What is in each length
- Herbal Essence Facial, 75 minutes, $258. Herbal essence oils with sound bowl or music healing, using techniques the menu describes as balancing the doshas, relieving tension and revitalizing the skin.
- Herbal Essence Facial – The Full Experience, 90 minutes, $298. Adds either a chest and arm herbal compress or eye and scraping care, aimed at circulation, fatigue relief and deeper relaxation.
If you want to know which of the two add-ons you will get, or anything specific about the oils, ask when you book.
How it differs from a clinical facial
A clinical facial is usually built around correcting something, such as congestion, pigmentation or texture. Our menu describes this facial in terms of oils, touch and sound, and it isn't sold as a peel, extraction or device treatment. It suits someone who wants a facial that feels restorative rather than corrective. If your main goal is to treat active acne or to fade pigmentation, a dermatologist is the better first stop.
The herbs you read about, and the evidence
Articles about Ayurvedic facials often mention turmeric, neem, sandalwood and rose. Our menu names herbal essence oils rather than a fixed ingredient list, so don't assume any particular herb is used. Ask. What the research says about the most studied of these herbs:
- Turmeric. A 2016 systematic review found 18 clinical studies of turmeric or curcumin for skin, eight of them topical. Ten of the 18 reported a significant improvement over control, but the authors called the evidence early and the studies limited.
- Natural isn't the same as non-allergenic. The NIH's LactMed database notes that contact dermatitis has been reported after skin contact with curcumin-containing products, and a 2026 review in the journal Dermatitis lists herbal extracts, turmeric among them, as emerging causes of allergic contact dermatitis. It warns against assuming that natural products are inherently safe.
So tell us about any allergy to herbs, nuts or essential oils before you book, and skip the facial if you have an active skin infection or open irritation on the face. It is a wellness treatment, not care for a diagnosed skin condition.
Pairing it with a body treatment
You can pair the facial with Abhyanga or Shirodhara. The Combo Package – Customized Design ($358, 120 minutes) combines facial and body therapies in one session, tailored to your dosha type. For a side-by-side comparison, read Ayurvedic facial vs regular facial.
Afterward
Expect some oil on the skin and in the hairline. If you have an event, leave time to wash and restyle.
Where to find us
Shanti Dhara Wellness is at 2875 Middlefield Rd, Suite 8, 2nd floor, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Open Tuesday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Wednesday through Saturday 10:30 am to 6:00 pm; closed Mondays. Book from the treatment menu or call (650) 283-9121.