. Mix until smooth.
Section hair and apply the blend directly to the scalp with fingertips or a tint brush.
Massage gently for 2–3 minutes so the blend spreads evenly.
Cover with a shower cap and leave 20–30 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water, then shampoo with a gentle cleanser (twice if sticky).
Why it helps
Honey is a humectant and mild antimicrobial with anti-inflammatory effects; it helps retain moisture, calms itch, and can mask some onion odor. Onion targets microbial contributors to dandruff — together they soothe and hydrate.
Precautions & variations
Patch-test 24 hours for bee-product sensitivity; avoid use on open cuts.
Thicker/long hair: scale up to 3–4 tbsp onion juice + 1.5–2 tbsp honey.
Alternate with other masks (weekly rotation) to prevent overuse.
Expect noticeable reduction in itch and flaking after consistent use for a few weeks (2–6 weeks).
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Recipe 4: Onion Juice and Aloe Vera Cooling Treatment — Calming and Hydrating
Why this combo works
Aloe vera brings enzymes and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe irritated, itchy scalps and add lightweight hydration. Paired 1:1 with onion juice, it softens onion bite, keeps scalp moist, and can help calm flares from sun exposure or aggressive styling.
Ingredients & ratio
2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (fresh inner leaf or a clean, additive-free gel)
Skin Savior
Seven Minerals Organic 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
NSF Organic, Texas-grown, unscented daily soother
A pure, freshly harvested aloe vera gel that soothes sunburns, calms irritation, and hydrates skin and hair without sticky residue thanks to a natural agar base. Certified organic and vegan, it’s a gentle daily treatment for face, body, and scalp.
Section hair and apply directly to the scalp with fingertips or a brush.
Massage gently 2–3 minutes to increase circulation.
Cover with a shower cap and leave 20–40 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water; follow with a gentle shampoo if needed.
Tips, frequency & safety
Use 1–2 times weekly.
Patch-test 24 hours on inner wrist for sensitivity.
Prefer pure aloe (no alcohol, fragrances, or parabens); fresh gel avoids irritants like aloin in the leaf latex.
If your scalp feels hot, finish with a brief cool water rinse or place a cool compress for 3–5 minutes to reduce heat and sting.
A friend who treated a sun‑reddened scalp noticed less itch and faster comfort after two applications — this combo is especially good when you want cooling relief without heavy oils.
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Recipe 5: Onion Juice with Tea Tree Oil Anti-fungal Formula — Targeting Malassezia
Why add tea tree?
Tea tree oil (melaleuca) is a lightweight essential oil with documented anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce Malassezia‑linked flaking. Used sparingly it boosts onion juice’s antimicrobial potential without heavy residue.
Mixing & safe dilution
2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
1 tablespoon carrier (light oil like jojoba or 100% aloe vera gel)
2–4 drops pure tea tree essential oil (do not exceed this amount)
Always keep tea tree low: 0.5–1% final concentration is safe for most scalps.
How to apply
Section hair and apply the blend to the scalp with a dropper or brush.
Gently massage 2–3 minutes to distribute.
Leave 10–20 minutes (shorter if you feel any warming or tingling).
Rinse thoroughly, shampoo once, and finish with a cool water rinse.
Scalp Soother
Botanic Hearth Tea Tree Dandruff Shampoo
Soothes itchy, dry scalp and fights dandruff
A tea tree–based shampoo blended with peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and vitamin C to calm itchiness, hydrate the scalp, and help reduce dandruff. Sulfate-, paraben-free and cruelty-free, it cleanses while supporting healthy hair growth.
This shampoo is an example of a supportive wash to use after treatment; try using it separately on wash days for added antifungal action.
Who should avoid & patch test
Avoid if you have known essential oil allergies, open sores, or very sensitive skin.
Patch test: apply a pea-sized amount to inner forearm; wait 24 hours. No redness, blistering, or intense itching = proceed.
