How Women Made Their Skin Glow in 1900 blog

The early 1900s were a fascinating time for beauty. It was an era when traditional remedies met the rise of modern cosmetics, giving women more options than ever before to care for their skin. While today’s skincare features advanced dermatology and high-tech products, women of 1900 relied on a mix of natural ingredients, homemade treatments, and the first wave of mass-produced beauty creams.

1. Cold Creams: The Ultimate Glow Product

Cold cream was the beauty essential of the early 1900s. Brands like Pond’s and Dorothy Gray became household names.

Women used cold cream to:

Remove makeup

Cleanse the skin

Moisturize

Soften and brighten the complexion

It created a smooth, dewy glow and was gentle enough for daily use.

2. Soap and Warm Water Cleansing

Most women washed their faces with mild soap and warm water. Glycerin soaps were especially popular for their moisturizing properties.

This routine kept the skin clean and reduced surface oils without overdrying.

3. Rosewater & Witch Hazel Toners

Floral waters and herbal astringents were widely used to refresh and tone the skin.

Common choices:

Rosewater for softness

Witch hazel to reduce puffiness and tighten pores

Orange blossom water for fragrance and radiance

These toners helped restore the glow after washing.

4. Milk Baths & Buttermilk Masks

Inspired by Victorian traditions, many women used milk-based treatments for brightness and softness.

Benefits:

Gentle exfoliation from natural lactic acid

Deep hydration

A natural, luminous finish

Buttermilk masks were especially loved for creating a creamy, even complexion.

5. Early Face Creams & Lotions

Toward 1900, the beauty industry began booming. New creams promised youthful, glowing skin.

Popular formulas included:

Almond oil creams

Lanolin-based moisturizers

Glycerin lotions

These helped maintain a smooth, supple look—especially in colder climates.

6. Homemade Masks with Eggs, Honey & Oatmeal

DIY beauty was common.

Women used:

Egg whites for tightening

Honey for glow and softness

Oatmeal for soothing sensitive skin

These natural treatments improved texture and radiance using ingredients found in most households. 

7. Facial Massage for Circulation

Women practiced gentle facial massage to improve blood flow and reduce tension, often using cold cream or oil.

Massage:

Increased glow

Reduced puffiness

Gave the skin a youthful lift

This was believed to keep the face “fresh and lively.”

8. Sun Avoidance & Porcelain Skin

In the year 1900, glowing skin meant fair, even-toned skin, not tanning. Sun protection wasn’t scientific yet, but women avoided UV exposure culturally.

They used:

Parasols

Hats

Gloves

Veils

Avoiding the sun helped prevent dark spots and preserve smooth, pale skin.

9. Diet Rich in Whole Foods

Women naturally ate unprocessed foods, contributing to healthier skin.

Common foods:

Fresh dairy

Seasonal produce

Broths

Whole grains

Herbal teas

A simple, nutrient-dense diet often resulted in naturally glowing complexions.

10. Ice for Tightening & Refreshing

A surprisingly modern technique: women rubbed ice or cold cloths on their face to tighten pores and brighten the skin.

This trick provided an instant glow—just as it does today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What was the most popular skincare product in 1900?

Cold cream—used for cleansing, moisturizing, and makeup removal.

2. Did women wear makeup daily in 1900?

Not typically. Heavy makeup was considered improper, so skincare was prioritized.

3. Was sunscreen available in 1900?

No. Women avoided the sun using hats and parasols instead of applying products.

4. Did women exfoliate their skin?

Yes—using oatmeal, soft cloths, or mild scrubs made from sugar or bran.

5. Were skincare routines long or simple?

Most were simple: soap, cold cream, rosewater, and a cream or lotion.

6. Did women use face masks?

Yes—homemade masks with honey, egg whites, or buttermilk were common.

7. What did women use for glowing, soft skin?

Cold cream, rosewater, almond oil, milk treatments, and facial massage.

8. Was skincare expensive in 1900?

It depended—homemade remedies were affordable, while luxury creams were pricier.

9. Did women use perfumes in skincare?

Many lotions and waters were lightly scented with flowers like rose or orange blossom.

10. Could women with acne get treatments?

Treatments were limited; they often used sulfur soaps, witch hazel, or herbal remedies.