Makeup has been around for a very long time, and its deadly history began in ancient Egypt when men and women used kohl eyeliner made from galena, a lead ore. They also applied malachite, another mineral, to their eyelids for a striking green eye shadow. These cosmetics were not just for beauty; they held religious significance and were believed to ward off evil. However, the lead absorbed through the skin caused irritability, insomnia, and long-term health issues.
Greek and Roman Practices
In ancient Greece and Rome, pale skin was a sign of wealth. They used white lead paste to make their skin look paler. Women and men smeared their faces with lead-based cosmetics, ignoring warnings about their toxicity. Over time, the lead caused gray, withered skin, watery eyes, and the loss of teeth. Despite the obvious dangers, the pursuit of beauty outweighed the risks for many.
Medieval and Renaissance Dangers
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, a mixture of vinegar and white lead known as Venetian ceruse became the beauty standard among European nobility. Queen Elizabeth I famously used it to hide her smallpox scars. This toxic concoction caused severe skin damage, hair loss, and even death. The more it harmed, the more layers users applied, creating a vicious and deadly cycle.
Mercury Madness
Mercury was another hazardous ingredient in pre-20th-century cosmetics. It was used in face washes and creams and promised to remove blemishes, but instead, it corroded skin and poisoned the body. Victorian beauty guides recommended mercury-laced ointments for eyelash growth and skin whitening. Prolonged exposure caused tremors, memory loss, and organ failure, but people kept using it, hoping that their skin would be flawless.
Arsenic Complexion Wafers
Victorian women consumed arsenic wafers to achieve a pale, “consumptive” look. At the time, these wafers were marketed as safe, but they destroyed red blood cells, causing nausea, hair loss, and organ damage. Some women also applied arsenic lotions to remove blemishes, unaware of the poison seeping into their bodies. Arsenic’s popularity illustrates the extreme measures taken for beauty despite deadly consequences.
Belladonna and Nightshade
Italian women used deadly nightshade, or belladonna, to dilate their pupils and appear more alluring. Just a few drops in the eyes caused visual distortion and sensitivity to light. If they ingested or absorbed too much, it could lead to hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and death. Despite the risks, belladonna remained a popular beauty aid among the elite for centuries.
Early Hair Removal Hazards
Back in the day, hair removal was also fraught with danger. Recipes from the 18th century included potassium nitrate, which is now used in fireworks, which could emit poisonous gases and even ignite near open flames. Other depilatory creams contained lime or arsenic, causing burns and poisoning. The desire for smooth skin often led to painful injuries and lasting health problems.
The Rise of Mass-Produced Poisons
By the late 1800s, makeup became widely available, but safety didn’t improve. Companies mass-produced products with lead, mercury, arsenic, and even radium, a radioactive element. These cosmetics were advertised as miracle cures, but they caused cancer, organ failure, and death. The lack of regulation meant consumers had little protection against these toxic substances.
The Vicious Beauty Cycle
Toxic makeup often created the very flaws it claimed to fix. Lead and mercury-based products scarred and damaged skin, which would make users apply thicker layers to cover their blemishes. This cycle of harm and concealment trapped countless women in a dangerous routine, with devastating health effects and, in some cases, fatal outcomes.
The Path to Regulation
The deadly history of makeup began to change in the early 20th century when public awareness grew, and regulations were introduced. The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act forced companies to disclose ingredients and banned many toxic substances. While modern cosmetics are safer, the legacy of toxic beauty serves as a cautionary tale.
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