The Beauty and Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Why this household staple deserves its place in the beauty and health aisle.

As we try to live a greener life, we’re constantly looking for ways to add natural beauty products and organic foods into our lives. So when celebrities and stars began touting the benefits of apple cider vinegar, we had to test it for ourselves. Apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV, is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples or freshly pressed apple juice that is used for alternative medicine, beauty treatments, and even household cleaning. It’s an age-old folklore remedy that’s recently gained a ton of popularity. Miranda Kerr, Scarlett Johansson, Gabby Douglas, and countless other celebs all swear by the powers of apple cider vinegar. Steal these celebrities’ natural beauty secrets, then head down to your local health food store to buy a bottle. You’re about to be pleasantly surprised.

Apple Cider Vinegar Uses

1. Get Clear Skin with an Apple Cider Vinegar Acne Mask

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, which makes it perfect for fighting the bacteria that causes blemishes. Star and girlboss, Mindy Kaling mixes equal parts Bragg’s apple cider vinegar with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay to combat acne. The Mindy Project star keeps the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes (or for 5 minutes if you have sensitive skin), before washing it off. The natural astringent in the apple cider vinegar keeps her skin looking flawless.

2. Combat Dandruff, Dull, or Frizzy Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

This It Girl approved apple cider vinegar hair rinse fights dandruff, dull, and frizzy hair. Clique Media CEO Katherine Power says she uses an apple cider vinegar hair rinse every other day. To make a natural apple cider vinegar hair rinse, mix together equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then use it in place of shampoo and conditioner to add shine and banish buildup.

3. Tone Skin with Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidity of apple cider vinegar balances skin’s pH level, which is important for keeping a smooth complexion. Movie star Scarlett Johansson reportedly uses an apple cider vinegar toner, to keep her skin smooth. To make an apple cider vinegar toner of your own, mix equal parts distilled water with apple cider vinegar. Use a cotton ball to lightly dab it on your face, then rinse after a few minutes. This apple cider vinegar toner is perfect if you’ve got oily, acne prone skin. However, if you’ve got sensitive skin, follow the golden rule of skin care: always do a test patch first.

4. Eliminate Foot Odor with Apple Cider Vinegar

The acids in apple cider vinegar alter the pH on your feet, making it hard for odor-causing bacteria to grow. Make your own deodorizing foot wipes by soaking thick paper towels in one cup of apple cider vinegar overnight in the fridge, then use the wipes as needed to kill gross foot germs.

5. Whiten Teeth With an Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash

The acid in apple cider vinegar helps to break down coffee and food stains on your teeth. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water to create a tooth-whitening mouthwash. Pro tip: This mouthwash should be used only occasionally, no more than once a month, since frequent use can break down tooth enamel.

6. Soothe a Bug Bite or Jellyfish Sting with an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

To soothe a bug bite or jellyfish sting, draw a diluted apple cider vinegar bath by mixing one or two cups apple cider vinegar into a warm water bath. The warm water and apple cider vinegar mixture will help ease the stinging sensation.

7. Clean Your Fruits and Veggies with Apple Cider Vinegar

Research shows that apple cider vinegar can significantly reduce bacteria such as salmonella on surfaces. Ensure your foods are free of gunk and pathogens by washing your fruits and veggies with a 3 parts water to 1 part apple cider vinegar mixture.

8. Lose Weight with an Apple Cider Vinegar Detox

In 2009, researchers in Japan found that apple cider vinegar may be helpful for weight loss. Test subjects, who drank 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a cup of water per day, lost between 2 to 4 pounds more a month than the control group, who drank only water. If you don’t love the taste of apple cider vinegar, try adding apple cider vinegar into recipes you already make (like salad dressing!) to easily lose a few extra pounds.

9. Help Maintain Your Blood Sugar with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar blocks the digestion of some starches, which helps keep blood sugar down. If you’re being treated for diabetes, but interested in the benefits of apple cider vinegar, consult your doctor. Consuming apple cider vinegar may interfere with your medical treatments, so always talk to a medical professional first before adding a new health remedy to your diet.

10. Aid Digestion and Detox with Apple Cider Vinegar

If you have indigestion, consider adding in apple cider vinegar to foods you already eat. Apple cider vinegar (like all other vinegars) contain probiotic compounds that encourage the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria. Steal one of the recipes below to easily add this healthy ingredient into your diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar Diet and Wellness Recipes

• Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

Olympic gold medalist, Gabby Douglas, swears by adding apple cider vinegar to her tea every morning. To make this Olympian favorite, add ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot red berry tea and mix in honey and lemon to taste.

• Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing

Supermodel Miranda Kerr adds apple cider vinegar to her meals by drizzling it on her salads. Make your salad extra healthy by mixing up a probiotic salad dressing. Combine ¾ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to make an apple cider vinaigrette. This dressing goes perfect over fresh baby greens, apples, toasted walnuts, and soft, mild cheese.

• Apple Cider Vinegar Shrub Drink

While Megan Fox swears by drinking a diluted shot of apple cider vinegar every morning, we think trying a vinegar soda or shrub would be a more palatable alternative. But what’s an apple cider vinegar shrub exactly? Shrubs are refreshing drinks made of vinegar and club soda that come in different flavors, such as apple pie or lemon ginger. All vinegars have probiotics, so adding a shrub to your day is an easy way to keep your gut in check.

FAQ: Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects and Safety

It safe to drink apple cider vinegar?

Consuming apple cider vinegar in small doses is widely regarded as safe; however, avoid drinking it in large doses since this may irritate the stomach and cause low potassium levels.

Can you drink apple cider vinegar straight?

Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water or other liquids before drinking or applying it to the skin.  A full shot of apple cider vinegar alone can be too strong for your stomach or for your skin to handle.

How often can you use the apple cider vinegar mouthwash?

Finally, if you make an apple cider vinegar mouthwash use it no more than once a month, since overuse can erode tooth enamel. The benefits of apple cider vinegar make it a health food worth trying: Just remember to use it safely.

Disclaimer: The information on this website and any related links are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact a professional healthcare provider.