Is Washed Ghee Better Than Regular Ghee?

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, a process of washing pure cow ghee one hundred times transforms it into a potent medicinal cream known as Shata Dhauta Ghrita. The question of whether washed ghee is better than regular ghee depends entirely on its intended application, as their purposes are completely different.

Quick Summary

Washed ghee, or Shata Dhauta Ghrita, is an Ayurvedic skincare product with a cooling, whipped texture, while regular ghee is an edible cooking fat. The repeated washing process changes its properties, making it non-greasy, deeply hydrating, and ideal for topical use on skin conditions like eczema and dryness.

Key Points

Intended Use: Washed ghee is exclusively for topical skincare, while regular ghee is for cooking and dietary consumption.
Texture and Consistency: The washing process transforms ghee into a light, non-greasy, cloud-like cream, unlike the dense, oily texture of regular ghee.
Topical Benefits: Washed ghee offers superior hydration, soothing effects for skin irritations like eczema, and anti-aging properties.
Non-Edible: After being washed 100 times, the resulting Shata Dhauta Ghrita is considered non-edible and is meant only for external use.
Transformation Process: The traditional method of washing involves using pure ghee, water, and a copper vessel, changing its molecular structure and enhancing its therapeutic qualities.
Cooking Suitability: Regular ghee is better for cooking due to its high smoke point and flavor, whereas washed ghee is not used for this purpose.

Washed Ghee vs. Regular Ghee: A Fundamental Difference

The fundamental difference between washed and regular ghee is their purpose. Regular ghee is a staple cooking oil and dietary fat, known for its high smoke point and rich, nutty flavor. Washed ghee, on the other hand, is an entirely different product. Known in Ayurveda as Shata Dhauta Ghrita, it is a therapeutic, topical cream created by ritually washing pure ghee one hundred times with water. This laborious process completely changes the ghee's molecular structure, removing its oiliness and transforming it into a light, fluffy, and odorless cream.

The Transformation of Ghee

The repetitive washing is not just a purification ritual; it is a chemical process that results in an entirely new substance. Traditionally, a copper vessel is used, believed to infuse the ghee with additional therapeutic properties. As the ghee is mixed with cool water and then the water is discarded, its fatty acids and glycerols are broken down, making the final product easier for the skin to absorb. The end result is a highly nourishing, deeply penetrating moisturizer that is entirely non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Comparing Washed and Regular Ghee


Feature	Washed Ghee (Shata Dhauta Ghrita)	Regular Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Primary Use	Topical skincare (moisturizer, healing balm)	Culinary applications (cooking, frying, dietary fat)
Texture	Light, creamy, whipped, non-greasy	Granular, dense, oily
Edibility	Non-edible after repeated washing	Edible, nutritious food product
Benefits	Intense hydration, anti-aging, soothing skin irritations	Digestive health, source of vitamins, energy source
Preparation	Washed repeatedly with water (traditionally 100 times)	Heating butter to separate milk solids
Scent	Odorless, or can be infused with rose water for fragrance	Distinct, nutty aroma
Effects on Skin	Deeply penetrates, cooling, and reparative	Can be greasy, but offers some moisturizing and nourishing benefits

The Unique Benefits of Washed Ghee

Washed ghee's benefits are almost exclusively topical and focused on skin health, distinguishing it clearly from regular ghee.

Deep Hydration: The light, whipped texture of washed ghee allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin's layers, providing superior hydration compared to the surface-level moisture of regular ghee or many commercial creams.
Soothing and Healing: Its cooling properties make it an excellent remedy for inflamed, irritated, or burned skin. It is often recommended in Ayurveda for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn.
Anti-Aging and Regenerative: Washed ghee is rich in skin-rejuvenating vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as essential fatty acids. These nutrients help improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and repair damaged skin tissue.
Natural and Gentle: As a purely natural product, Shata Dhauta Ghrita contains no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial additives, making it a safe and gentle option for all skin types, including sensitive and baby skin.

How to Make Washed Ghee at Home

Creating washed ghee is a labor-intensive but rewarding process. While it can be found in specialized Ayurvedic stores, many prefer to make their own to ensure quality and purity.

Gather Ingredients and Equipment: You will need pure, high-quality cow's ghee (preferably A2 Bilona ghee), purified cold water, and a copper vessel. A spatula or wooden spoon is also helpful.
Melt the Ghee: If the ghee is solid, gently warm it until it becomes liquid. Ensure it is not hot, just softened.
The Washing Process: In the copper vessel, combine equal parts liquid ghee and cold water. Mix and churn the mixture vigorously for several minutes. Traditionally, this is done with a copper coin while chanting mantras.
Repeat: After mixing, allow the ghee to settle for a moment, then carefully pour off the water. Repeat this process at least 100 times, adding fresh cold water for each wash.
Achieve Whipped Consistency: The ghee will gradually change texture, becoming lighter, softer, and more whipped with each wash. Once complete, it should resemble a white, fluffy cream.
Store Properly: Scoop the finished cream into a clean, airtight glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and potency.

Conclusion

The question of whether washed ghee is better than regular ghee is not about superiority but about purpose. Regular ghee is an excellent cooking medium and healthy dietary fat, prized for its nutritional value and robust flavor. Washed ghee, or Shata Dhauta Ghrita, is a separate entity entirely: a therapeutic, non-edible skincare balm derived from regular ghee but transformed through a meticulous process. Its cooling, deeply hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties make it exceptionally beneficial for topical skin conditions, anti-aging, and deep moisturization. Therefore, the best choice depends on whether you're nourishing your body from the inside out with regular ghee or healing and rejuvenating your skin from the outside in with washed ghee.

Outbound Link: For more information on the traditional Ayurvedic preparation of Shata Dhauta Ghrita, see the explanation from Pure Indian Foods here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, washed ghee is not safe to eat. The repeated washing process transforms it into a non-edible topical cream used exclusively for skincare and therapeutic purposes.

The primary difference lies in their application: regular ghee is a cooking and dietary fat, while washed ghee (Shata Dhauta Ghrita) is a therapeutic skin cream developed through a 100-time washing ritual.

Washed ghee is a powerful moisturizer that provides deep hydration, soothes skin irritations like eczema and psoriasis, offers anti-aging benefits, and can heal sunburn and scars.

Washed ghee is made by repeatedly mixing pure ghee with cold water, traditionally 100 times in a copper vessel, which transforms its texture into a light, fluffy cream.

Yes, regular ghee can be used topically, but its oily, greasy texture makes it less effective and harder to absorb compared to washed ghee. It provides basic moisturization but not the same deep hydration or cooling effect.

Yes, the washing process fundamentally changes ghee's properties by breaking down its components and incorporating water, resulting in a lighter, less greasy texture that can penetrate skin more effectively.

When stored in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place or refrigerated, properly prepared washed ghee can last for at least six months, though some users recommend making smaller batches more frequently.