How Women Made Their Skin Glow in 1850
Sweety Karlak
Long before serums, LED masks, and dermatology, women in 1850 relied on simple, natural, and often homemade methods to keep their skin radiant. Beauty standards were influenced by Victorian culture, climate, and limited access to cosmetics. Yet despite the lack of modern science, many women had surprisingly glowing, healthy skin thanks to nature-driven practices and dedicated routines.
Let’s explore the fascinating techniques and beauty rituals women used in 1850 to achieve a natural, luminous complexion.
1. Cold Water Cleansing
One of the most universal skincare habits in the 19th century was washing the face with cold or cool water. It helped tighten pores, refresh the skin, and improve circulation.
Women often used:
River water
Rainwater (considered the purest)
Well water filtered through cloth
This simple method kept skin clean without stripping moisture.
2. Milk and Cream Washes
Women who could afford it often cleansed or soaked their skin in raw milk or fresh cream.
Why it worked:
Milk contains natural lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. Cream provided extra hydration, especially in cold climates.
3. Rosewater for Tone & Glow
Rosewater was a luxury staple of beauty routines in 1850. Women applied it with linen cloths to soften and tone the skin.
Benefits included:
Natural fragrance
Mild astringent effect
Reduced redness and irritation
It created a soft, dewy glow that was ideal for the era’s natural beauty ideals.
4. Herbal Steams
Herbal steam facials were popular and easy to make at home. Women boiled herbs and leaned over the steam with a cloth over their heads.
Common herbs included:
Lavender
Chamomile
Rosemary
Mint
Steaming opened pores and enhanced skin clarity—much like modern spa treatments.
5. Honey Masks
Honey was one of the most cherished natural beauty ingredients. Women applied raw honey to their faces to moisturize and smooth the skin.
Why it worked:
Honey is naturally antibacterial and humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
6. Oatmeal for Soothing Skin
Oats were a go-to remedy for sensitive skin and rashes. Women made pastes or used oat-infused water as a cleanser.
Oatmeal helped with:
Irritation
Dryness
Rough texture
It left the skin soft and naturally radiant.
7. Almond Oil & Olive Oil Moisturizers
Natural oils were essential in the 1850s, especially in dry seasons.
Women used:
Almond oil for a soft glow
Olive oil as a moisturizer
Lanolin (from sheep’s wool) for deep hydration
These oils sealed in moisture and added a healthy sheen.
8. Lemon Juice Lightening Treatments
Light skin was fashionable in the 1850s, so women often used diluted lemon juice to lighten freckles and brighten dull skin.
Though sometimes harsh, it added vibrancy when used carefully.
9. Diet Focused on Fresh, Whole Foods
Women in 1850 typically ate natural, unprocessed foods, which unintentionally supported healthy skin.
Common diet elements:
Fresh vegetables from gardens
Seasonal fruits
Whole grains
Homemade broths
Fresh water (or herbal teas)
This naturally nutrient-rich diet contributed to clearer, glowing skin.
10. Sun Avoidance & Parasols
Unlike today, women in 1850 avoided sun exposure because tanned skin was associated with outdoor labor.
They protected their complexion by using:
Parasols
Wide-brimmed hats
Gloves
Bonnets
Avoiding UV exposure helped maintain smooth, youthful-looking skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did women in 1850 wear makeup or rely only on natural beauty?
Most relied on natural beauty, but some used subtle homemade cosmetics, especially for special occasions.
2. Was skincare in 1850 safe?
Many remedies were natural, but some whitening products contained harmful ingredients like lead or mercury—though not everyone used them.
3. What was the most common facial cleanser in 1850?
Cold water, sometimes combined with soap or milk.
4. Did women exfoliate in 1850?
Yes—using oatmeal, sugar, bran, or soft cloths.
5. What did women use for dry skin?
Oils such as almond oil, olive oil, and animal-derived fats like lanolin.
6. Were there perfumes in skincare?
Yes—rosewater, orange blossom water, and lavender water were popular.
7. How did women prevent wrinkles?
Hydration, oil-based moisturizers, and sun avoidance were key strategies.
8. Did women use soap on their faces?
Sometimes, but many avoided harsh lye-based soaps because they caused dryness.
9. What was the 1850 equivalent of today’s toner?
Rosewater or herbal infusions.
10. Could poor women access these beauty methods?
Yes—most remedies were inexpensive and made from household ingredients like oats, herbs, water, and oils.