Frequency, scent control & red flags
Start weekly; increase to twice weekly only if well tolerated.
To reduce smell: rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar (1:4 water) or a fragrance-free conditioner.
Stop and consult a dermatologist if severe burning, swelling, worsening redness, or spreading rash occurs.
Next up: a cooling, protein‑rich combo that soothes and balances scalp pH.
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Recipe 6: Onion Juice and Yogurt Conditioning Cure — Soothing pH and Protein Balance
Ingredients & selection
Use:
2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
3–4 tablespoons plain, full‑fat yogurt (no added sugar or flavors; Greek-style is fine)
Choose a full‑fat, unsweetened plain yogurt (brands labeled “whole milk” or “Greek” tend to be thicker and less likely to run). If you prefer a lighter dairy option, see variations below.
How to mix
Combine onion juice and yogurt until completely smooth — a small whisk or blender makes this creamy mask easy to spread. Aim for a spreadable yogurt‑thick consistency, not runny.
Cold-Pressed Pure
SANOOR Himalayan Red Onion Cold-Pressed Oil
100% pure oil to nourish and strengthen
A cold-pressed onion oil rich in nutrients designed to nourish the scalp, strengthen follicles, and support healthier-looking hair. Use as a pre-shower treatment, leave-in conditioning drop, or daily moisturizer for added shine and manageability.
Section hair and apply a thin layer across the scalp, working 1–2 cm at a time.
Gently massage 2–3 minutes to distribute the mask.
Leave 20–30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo gently.
Benefits in practice
Lactic acid gently loosens dead skin and helps rebalance pH while yogurt’s proteins and probiotics calm irritation and add slip — great for tangled, flaky scalps. Many people notice less flaking after 3–4 weekly uses.
Tips, variations & cautions
Frequency: once a week.
Swap yogurt for kefir if you need a pourable option with similar probiotics.
Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue; use a clarifying shampoo if hair feels heavy.
Avoid if you have a dairy allergy or acne-prone scalp; patch test before full use.
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Recipe 7: Onion Juice with Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse — Break Up Buildup
Why this combo helps
Onion juice brings antimicrobial sulfur compounds; lemon adds citric acid to help dissolve residues; apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps rebalance pH and lift styling/product buildup that can trap flakes. Think of it as a targeted clarifying rinse rather than a leave‑on treatment.
Ingredients & mix
2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered preferred)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2–1 cup cool water (to dilute; adjust for hair length)
Mix ingredients and dilute with water until the solution feels mild on your skin (not stinging).
Follow with a clarifying shampoo to remove loosened residue — many people like a gentle pharmacy option that still exfoliates the scalp.
A pH-balanced clarifying shampoo that removes build-up and excess oil while preserving color and moisture, formulated without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. The pink grapefruit scent refreshes hair and helps restore shine without over-drying.
Pour the diluted rinse over your scalp, sectioning hair to reach the roots.
Massage gently for 30–60 seconds, then leave on 2–5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Warnings, frequency & tips
Patch test 24 hours before full use; stop if burning, severe redness, or persistent itching occur.
Avoid sun exposure for several hours after application because lemon can increase photosensitivity.
Use sparingly (every 10–14 days); alternate with gentler, hydrating treatments to avoid over‑stripping.
If you want a more traditional, nourishing follow‑up, the next recipe brings fenugreek into play for longer‑term flake control.
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Recipe 8: Onion Juice and Fenugreek Paste Dandruff Defense — Traditional Option for Flake Control
Why fenugreek helps
Fenugreek (methi) brings saponins (natural cleansing agents) and anti‑inflammatory compounds that soothe irritated scalps and can reduce flakiness over time. Combined with onion juice’s sulfurous support, it’s a go‑to for stubborn flakes and visible scalp inflammation.
Ingredients & prep
2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds (soaked 6–8 hours)
1–2 tablespoons fresh onion juice
Optional: 3–4 drops rosemary or lavender essential oil to mask odor and boost antimicrobial action
Grind soaked seeds with a small splash of the soaking water in a blender or spice grinder (Magic Bullet, small food processor) until smooth. Stir in onion juice to reach a thick, spreadable paste.
