How Women Made Their Skin Glow in 1990
Sweety Karlak
The 1990s were a decade of minimalism, supermodels, and the birth of the modern skincare industry. After the bold looks of the ’80s, the ’90s shifted toward clean, natural beauty. Brands expanded, ingredients evolved, and self-care became a lifestyle instead of just a routine. Here’s how women in the 1990s achieved that effortless, signature glow.
1. The Rise of Gentle Gel Cleansers
While bar soap dominated the ’80s, the ’90s brought gel and foaming cleansers designed to be:
gentler
pH-balanced
non-drying
Products like Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash and Clean & Clear cleansers became teenage staples.
2. Oil-Free Moisturizers Were Everywhere
The “matte look” ruled the decade, so women loved oil-free moisturizers that hydrated without shine. Lightweight gels and lotions replaced the heavy creams of the ’80s.
3. Daily SPF Became Mainstream
By the mid-1990s, dermatologists heavily promoted daily sun protection. Women started using:
SPF 15 moisturizers
face lotions with built-in UVA/UVB protection
sunscreen more regularly
It was a turning point in long-term skin health and glow maintenance.
4. Early Retinol and Anti-Aging Creams
Retinol stepped into the spotlight. Women used:
retinol creams
alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliants
collagen-enriched moisturizers
These products helped with fine lines and brightening, boosting the overall radiance of the skin.
5. Toners Became More Hydrating
The harsh alcohol toners of the ’80s were replaced by soothing versions with:
aloe
chamomile
rosewater
witch hazel
Women used them to freshen the complexion and prep for makeup.
6. Clay Masks & Sheet Masks (Yes, They Started!)
Clay masks remained popular, especially mint clay and deep-cleansing formulas. Meanwhile, sheet masks—common in Asia—began making their way into Western beauty, often marketed as hydrating or soothing treatments.
7. The Supermodel Glow Inspired Skincare Routines
Everyone wanted the radiant faces of ‘90s icons like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. This inspired:
water-rich skincare
luminous but natural-looking makeup
hydration-focused routines
The “no-makeup makeup” look pushed women to focus on real skin health.
8. Fruit Enzyme and AHA Exfoliators
Gentler exfoliation became trendy. Women used:
fruit enzyme masks
glycolic acid toners
mild scrubs
This kept the complexion smooth and glowing without the harsh grit of 1980s scrubs.
9. Lip Balm, Lip Balm, Lip Balm
The ’90s glow wasn’t just about the face—hydrated lips were a must. Flavored lip balms, glossy sticks, and petroleum jelly were everywhere.
10. The Birth of Spa Culture
Day spas gained huge popularity in the 1990s. Women booked:
facials
steam treatments
microdermabrasion
deep hydration therapy
Professional skincare became more accessible, leading to healthier, glowier skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the most popular skincare trend in the 1990s?
Daily SPF and oil-free skincare were the biggest trends of the decade.
2. Did women use retinol in the 1990s?
Yes—retinol became widely available and was considered revolutionary for anti-aging.
3. What cleansers were common in the ’90s?
Gentle gel and foaming cleansers, especially oil-free versions.
4. Were exfoliators still popular?
Yes, but they shifted to gentler formulas like fruit enzymes and AHAs.
5. What was the 1990s idea of "glowing skin"?
Smooth, hydrated, natural-looking skin with a soft matte finish.
6. Did women still use toner?
Absolutely—hydrating toners replaced the harsh alcohol ones from the previous decade.
7. How important was sunscreen in the 1990s?
Very. Daily SPF became part of regular skincare routines.
8. Were sheet masks a thing in the ’90s?
Yes, but mostly in Asian beauty markets; they slowly gained Western popularity.
9. Did women follow multi-step routines?
Not yet—most followed a simple 3-step routine, though anti-aging products added a fourth step.
10. Are 1990s skincare trends still relevant today?
Yes—SPF, retinol, gentle cleansers, and AHAs remain essential pillars of modern skincare.
