Ready for a stroll down memory lane? Today, we explore some of the most iconic skincare products that you might remember if you’re a member of Generation X.
These skin superstars, with their vibrant colors and pervasive scents, hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them. And while their effectiveness for skincare is questionable, they have an undeniable nostalgic charm.
Skincare in the eighties and nineties often focused on a “clean” and matte look, sometimes at the expense of skin health. Though some products were effective, many were harsh and could cause damage. From alcohol-based toners to abrasive exfoliants, the ingredients in these products would make today’s skincare experts want to run for the hills.
Fortunately, our knowledge of skincare, ingredients, and product formulation has significantly advanced since then. Today’s skincare industry has adopted a more nuanced perspective that prioritizes long-term skin health. Gentle skincare, hydration, and the use of products tailored to individual skin types are key components of this approach.
It’s worth noting that all the products mentioned here are still available today, although some have been reformulated to comply with current safety standards and ingredient preferences. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the shadiest skincare from the seventies, eighties, and nineties.
Noxzema Cleansing Cream
Once upon a time, if you wanted clean, fresh, and glowing skin, Noxema was the go-to. This deep-cleaning cream was a staple in many households (including mine), but its strong scent and potentially irritating ingredients might draw criticism from skincare experts today. Noxzema contains ingredients like menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, which create a pleasant cooling sensation but can also cause irritation, redness, and stinging.
Noxema also comes highly recommended for sunburn relief. However, because of its strong ingredients, it’s more likely to worsen the symptoms of sunburn than to soothe them.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
St. Ives Apricot Scrub is the OG of physical exfoliants. If you grew up in the eighties and nineties like I did, St. Ives was a staple in your everyday skincare routine.
Many skincare enthusiasts still swear by it, but St. Ives Apricot Scrub (like other similar products) has become part of problematic skincare. The main issue is that the walnut shell powder in the scrub can be too abrasive, causing micro-tears in the skin and leading to irritation, redness, and possible damage. Experts say the particles are often uneven and sharp, which can be too harsh for delicate facial skin. This is especially true for people with common skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne.
Sea Breeze
Ah, Sea Breeze … sounds refreshing, right? Not exactly, unless your idea of “refreshing” involves burning, stinging, redness, and dry skin. The pain means it’s working!
Sea Breeze is an astringent, a skincare product typically used to cleanse and tone the skin, often containing alcohol to help remove excess oil and dirt. The problem with products like Sea Breeze, however, is that they tend to do their jobs a little too well, often stripping the skin of its natural oils and leading to irritation and dryness.
Today, Sea Breeze astringents are available for various skin types, including sensitive skin, with some formulations including additional ingredients to soothe and hydrate.
Buf-Puf
Like a scouring pad for your face, Buf-Pufs are textured facial sponges designed to physically exfoliate the skin. While still popular today, Buf-Puf suffers from many of the same issues as coarse facial scrubs, specifically over-exfoliation. Buf-Pufs can be too abrasive, leading to irritation, redness, and micro-tears in the skin. While fans of Buf-Puf claim great results, others have reported an increase in clogged pores and bumps on their skin after using them.
Jean Naté
Before Bath and Body Works, there was Jean Naté, an enduringly popular bath splash, known for its invigorating citrus scent. First launched in 1935, Jean Naté gained popularity in the 1970s, coinciding with the trend of sporty, fresh scents. Enriched with vitamins E and A, as well as aloe vera, Jean Naté was designed to moisturize and soften the skin after bathing or showering.
Unfortunately, despite the inclusion of skin-loving ingredients, the high alcohol content in Jean Naté often led to skin dryness, especially with frequent or excessive use. Since it’s heavily fragranced, Jean Naté can also cause skin irritation, such as redness, itching, and burning, especially for those with sensitive skin.