1. Lead-Based Face Powder
Back in the day, women wanted a pale complexion so badly that they dusted their faces with powders laced with lead. At the time, this was considered a beauty standard, but what they didn’t realize was that it was slowly poisoning them. Lead absorbed into the skin caused everything from hair loss to organ failure, and yet it was marketed as glamorous. Imagine getting ready for a ball, brushing on powder, and unknowingly damaging your health with every swipe.
Today’s dermatologists would cringe at the thought. Not only did lead ruin complexions in the long run, but it could cause permanent scarring. The idea that people once rubbed a toxic heavy metal into their pores just to look fashionable is terrifying. Luckily, makeup has come a long way since then, and lead is no longer a staple of beauty products.
2. Mercury Skin Creams
Mercury was once a common ingredient in skin-lightening creams. People applied it to brighten their complexions, not realizing they were exposing themselves to dangerous levels of toxicity. It may have made skin look clearer in the short term, but the long-term effects included kidney damage, neurological problems, and rashes.
Dermatologists now consider mercury one of the most harmful substances you could ever put on your skin. It’s banned in most beauty products, yet some old jars can still be found at antique stores. The fact that it was once sold in department stores as a luxury item is mind-boggling. Imagine swapping your modern moisturizer for a dose of poison.
3. Radium Beauty Treatments
When radium was first discovered, it was treated like a miracle substance. Spas and salons used it in creams and tonics, claiming it would make skin glow. And technically, it did glow—but only because the ingredient was radioactive. Women were unknowingly exposing themselves to radiation burns and increased cancer risks, all in the name of beauty.
Dermatologists today would be horrified by the thought. Radiation is used in medicine to treat serious conditions, not as a casual face cream. Looking back, the fascination with radium feels like a dark chapter in the history of beauty. What seemed luxurious at the time was actually one of the most dangerous fads ever promoted.
4. Arsenic Complexion Wafers
Victorian women actually ate little tablets of arsenic to achieve a “peaches and cream” complexion. Advertisements promised a youthful glow and delicate skin tone, and people trusted the sales pitch. The wafers were marketed like candy, with little thought about the obvious dangers.
In reality, arsenic is a deadly poison, and consuming it regularly was extremely risky. It caused stomach issues, liver damage, and even death in some cases. Dermatologists would shudder at the idea of swallowing toxins in the name of beauty. Thankfully, the trend faded, but it shows just how far people were willing to go to chase an ideal.
5. Snake Venom Facials
Believe it or not, snake venom facials were once marketed as a natural way to smooth wrinkles. The theory was that venom would “freeze” muscles the same way Botox does. People would let creams containing venom absorb into their skin, trusting they were harnessing nature’s power.
Dermatologists now point out that putting venom on your face isn’t just unproven, it’s risky. While some modern products still claim to contain safe, synthetic versions, the original practice was dangerous and unpredictable. It’s a perfect example of how fear of aging has always led to extreme experiments. The idea of rubbing poison into crow’s feet sounds more like a nightmare than a spa day.
6. Sunbathing with Baby Oil
For decades, people slathered on baby oil and lay out in the sun for hours. The goal was to get a deep, golden tan as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this method left skin completely unprotected and prone to severe burns. Many people ended up with painful blisters and, later in life, skin cancer.
Today, dermatologists can’t stress enough how damaging this trend was. Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to premature aging and serious skin conditions. The obsession with tans in the ‘60s and ‘70s left a lasting mark on that generation’s skin. It’s one of the clearest examples of beauty advice gone wrong.
7. Cold Cream as a Cure-All
Cold cream was once considered the ultimate beauty product. Women used it to cleanse, moisturize, and even treat acne. While it did remove makeup effectively, it often left a heavy, greasy residue that clogged pores. For many, it created more problems than it solved.
Dermatologists now see cold cream as outdated and overly simplistic. While moisturizing is important, a one-size-fits-all product rarely works for everyone. Today’s skincare routines are more specialized, with targeted cleansers and treatments. The idea that a single jar could fix every skin issue feels charming but misguided.
8. Rouging with Toxic Dyes
Before safe blushes existed, people used homemade concoctions of dyes and chemicals to tint their cheeks. Some were made with lead or carmine from crushed insects, while others contained questionable industrial dyes. Women risked skin irritation, infections, and allergic reactions just to get that rosy glow.
Dermatologists would be appalled by the lack of safety standards back then. Many people broke out in rashes or developed permanent skin damage. The pursuit of rosy cheeks often came at a painful cost. Thankfully, makeup regulation has made modern blushes far safer and more reliable.
9. Vinegar Rinses for Skin
Some women swore by vinegar rinses to “purify” their skin and restore brightness. The harsh acidity would strip natural oils, leaving faces raw and irritated. While it may have offered a temporary tightening effect, it caused dryness, redness, and even chemical burns in some cases.
Dermatologists today would call this practice unnecessarily harsh. Skin needs balance, and vinegar disrupts its natural barrier. What people thought was a cleansing ritual was actually damaging their complexion. It’s a good reminder that just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe.
10. Tight Corsets for a “Healthy Glow”
Beauty manuals once claimed that wearing tight corsets improved skin tone by “aiding circulation.” Women cinched themselves so tightly that they fainted or bruised, believing it was worth it for the promise of radiant skin. In reality, corsets restricted breathing and damaged internal organs.
Dermatologists and doctors alike would both cringe at the suggestion. Restricting oxygen flow is the opposite of healthy circulation. The notion that beauty could be improved by physically suffocating yourself shows how misguided trends could be. It’s one of the stranger crossovers between fashion and skincare.
11. Egg White Masks
Using egg whites as face masks was a popular home remedy for centuries. People believed the tightening effect meant the skin was becoming firmer and more youthful. While it did create a temporary “lift,” it also posed risks of bacterial contamination. Salmonella on your skin—or worse, in your eyes or mouth—was a very real possibility.
Dermatologists today would caution against this DIY hack. There are plenty of safe, effective masks available that don’t carry foodborne illness risks. While the idea of using kitchen staples feels thrifty, it wasn’t exactly hygienic. What seemed like a wholesome beauty trick could easily backfire.
12. DIY Chemical Peels
Long before professional treatments, women tried to mix their own chemical peels at home. They used lemon juice, ammonia, or even lye to burn away layers of skin. The goal was to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion, but the results were often disastrous. Burns, scars, and infections were common outcomes.
Dermatologists today would call this practice incredibly reckless. Chemical exfoliation needs precise formulations to be safe. The idea of casually experimenting with caustic chemicals in your bathroom sounds shocking now. It’s a clear example of how desperation for beauty led to dangerous mistakes.
13. Radiofrequency Beauty Machines at Home
In the early 20th century, some households purchased “miracle” radiofrequency devices meant to tighten skin. These machines delivered small electrical shocks that were supposed to rejuvenate the face. Without proper regulation, they were often unsafe, poorly made, and inconsistent.
Dermatologists today use safe, controlled versions of these treatments in medical offices. The idea of plugging in a bulky machine at home and shocking your skin is laughable now. Still, many believed they were on the cutting edge of beauty technology. It shows how easily new inventions can be misused when safety isn’t prioritized.