The skincare industry can mystify anybody about what works and what doesn’t. We’re not playing around this time. We tested these sixteen vintage skincare products with time and effectiveness, and these are the results. If you don’t agree with us, ask your mom.
Created in 1882, Nivea Creme is a cure-all for dry skin. It has been a staple for men working hard in the fields and women without a dishwasher who both have experienced the discomfort of dry, chapped hands. This snow-white water-in-oil emulsion is perfect for people of all backgrounds. As a woman with sensitive skin, I always keep a tin around for the harsh winter months.
This mythical skin cream is the product of a rocket scientist named Max Hubert who “accidentally” created it when he was trying to heal burns from lab research. He was so impressed by the miracle formula that he became extremely meticulous about the process, playing soundwaves and pulses of light during the fermentation and even making astrological charts for each new batch of “Miracle Broth”. It might sound kooky, but to this day, Estee Lauder still plays soundtracks while making this legendary moisturizer.
The ritual of cleansing your skin with Pond’s Cold Cream has been passed down from generation to generation. If you haven’t experienced it, now is the time. This fluffy white cream smells like delicate flowers and will remove every smudge of makeup on your face. The result is petal smooth skin and diminished fine lines. If you’re considering a change from hastily swiping away your end-of-day makeup with dollar store wipes, this is it.
Inspired by a 1968 Vogue article asking if a skincare routine could really improve skin, Clinique Dramatically Different was launched in 1971 and hasn’t experienced a single change in the formula since then. This straightforward, lightweight moisturizer is unique for its yellow shade and fragrance-free formula. It is said that a bottle is bought every 15 seconds. If your mom hasn’t introduced this to you yet, do yourself a favor and dare to try this legendary yellow lotion.
Dating back to the 1900s, Noxzema’s cold cream properties stand out for the camphor pain-relief it offers on top of its moisturizing qualities. Camphor comes from the bark of camphor trees and is known to decrease inflammation. This is perfect for sunburns and painful breakouts. The classic eucalyptus and linseed oil fragrance harkens nostalgia but may not be the best alternative for those with sensitive skin.
This potent “miracle water” is packed with nutrients, vitamins, amino acids and minerals to keep your skin radiant and healthy. Created in the 1980s, SKI-II boasts a super ingredient called Pitera – an ingredient derived from yeast. Every bottle contains 90% Pitera (which might explain the high-end price of this product). If you need to know if it is worth the price, just ask your grandma.
Gentle on sensitive skin, this product first sold in 1807 and has since been a household name in the beauty industry – and it isn’t expensive at all. You are likely to find it at your local bargain store for a buck. If other name-brand soaps tend to dry out your skin, try this one instead. It keeps your face feeling squeaky clean and moisturized even after washing. It’s so gentle you can even use it on babies to keep them smelling fresh.
Witch hazel has been used for centuries to soothe oily and inflamed skin, but the name of the most popular witch hazel product out there tends to be forgotten. Thayers alcohol-free astringent has been a drugstore necessity since 1847. Known for its natural botanical extracts derived from flowering plants, it offers numerous benefits for your skin such as cleansing, clearing acne, removing excess oil and having antioxidant properties. In fact, it’s also used for hemorrhoid treatments. It might seem odd, but this is an excellent method for diminishing puffy eyes in the morning.
This instantly recognizable bar of soap has been around since 1957. It’s no coincidence that it’s survived the test of time for so long. This classic soap cleans the skin while avoiding dry-out by using mild cleansing agents to keep skin baby soft. Not to mention it has an excellent shelf life. Whether it’s under the sink, in the cabinet, or stuck to the soap dish in the shower, this bar lasts forever.
Originally created as an alternative to thick, heavy creams, Olay started as a pink oil targeting women of all ages for its rejuvenating qualities. It was traditionally used as a night cream but has since exploded into a massive variety of products. No doubt if you looked through your mom’s beauty cabinet, you would see a jar of Olay close by. To this day, this classic still provides the youthful look and feel women die for.
If you struggle with dry skin – and I mean the kind of dry skin that nothing else can cure, even Nivea – then this is the destination for you. It was the first skincare product to come from Lancôme back in 1936 and has been revered by women of all ages for decades. This is an especially effective product if you suffer from a thyroid issue, take retinol treatments, live in a place with harsh winters, or experience any other conditions that damage your skin. This old-school cream is a generations-old cure for all skin types.
You can find forums all over the internet raving about the amazing results of using the CeraVe “in the tub” product. Like its namesake, this moisturizer contains natural ceramides which help to restore the skin’s barrier system. This basically means it will improve your skin’s elasticity, erase discolorations, and revive a healthy tone and texture. It’s perfect for dry, itchy skin. This super affordable product comes in bargain-value sizes and you only need to use a fingertip amount for your whole face!
The internet may be obsessed with this but if you ask your mom about it, she’ll probably just roll her eyes. Aquaphor has been a natural panacea for skin since 1925. It’s recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians alike for how effective it is at clearing acne, moisturizing chapped lips, diaper rashes, skin irritations, and cold sores. It acts like a skincare cure-all, packed with all the healthy ingredients combined from every product in your bathroom to act like a superhero for your face. It’s also great for tattoos!
Neutrogena has been around since 1930. There’s no doubt you haven’t seen it in your mom’s cabinet, your grandma’s cabinet, and probably in your own cabinet too. But have you tried their Pink Grapefruit line yet? This best-selling product contains a powerful boost of salicylic acid to reduce acne with maximum strength. Oil, dirt, blackheads, and dead skill cells are scrubbed away with its gentle exfoliating beads. For a drugstore scrub, it has a surprising amount of salicylic acid you otherwise couldn’t find over the counter.
Since 1982, Estee Lauder has been convincing people they need a night serum. And they’re right. The metabolic activity in your skin cells are at their peak while you’re asleep, so why not boost the process by adding a nighttime renewal treatment? This cream is known to intensely hydrate, radiate, and repair your skin without giving you a tedious multi-step nightly routine.
This list wouldn’t be complete without the original beauty product, Vaseline. Ever since 1872, this timeless moisturizer works by creating a seal over the skin to keep it hydrated. Pictured below is the Vaseline lip therapy line that is taking the new generation over by storm. Keeping your lips healthy and soft is just as important as tending to your face, and Vaseline is checking all the boxes here.
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