How to apply
Section dry or slightly damp hair and apply paste directly to the scalp.
Massage gently for 2–3 minutes to spread.
Cover with a shower cap and leave 30–45 minutes.
Shampoo thoroughly (use a gentle, sulfate‑free shampoo) and follow with a mild conditioner (e.g., Aveeno Scalp Soothing or any gentle, hydrating formula).
Safety, smell & storage
Do a patch test (fenugreek is a legume — avoid if you have legume allergy).
Avoid eye contact; stop if severe irritation occurs.
Refrigerate leftover paste and use within 48–72 hours.
Use once weekly; adjust based on improvement and scalp sensitivity.
With this traditional option complete, you’re ready to move into the final section on choosing and using onion‑based treatments going forward.
Choosing, Using, and Moving Forward with Onion-based Treatments
Onion-based treatments can be a low-cost, useful complement to dandruff care but aren’t a guaranteed cure for every cause. Safety first: always patch-test, avoid contact with eyes, and dilute juices or add carriers when needed. Use one recipe consistently and track progress for several weeks to gauge effects.
See a dermatologist if dandruff is severe, persistent, or comes with significant redness or hair loss. Feel free to experiment safely with the eight recipes above—adjust ingredients, timing, and frequency to match your hair type and sensitivity, and report on what works for you.
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34 thoughts on “Onion Juice for Dandruff: 8 Recipes You Can Easily Make at Home”
I like that the article mentions Neutrogena clarifying shampoo for buildup. After a few onion treatments my scalp felt like it had residue — a clarifying wash (once every 2 weeks) fixed that right up. Don’t overdo clarifying though; it can dry hair.
Great tip, Omar. Clarifying shampoos like Neutrogena are useful for removing buildup from masks and oils, but as you said, use sparingly to avoid over-drying.
Long post — so here’s my experience (sorry for the essay lol):
I have chronic dandruff, and I’ve cycled through Nizoral and then Botanic Hearth tea tree shampoo. Nizoral helped but dried my hair out, tea tree felt more gentle. I followed Recipe 4 (aloe + onion) for 3 weeks, using Seven Minerals aloe gel and mixing a little honey sometimes. Results: flakes reduced by maybe 60%, less itching, and hair didn’t feel straw-like. Big caveat — if you have chemical treatments, watch the lemon/ACV rinse (Recipe 7) — that made my color fade a bit.
Overall: mix and match. Don’t expect overnight miracles but consistent weekly use seems to help.
Thanks for the detailed rundown, Priya — super helpful for others deciding between Nizoral and natural options. Good call on the lemon/ACV warning for color-treated hair.
Tried the coconut oil + onion mask from Recipe 2 last week. Smell was stronger than I expected but rinsed out fine. My scalp feels less itchy and hair’s softer. Used a tiny bit of SANOOR red onion oil as a finishing drop — noticable shine. Would recommend for a first try.
Good tip about essential oils. I used rosemary oil once and it masked the onion without irritating my scalp. Also +1 for SANOOR — their cold-pressed stuff is decent.
Nice test, Liam — glad it helped. If the smell bothers you next time, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the mask (always patch test first). The Babaria “No Smell” onion mask listed in the article is also a good low-odor alternative.
Okay real talk — I used Recipe 1 (pure onion rinse) once and my scalp tingled for like 2 hours after. Scared me but then it calmed. I’m a little worried about doing it again. Anyone else get long-lasting tingling? Should I skip to gentler mixes like honey or aloe?
Tingling can be a normal reaction to raw onion for some people, but prolonged burning, blistering, or severe redness are signs to stop. Try a diluted version or one of the gentler recipes (Recipe 3 or 4). Always patch test and consult a dermatologist if concerned.
