© Shutterstock

Radium cream -

In the 1930s, skincare products marketed radium as a miracle ingredient, claiming it would give users glowing, youthful skin.

© Shutterstock

Radium cream -

However, radium's radioactive properties caused serious health risks, including cancer, making these products dangerously toxic.

© Shutterstock

Coal tar residue -

In 2011, researchers discovered carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene in an ancient flask thought to belong to the Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut.

© Getty Images

Coal tar residue -

This substance, derived from coal tar, may have contributed to her death from cancer, showing that dangerous skin creams existed long before modern times.

© Shutterstock

Chicken blood -

In ancient China, chicken blood was mixed with dried peach blossoms to create a paste for face masks.

© Shutterstock

Chicken blood -

This combination was believed to nourish and lighten the skin and was famously used by Princess Taiping during the Tang Dynasty.

© Getty Images

Crocodile dung -

Roman women used a few dabs of crocodile poop as a face mask, believing it kept their skin fresh and youthful.

© Shutterstock

Crocodile dung -

Galen, a Roman physician, described it as highly prized for its cosmetic benefits, despite its unappealing nature.

© Getty Images

Bread and milk -

Ancient Greek and Roman women made face masks from bread and milk, believing this mixture would keep their skin soft and youthful.

© Shutterstock

Bread and milk -

Many even left the masks on all day, only removing them for errands. Sounds better than crocodile poop. 

© Shutterstock

Avocado -

In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, avocado was cherished not only as a nutritious food but also for its powerful hydrating and skin-nourishing benefits.

© Shutterstock

Avocado -

The creamy texture of avocado oil, rich in fatty acids, made it a perfect base for face masks and lotions. Definitely something to try at home! 

© Shutterstock

Wine dregs -

In ancient Rome, women applied the dregs from wine vats to their skin, believing it made their skin smoother.

© Shutterstock

Wine dregs -

This unusual remedy was thought to benefit skin texture by using leftover fermented wine residue.

© Shutterstock

Mercury lotion -

Gowland's Lotion, a popular beauty product in 19th-century Britain, contained toxic mercuric chloride.

© Shutterstock

Mercury lotion -

Despite the risks of mercury poisoning, it was used to improve complexion. The recipe even included warnings to wash it off quickly.

© Shutterstock

Animal fat -

In 2003, archaeologists found a canister of skin cream at a Roman temple in London, containing animal fat from sheep or cattle.

© Getty Images

Animal fat -

The cream had a pleasant texture, and scientists later recreated it for modern use, noting its effectiveness.

© Shutterstock

Honey -

Honey was widely used in ancient times as a moisturizer and exfoliator. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, recommended it for a fresh, youthful look.

© Shutterstock

Honey -

How about giving it a try in today's world? Its healing and moisturizing benefits have made it a timeless essential in Mediterranean skincare.

© Shutterstock

Animal fat and moonmilk -

In 2018, scholars discovered a 2,700-year-old face cream in a nobleman's tomb at the Liujiawa archaeological site in northern China. 

© Shutterstock

Animal fat and moonmilk -

The cream, made from animal fat and moonmilk (a white, creamy substance found in limestone and dolomite caves) was likely used for whitening the face, signifying status and youth during the Spring and Autumn period.

© Shutterstock

Gladiator sweat -

In Ancient Rome, wealthy women used vials of sweat scraped from famous gladiators' skin as face cream, believing it enhanced complexion.

© NL Beeld

Gladiator sweat -

They also thought gladiator sweat had aphrodisiac properties. The ancient Romans really had an edge when it came to bizarre beauty tips! 

© Shutterstock

Bear grease -

Native American tribes, particularly in the colder regions, used bear grease as a key element in their skincare routines. 

© Shutterstock

Bear grease -

This animal fat provided a thick, protective layer on the skin, helping to prevent moisture loss in harsh weather. 

© Shutterstock

Camphor -

Camphor, a substance extracted from the wood of the camphor tree, was widely used in ancient cultures such as China, India, and the Middle East. 

© Shutterstock

Camphor -

It was praised for its soothing properties and used in creams and oils to moisturize dry skin. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties made it a common ingredient in treatments for minor skin irritations.

© Shutterstock

Goat's milk -

Ancient Egyptians and Romans turned to goat's milk as a natural skincare remedy. Known for its rich fats and proteins, goat's milk helped cleanse, hydrate, and soften the skin.

© Shutterstock

Goat's milk -

It's full of vitamins and minerals like A, D, and E, which are beneficial for skin repair. Cleopatra herself was said to have bathed in goat’s milk to maintain her skin’s softness.

Sources: (Mental Floss) (Elle) (Smithsonian Magazine) 

See also: The most bizarre and dangerous fashion trends in history

© Shutterstock