Who Invented Skincare? A Journey Through Beauty History
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If you've ever found yourself standing in front of the mirror, smoothing on a serum or dabbing on a moisturiser, you might have paused to wonder: who invented skincare?
It’s one of those questions that seems simple—but once you start digging, it opens up a fascinating journey through history, culture, science, and beauty traditions from every corner of the world.
At SOHO Brands, we’re not just passionate about good natural skincare—we're passionate about where it comes from. Because when you understand the roots of skincare, you start to appreciate the products on your shelf in a whole new way.
So let’s explore this timeless question: who invented skincare, and how did we get from crushed herbs in clay pots to high-performance creams in sleek packaging?
Skincare in Ancient Times: The First Beauty Innovators
The earliest evidence of skincare dates back to Ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE. Egyptian men and women alike valued smooth, healthy skin—not just for beauty, but for protection against the sun, wind, and dust. Cleopatra, possibly the world's first beauty icon, famously bathed in milk and honey, ingredients rich in lactic acid and antibacterial properties.
The Egyptians also used:
- Castor oil for moisture
- Frankincense for anti-inflammatory benefits
- Moringa oil for anti-ageing and cleansing
You’ll find some of these time-honoured ingredients in our natural skincare range, reimagined for the modern age.
In Ancient China, skincare was closely tied to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Herbal formulations included:
- Ginseng to energise and brighten the skin
- Green tea for its antioxidant properties
- Rice water to tone and soften the skin
Meanwhile, in India, Ayurvedic practices used powerful botanicals like:
- Turmeric to reduce inflammation
- Neem to purify
- Sandalwood to soothe and cool
The Greeks, Romans, and Rise of Rituals
The Greeks and Romans took skincare to another level by formalising it into a daily ritual. Greek physician Hippocrates—often called the father of modern medicine—advocated for cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturising long before the term "skincare routine" ever existed.
Roman women (and men) used:
- Olive oil as a cleanser and hydrator
- Salt and sand scrubs for exfoliation
- Rosewater as a natural toner
Bathhouses weren’t just about hygiene—they were an entire sensory skincare experience, complete with steaming, exfoliation, and oil massage.
The Middle Ages to the Renaissance: Beauty with Boundaries
During the Middle Ages, skincare took a more conservative turn, especially in Europe. Pale skin was considered ideal, symbolising wealth and status. People used:
- Lead-based creams (unfortunately toxic)
- Cucumber and rosewater to soothe redness
- Honey and vinegar for natural cleansing
By the Renaissance, beauty became more expressive again, especially in Italy and France. Skincare moved indoors, with the emergence of cold creams, balms, and the first cosmetic powders and perfumes.
The 19th–20th Century: The Birth of Modern Skincare
The industrial revolution changed everything. New technologies made it possible to produce skincare products on a large scale. Brands like Pond’s, Nivea, and later Estée Lauder and Clinique, revolutionised how people thought about skin.
Science met skincare, giving birth to:
- Moisturisers formulated with petroleum jelly
- Anti-ageing creams using retinoids
- Cleansers designed for specific skin types
Today, skincare is a multi-billion-pound global industry, but its purpose remains the same: to nourish, protect, and care for the skin.
So, Who Really Invented Skincare?
The answer? No one person did. Skincare is the result of a global collaboration across centuries, with every culture contributing to what we now see as “normal”.
It was:
- The Egyptians who taught us the value of protection
- The Chinese who brought balance and herbs
- The Greeks who gave us rituals and routines
- The scientists of the 20th century who brought us innovation
And now, we bring you the best of both worlds—tradition and science, nature and innovation.
Discover the Next Chapter in Skincare with SOHO Brands
At SOHO Brands, we’re proud to stock products that bridge the gap between natural and high performance.
Looking to balance and nourish skin naturally?
🌿 Napiers Wild Yam Skin Cream – A hormone-friendly cream rich in wild yam extract, perfect for soothing and supporting skin through hormonal changes.
Want to firm and hydrate for a youthful glow?
💧 Napiers Speedwell Ageless Day Cream – Packed with antioxidants and herbal extracts like speedwell and ginseng, this daily moisturiser helps reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
Need a deep refresh?
✨ Thunderbird AHA/BHA Resurfacing Mask – This exfoliating mask blends alpha and beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores, smooth texture, and leave skin looking instantly clearer and more radiant.
Looking for a lightweight daily serum?
🌹 Thunderbird Rosehip & Centella Face Serum – A calming, regenerating serum designed to brighten, hydrate and improve skin tone using two skin-loving botanical powerhouses.
And if you’re ready to build a full routine?
🧖♀️ Explore our complete skincare collection to find targeted treatments and everyday essentials for your unique skin journey.
