Your great-great-grandma knew what was up. Those beauty tips passed down through generations and mentioned in ancient stories? People actually used them—they weren’t just myths or old tales.
Women (and men!) used everything from honey to oils for glowing skin, thick lashes and hair so shiny it looked like glass. Some of those hacks are a little weird, but a bunch totally stand the test of time—and there’s some science to back them up.
These ancient beauty secrets are still talked about for a reason—they actually can work. Through centuries, women across the world picked up beauty genius from places like Egypt, India, Greece, Morocco and Japan.
My favorite part about ancient beauty tricks is that you don’t need anything special! You just need to raid your pantry. (But always patch test before smearing anything new on your face or hair. Ancient skincare didn’t have TikTok, but it still had fails.)
Here are the best time-honored beauty secrets to bring back. Get ready for skin that glows, hair that shines and a whole new appreciation for your grocery list.
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1. Honey Face Masks
Honey isn’t just for your tea or toast. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Ayurveda fans used it as a face mask thanks to its natural antibacterial properties.
It can help calm breakouts, hydrate your skin, and even soothe redness.
2. Olive Oil Moisturizer and Cleanser
Olive oil kept Mediterranean skin soft for centuries. Because it’s rich in antioxidants, some believe it helps smooth and soften skin and can lift off tough makeup.
Ancient Greeks and Romans used it everywhere: on faces, hands, hair, and even as a gentle cleanser. Plus, you know exactly what’s in it.
3. Turmeric Face Mask
India has loved turmeric in beauty routines for generations. This golden spice is known for its place in skincare traditions.
People say it can help with inflammation, acne, and uneven skin tone. Blend turmeric powder with yogurt or honey for a mask used to brighten skin. (Be careful—it can stain cloth.)
4. Milk Baths
Cleopatra was famous for bathing in milk. People believe the lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates, hydrates, and softens skin.
Even today, lactic acid is a common skincare ingredient, which suggests there could be something to this ancient ritual. Pour some milk in your bath or a bit into a mask if you want to try it.
5. Rice Water Rinse
Women in Asia have been using rice water for beauty for generations. Folks say it’s rich in vitamins and minerals that may help skin look brighter and feel smoother.
For hair, rice water rinses are said to add shine and strength. Simply save the water from rinsing rice, cool it, and use it on your skin or hair. Always use it fresh.
6. Sugaring for Hair Removal
Before modern wax, sugaring was used by Egyptians for hair removal. They made a paste from sugar, lemon, and water and used it to pull out hair.
Fans today say it’s gentler and causes less irritation than regular wax, and some report it helps with fewer ingrown hairs.
7. Rosewater Toner
Persian royalty loved rosewater to soothe their skin. It has long been used as a toner because many people report it helps calm redness, refresh skin, and balance oil.
Use it after you cleanse your face and before moisturizer. Chilled rosewater can feel extra refreshing.
8. Chamomile Rinse
Chamomile has been part of beauty routines in Europe and Egypt for centuries. It’s popular for soothing sensitive skin and is often added to baths to help calm irritation.
To try it, steep chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as a gentle rinse on skin. Others swear by chamomile compresses for reducing pimples. As always, patch test first to be sure it suits you.
9. Yogurt Face Mask
Plain yogurt brings gentle exfoliation to skin, thanks to its natural lactic acid. Ancient Greek beauty routines highlighted yogurt for soft, glowing skin.
Many still use it in DIY skincare to calm redness or as a face mask after sun exposure. Spread a thick layer on your face, let it sit awhile, then rinse.
10. Cucumber Slices for Eyes
Putting cucumber slices on eyelids isn’t just for the spa – this simple beauty trick has been around for ages.
People believe chilled cucumber can reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes. It does feel incredibly refreshing – try it!
11. Egg White Mask
Egg whites have been a classic for tighter-feeling skin. Some traditional routines in China and Greece included egg white masks to temporarily shrink the look of pores and smooth skin.
It dries and feels tight—it’s recommended to moisturize well after, since it can leave skin feeling a bit tight and dry.
12. Sea Salt or Sugar Scrubs
Before store-bought scrubs, women made their own with sea salt or sugar. Cleopatra reportedly used Dead Sea salt to scrub her skin.
These scrubs can help remove dead skin cells and leave skin feeling smooth, but can be a bit rough—skip them if you have cuts or sensitive skin.
13. Coconut Oil for Skin and Hair
Coconut oil was used by tropical communities to soften dry skin and add shine to hair. Some people find it calms frizz and works as a gentle makeup remover.
It’s good as an overnight hair mask or body moisturizer, but some skin types can be sensitive—so patch test first.
14. Red Clay
Moroccan women have long used Rhassoul (red) clay as shampoo and soap. Fans say it draws out oil and impurities, helps with clearer pores, and is suitable for both face and scalp.
Or you can try to mix the powder with water or rosewater for a classic mask.
15. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe has soothed skin in Egypt and beyond for generations. People break open its leaves and use the gel for soothing sunburn, bug bites, or irritated patches.
It’s still widely used in skin care, and for a good reason – it’s very effective! Those with houseplants often prefer fresh aloe gel over store-bought products with additives.
16. Beer Hair Rinse
European women in the old days reportedly rinsed their hair with beer for extra shine. Some say the B vitamins and proteins in the brew can make hair feel thicker and look glossier.
Use flat, room-temperature beer, and rinse with water afterwards.
17. Castor Oil Eyelash Treatment
Before mascaras, castor oil was a home remedy to try to thicken and lengthen lashes. Many women still lswear by using castor oil for lash growth today!
It’s believed to support hair follicles and make lashes look fuller with regular use. Apply a small amount to the lash line at night, using a clean brush.
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