Quick question: anyone combined Nizoral with these onion treatments? I’m using Nizoral twice a week but want to add a natural routine without overdoing antifungal action. Thoughts?
Many readers alternate — e.g., Nizoral 2x/week and an onion-based mask once a week. If you notice increased dryness or irritation, reduce frequency. Also avoid combining strong acidic rinses (like lemon/ACV) the same day as Nizoral.
Bit of humor: if onions cured everything, my ex would be a millionaire by now 😂
On a serious note — I loved Recipe 3 (onion + honey). Less sting, sticky mess, but it felt soothing. Also, the article’s product list helped — tried the Onionvital serum after the mask and hair looked healthier the next day.
This might be dumb, but does the Babaria ‘No Smell’ mask actually have zero smell? I live with roommates and can’t deal with a house smelling like a salad experiment 😂
Not dumb at all — Babaria’s ‘No Smell’ formulation significantly reduces the typical onion odor compared with raw juice, but “zero” is optimistic. Many readers find it roommate-safe. Still, ventilate the bathroom and rinse thoroughly to minimize any lingering scent.
I combined Recipe 5 (tea tree oil + onion) with Botanic Hearth shampoo. Mixed a few drops of tea tree into the onion rinse and left it for 10 min. It stung a tiny bit at first but calmed down. Scalp cooler and much less flaky. 10/10 would try again but be cautious with concentrations.
Good to hear it worked for you. Always best to start with small amounts of tea tree oil — it’s potent. Diluting it in a carrier like coconut oil or yogurt (as in Recipes 2 and 6) helps.
Neutral take: article is solid and recipes are clear, but I wish there were more safety/patch-test reminders. Someone in my group had a bad reaction to raw onion juice (redness, burning). It should be highlighted more prominently. Also, love the product links — Nizoral and Neutrogena clarifying are staples.
Good point, Daniel. We do recommend patch testing in the ‘Choosing, Using, and Moving Forward’ section, but I’ll make the warning more prominent in the next edit. Thanks for flagging.
I like that the article mentions Neutrogena clarifying shampoo for buildup. After a few onion treatments my scalp felt like it had residue — a clarifying wash (once every 2 weeks) fixed that right up. Don’t overdo clarifying though; it can dry hair.
I alternate — onion mask one week, clarifying shampoo the next week if I used a heavy oil. Keeps things balanced.
What routine did you use? Clarifier the same week as onion mask or alternating weeks?
Great tip, Omar. Clarifying shampoos like Neutrogena are useful for removing buildup from masks and oils, but as you said, use sparingly to avoid over-drying.
Long post — so here’s my experience (sorry for the essay lol):
I have chronic dandruff, and I’ve cycled through Nizoral and then Botanic Hearth tea tree shampoo. Nizoral helped but dried my hair out, tea tree felt more gentle. I followed Recipe 4 (aloe + onion) for 3 weeks, using Seven Minerals aloe gel and mixing a little honey sometimes. Results: flakes reduced by maybe 60%, less itching, and hair didn’t feel straw-like. Big caveat — if you have chemical treatments, watch the lemon/ACV rinse (Recipe 7) — that made my color fade a bit.
Overall: mix and match. Don’t expect overnight miracles but consistent weekly use seems to help.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been scared to try onion + lemon because of my dye. Saved me from a potential disaster 😂
Thanks for the detailed rundown, Priya — super helpful for others deciding between Nizoral and natural options. Good call on the lemon/ACV warning for color-treated hair.
Did you do the aloe + onion every week? Or more frequently? Trying to plan a schedule.
Tried the coconut oil + onion mask from Recipe 2 last week. Smell was stronger than I expected but rinsed out fine. My scalp feels less itchy and hair’s softer. Used a tiny bit of SANOOR red onion oil as a finishing drop — noticable shine. Would recommend for a first try.
Good tip about essential oils. I used rosemary oil once and it masked the onion without irritating my scalp. Also +1 for SANOOR — their cold-pressed stuff is decent.
