1. Radium-Infused Face Creams
Back in the early 20th century, some beauty companies thought adding radium to face creams would make skin “glow.” And glow it did, but not in the way anyone wanted. The radioactive ingredient was believed to rejuvenate the complexion, giving women a youthful, luminous look. Ads promised a fountain of youth in a jar, while doctors and scientists were still figuring out just how dangerous radiation really was.
Of course, regular use meant people were literally rubbing radioactive particles into their skin. Prolonged exposure could cause burns, tissue damage, and long-term health issues. What was once marketed as cutting-edge beauty science quickly became one of the most notorious health scandals. It’s a chilling reminder of how blindly trusting a trend can go terribly wrong.
2. Lead-Based Makeup Powders
For centuries, lead was a common ingredient in powders used to create the pale, porcelain look that was all the rage. Women in the Victorian era often applied these powders daily, never suspecting that the same product making them look flawless was poisoning their bodies. Advertisements encouraged heavy use to keep up with society’s beauty standards.
Over time, lead absorption led to serious health effects, including organ damage, anemia, and even death. The irony is that some women began losing their hair and developing gray, sickly skin from prolonged use, which completely defeated the purpose of trying to look beautiful. Despite the risks, these powders lingered on the market far longer than they should have.
3. Electric Face Shocking Devices
In the 1920s and ’30s, beauty salons introduced electric shock machines that claimed to “stimulate” the face and erase wrinkles. Women would sit with strange metal contraptions strapped to their heads, wires buzzing faintly as low electrical currents pulsed into their skin. The promise was toned muscles and lifted cheeks, all without surgery.
In reality, the shocks could cause burns, nerve pain, and in some cases, lasting facial numbness. While some people swore they felt temporarily refreshed, it wasn’t worth the risks. These machines looked more like torture devices than beauty treatments, yet they were wildly popular for a time.
4. Mercury Skin Lightening Creams
Mercury has a long history of being used in skin-lightening products, especially during the early and mid-1900s. Companies advertised creams that promised to fade freckles, blemishes, and dark spots almost overnight. For many women, the quick results made these products appealing.
But mercury is highly toxic, and repeated use led to tremors, kidney damage, and neurological problems. Some users even experienced permanent scarring from the very creams they thought would improve their complexion. Although banned in many countries, counterfeit versions still pop up, proving just how enduring and dangerous beauty trends can be.
5. Vibrating “Reducing” Belts
These bulky devices promised to shake away fat and smooth out problem areas without effort. All you had to do was strap yourself in and let the machine jiggle you around for a few minutes a day. Advertisements insisted it was the modern woman’s answer to slimming down quickly.
Unfortunately, the belts didn’t burn fat and could cause back problems, bruising, and even internal injuries. Some users reported digestive issues after prolonged sessions. While harmless-looking compared to other devices, the false promises and potential harm made them more than just silly gadgets.
6. X-Ray Hair Removal
In the early 1900s, x-ray machines weren’t just for medical exams—they were marketed as a permanent solution for unwanted body hair. Women flocked to salons that offered treatments, excited at the idea of never having to pluck or shave again. For a short while, it seemed like a miracle.
But exposure to repeated radiation left many with burns, ulcers, and an increased risk of cancer. In extreme cases, women lost their hair permanently, but also suffered irreversible skin damage. What started as a quick fix ended up becoming one of the most dangerous beauty fads in history.
7. Heated Metal Curling Irons
Before modern safety standards, curling irons were heated directly on stoves or over open flames. Once hot, they were clamped onto hair to create waves or curls. Women risked burns to their scalps, ears, and hands every time they styled their hair.
Beyond the burns, the extreme heat often fried the hair completely, leaving it brittle and broken. Still, beauty manuals of the time assured users this was perfectly safe if done “correctly.” Many women endured painful accidents in the name of beauty before safer electric versions came along.
8. Corset-Inspired Waist Training Devices
Even after corsets began to fall out of fashion, companies sold mechanical devices meant to “reshape” the waistline. Some combined pressure with heat or vibration, claiming to reduce inches and create a more desirable figure. Women strapped themselves in, hoping for an effortless transformation.
These devices often restricted breathing, bruised ribs, and strained internal organs. Some women fainted during use, while others suffered lasting damage. It was essentially a continuation of the corset’s dangers, repackaged with a modern twist.
9. Sunlamp Tanning Machines
When tanning became fashionable in the mid-20th century, sunlamps popped up everywhere. They promised a golden glow without the hassle of lying on the beach. People used them at home, often without any protective eyewear or sunscreen.
The UV exposure was far stronger than most people realized, leading to burns, eye injuries, and long-term skin damage. Many users didn’t know they were drastically increasing their risk of skin cancer. Yet for decades, these devices were sold as safe, even healthy, ways to look more vibrant.
10. “Slenderizing” Sauna Suits
These suits were marketed as a way to sweat off pounds quickly. Worn during exercise or even just daily chores, they trapped heat and moisture inside, leaving the wearer drenched in sweat. Companies promised dramatic weight loss results in just a few days.
What most people didn’t realize is that the weight loss was only water, and the suits carried serious health risks. Users became dehydrated, overheated, and even fainted from heat exhaustion. The short-term results were not worth the potential long-term consequences.
11. Breast Enlargement Suction Pumps
In the mid-20th century, devices that promised larger breasts without surgery hit the market. These pumps created suction around the chest area, with the claim that increased blood flow would naturally boost size. Many women tried them out of curiosity or frustration with their body image.
Instead of enhancement, users often ended up with severe bruising, tissue damage, and long-term sagging. Some reported infections from unsanitary equipment. While they were marketed as safe alternatives to surgery, the risks were undeniable and the results almost always disappointing.
12. DIY Chemical Peels
Before dermatologists offered safe versions, companies sold at-home chemical peel kits with little to no instructions. They claimed users could remove wrinkles and scars in the comfort of their own bathrooms. Ads often featured dramatic “before and after” photos that made them irresistible.
But the acids were far too strong for unsupervised use, and many people suffered chemical burns, blistering, and permanent scarring. Without professional guidance, users had no idea how long to leave the products on or how much to apply. The supposed shortcut to beauty often turned into a painful disaster.