1. Lead-Based Makeup
Pale skin was all the rage in the 18th and 19th centuries, and women (and some men) turned to lead-based makeup to achieve it, according to Sara Novak from Discover Magazine. The most popular product was “Venetian ceruse,” a white paint made from lead that gave the face a ghostly, porcelain appearance. Unfortunately, repeated use of this toxic makeup led to skin damage, hair loss, and even poisoning. Some women experienced tremors, paralysis, and in extreme cases, death—all for the sake of looking fashionable.
Despite these dangers, the appeal of an otherworldly white complexion kept lead makeup in use for decades. Women would layer it on thickly, sometimes mixing it with vinegar to make it even more potent. To complete the look, they often painted on blue veins to enhance the illusion of delicacy and aristocratic beauty. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that people began to understand how truly deadly their beauty routines were.
2. Belladonna Eye Drops
During the Victorian era, women wanted their eyes to look big, dark, and full of mystery. To achieve this, they used eye drops made from the belladonna plant, which literally means “beautiful woman” in Italian. The drops dilated their pupils, creating a soft, dreamy look that was considered incredibly alluring. However, belladonna is highly toxic, and prolonged use could cause blurry vision, dizziness, and even blindness, according to Susan York Morris from Healthline.
Despite the risks, belladonna drops remained a popular beauty trick for decades, even as doctors warned against them. Some women suffered from permanent eye damage, but they continued to use the drops to keep up with beauty trends. The practice eventually faded out as safer cosmetic options became available. Still, the desire for wide, doll-like eyes has never really gone away, as seen in modern trends like circle lenses and lash extensions.
3. Arsenic Complexion Wafers
In the 19th century, many Americans believed arsenic could give them a flawless, pale complexion, as Emma Beddington shares in The Guardian. Companies even sold arsenic-laced “complexion wafers,” which promised to clear the skin and create an ethereal glow. Women (and some men) would take these wafers regularly, completely unaware that arsenic is a deadly poison. Over time, arsenic poisoning led to symptoms like nausea, hair loss, and organ failure.
Some people swore by these wafers, claiming they made their skin look smoother and younger. What they didn’t realize was that arsenic was slowly accumulating in their bodies, leading to long-term health issues. While the wafers eventually fell out of fashion, arsenic remained in some beauty products for years. Today, we know just how deadly it is, but back then, people were willing to take the risk for perfect skin.
4. Leech Therapy for Glowing Skin
Bloodletting with leeches was once considered a cure-all, but it also had a place in beauty routines, according to Brian Krans from Healthline. Some 19th-century American women believed that letting leeches suck their blood would brighten their skin and prevent blemishes. The idea was that removing “bad blood” would improve circulation and create a fresh, youthful glow. While this practice might sound horrifying, it actually has some scientific merit—leeches secrete a natural anticoagulant that can improve blood flow.
Despite the occasional benefits, leech therapy was risky and often unsanitary. Infections were common, and excessive blood loss could lead to dizziness or worse. Still, some wealthy women swore by their leech treatments, even keeping pet leeches specifically for beauty purposes. Today, leeches are still used in some medical settings, but most people prefer modern skincare to bloodsucking worms.
5. Hot Iron Hair Curling
Before electric curling irons, women had to use metal rods heated over open flames to curl their hair. In the 19th century, this was a common styling technique, but it came with serious risks. If the iron was too hot, it could burn the hair clean off, leaving bald patches or severe scalp burns. Even when done correctly, frequent heat styling led to brittle, damaged hair that broke off easily.
Despite these dangers, women continued using hot irons to achieve the perfect curls. Some would even apply a mix of oils and powders to “protect” their hair, which sometimes resulted in accidental fires. There were countless cases of women scorching their scalps or even setting themselves on fire while styling their hair. Thankfully, modern curling irons have built-in temperature controls, but the struggle for perfect curls continues.
6. Radium Beauty Creams
In the early 20th century, radium was considered a miracle ingredient, and beauty brands took full advantage of the craze, according to Jacopo Prisco from CNN. Companies marketed radium-infused creams, powders, and even toothpaste, claiming they could rejuvenate the skin and reverse aging. Women eagerly slathered radioactive products onto their faces, believing they were making themselves more youthful. What they didn’t know was that radium exposure could cause burns, anemia, and even cancer.