Nice test, Liam — glad it helped. If the smell bothers you next time, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the mask (always patch test first). The Babaria “No Smell” onion mask listed in the article is also a good low-odor alternative.
Do you dilute the SANOOR oil or use it straight after rinsing? Trying to figure out the best routine.
Okay real talk — I used Recipe 1 (pure onion rinse) once and my scalp tingled for like 2 hours after. Scared me but then it calmed. I’m a little worried about doing it again. Anyone else get long-lasting tingling? Should I skip to gentler mixes like honey or aloe?
Maybe mix a little aloe (Seven Minerals gel) next time — cooling effect for sure.
If tingling persists, definitely stop. Could be sensitivity or even irritated skin barrier.
Tingling can be a normal reaction to raw onion for some people, but prolonged burning, blistering, or severe redness are signs to stop. Try a diluted version or one of the gentler recipes (Recipe 3 or 4). Always patch test and consult a dermatologist if concerned.
I had the same tingling first time. Next time I mixed onion with yogurt (Recipe 6) and it was much gentler. No more long tingles.
Quick question: anyone combined Nizoral with these onion treatments? I’m using Nizoral twice a week but want to add a natural routine without overdoing antifungal action. Thoughts?
Many readers alternate — e.g., Nizoral 2x/week and an onion-based mask once a week. If you notice increased dryness or irritation, reduce frequency. Also avoid combining strong acidic rinses (like lemon/ACV) the same day as Nizoral.
I do Nizoral twice weekly and use Recipe 6 (yogurt + onion) once a week on a different day. No issues so far, and yogurt helped with softness.
Bit of humor: if onions cured everything, my ex would be a millionaire by now 😂
On a serious note — I loved Recipe 3 (onion + honey). Less sting, sticky mess, but it felt soothing. Also, the article’s product list helped — tried the Onionvital serum after the mask and hair looked healthier the next day.
Haha — fair point! Appreciate the honest, lighthearted review. Onionvital pairs well as a post-treatment serum for added nourishment.
It’s the Onion, Rosemary, Biotin Hair Serum listed in the article. Lightweight and non-greasy for me.
Which Onionvital product exactly? There’s a few variants on Amazon and I want the same one you used.
This might be dumb, but does the Babaria ‘No Smell’ mask actually have zero smell? I live with roommates and can’t deal with a house smelling like a salad experiment 😂
Not dumb at all — Babaria’s ‘No Smell’ formulation significantly reduces the typical onion odor compared with raw juice, but “zero” is optimistic. Many readers find it roommate-safe. Still, ventilate the bathroom and rinse thoroughly to minimize any lingering scent.
It’s not completely scentless, but much milder. I wore a hat for the walk back from the shower just in case 😅
I combined Recipe 5 (tea tree oil + onion) with Botanic Hearth shampoo. Mixed a few drops of tea tree into the onion rinse and left it for 10 min. It stung a tiny bit at first but calmed down. Scalp cooler and much less flaky. 10/10 would try again but be cautious with concentrations.
How many drops did you use? I’m nervous about dermal reactions.
Good to hear it worked for you. Always best to start with small amounts of tea tree oil — it’s potent. Diluting it in a carrier like coconut oil or yogurt (as in Recipes 2 and 6) helps.
I used 3 drops in about 2 tbsp onion juice — pretty conservative. Also did a 24-hour patch test first.
Neutral take: article is solid and recipes are clear, but I wish there were more safety/patch-test reminders. Someone in my group had a bad reaction to raw onion juice (redness, burning). It should be highlighted more prominently. Also, love the product links — Nizoral and Neutrogena clarifying are staples.
Good point, Daniel. We do recommend patch testing in the ‘Choosing, Using, and Moving Forward’ section, but I’ll make the warning more prominent in the next edit. Thanks for flagging.
Agree with Daniel. Natural doesn’t always mean safe for everyone. Patch test and maybe dilute strongly for sensitive skin.