At the time, the dangers of radiation weren’t fully understood, and radium beauty products were wildly popular. Some women developed serious health issues, but the beauty industry continued promoting these products for years. The infamous “Radium Girls,” factory workers who painted watch dials with radium paint, were among the first to expose its deadly effects. Eventually, radium-based cosmetics disappeared, but not before leaving a tragic mark on beauty history.
7. Whale Vomit Perfume
Ambergris, a rare substance produced in the intestines of sperm whales, was once a prized ingredient in perfumes. This waxy, grayish lump forms when a whale’s digestive system reacts to hard objects like squid beaks. Over time, ambergris develops a unique, musky scent that was highly valued for making fragrances last longer. It became a luxury item in America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, often found in high-end perfumes.
Despite its odd origin, ambergris was considered one of the most desirable perfume fixatives. Wealthy women would dab it onto their wrists, unaware that they were wearing something regurgitated by a whale. Over time, synthetic alternatives replaced ambergris, making it less common in modern perfumes. Today, it’s still incredibly valuable, but most people would probably rather not think about where it comes from.
8. Beef Fat Pomade
In the early 1800s, men and women used pomades made from beef fat to style their hair. These greasy concoctions helped slick down unruly hair and create the perfect glossy look. While effective, they often attracted dirt and had a strong, unpleasant smell, especially in warm weather. Some people even sprinkled their hair with scented powders to cover up the odor.
Washing out the fat-based pomades was a challenge, as regular soap wasn’t strong enough to break down the grease. Many resorted to using harsh substances like ammonia or vinegar to clean their hair. Over time, petroleum-based alternatives became more popular, replacing the need for animal fat in hair products. Thankfully, modern hair styling products smell a lot better and don’t require washing with vinegar.
9. Snake Oil for Skin and Hair
In the 19th century, snake oil was marketed as a miracle cure for everything from skin ailments to hair loss. This so-called “medicine” was made from the oil of Chinese water snakes, which were thought to have healing properties. While the oil itself was believed to have some mild anti-inflammatory effects, many snake oil products were full of other ingredients, including alcohol, that were far from miraculous. For beauty, it was commonly applied to the scalp to promote hair growth or used as a soothing lotion for irritated skin.
Despite being completely ineffective for most of its claims, snake oil was wildly popular during the era of traveling salesmen. Many people bought it based on testimonials and word-of-mouth, even though it didn’t live up to its promises. Over time, the term “snake oil” became synonymous with false advertising and quackery. Today, we still have products marketed as cures for beauty woes that are more about hype than actual results—though thankfully, we now have regulation to prevent these types of frauds.
10. Mercury-Infused Beauty Products
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, mercury was used in a variety of beauty products, from skin creams to hair treatments. People believed that mercury could lighten skin and even cure certain skin diseases like acne or blemishes. It was commonly found in “skin lightening” products, especially in areas where pale skin was considered the ideal. However, mercury is a potent poison that can cause severe health problems, including kidney damage, tremors, and even death when absorbed through the skin.
Although the dangers of mercury were known to some by the early 20th century, it remained in many beauty products well into the 1950s. Some women used mercury creams daily in their pursuit of fairer skin, unknowingly poisoning themselves over time. The use of mercury in cosmetics eventually declined as people became more aware of its toxic effects. Today, mercury is banned in many cosmetics, but it serves as a reminder of how beauty standards once drove people to put their health at risk.
11. Corset Tightening for a Smaller Waist
While not exactly a “beauty product,” the corset was a key part of American women’s beauty routines for centuries. The goal was to achieve an ultra-narrow waist, often referred to as the “wasp waist,” which was seen as the epitome of feminine beauty. Women would tightly lace themselves into corsets for hours each day, sometimes causing discomfort or even organ damage. The practice could lead to crushed ribs, restricted breathing, and digestive problems, but the pursuit of the ideal figure was worth it for many.
Corsets were worn by both everyday women and those in high society, and the trend lasted well into the 20th century. Despite the obvious health risks, the corset was seen as a symbol of elegance and refinement, especially in the 19th century. Fashion trends eventually shifted, and looser silhouettes replaced the tight, constricting waistline. While corsets are now mostly a historical relic, modern waist trainers still capitalize on the desire for a smaller waist, though thankfully with far less danger than their historical predecessors.
