With high-tech skincare dominating the beauty industry — everything from light therapy masks to micro-current facial devices — it’s easy to assume that the newer the product, the better. But, according to experts, a handful of vintage skincare products are just as effective as, if not better than, their modern counterparts. At the very least, they’re almost always more affordable.
So, we took to the internet and found 10 of the top-reviewed vintage skincare products that have stood the test of time. Whether it’s a simple tub of Vaseline or a rejuvenating body serum, the following products are giving these new-wave gadgets a run for their money. Scroll on and discover which skincare buys have truly withstood the test of time according to happy customers, below.
1. A French pharmacy classic that does it all This French brand has made simple and effective beauty products since 1950. One of its most adored skincare buys, the Lait-Crème Concentré, is quite the versatile moisturizer with its six functions: moisturizing cream, makeup base, cleansing milk, moisturizing mask, after-shave, after-sun care.
It was first recommended to us by makeup artist Susan Zeytuntsyan and it's now a popular product amongst HuffPost readers. One Amazon reviewer loves its lightweight texture. "I worried that this might feel too waxy or thick," TM Conway wrote.
"It's not. It's a unique moist-creamy texture that spreads out thinner than expected..
.almost like a cross between a lotion and a cream." As for the scent, Amazon reviewer L.
Weigand mentions that it "smells a bit like lilies." Get it from Amazon for $16.15+ (available in three sizes).
2. A nourishing cream packed with vitamin E Palmer's debuted its beloved cocoa butter formulas 175 years ago, making it one of the oldest-founded skincare companies in America. Today, customers still adore the brand's aromatic and hydrating moisturizers, like this lotion.
It's packed with vitamin E, which soothes and softens rough skin. Plus, according to Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo , it's "actually one of the original and very effective barrier creams.
" Amazon reviewer Honesty loves how easily it absorbs into the skin. They write, "The formula glides on easily without the stickiness of residue that some others leave behind. It literally melts once you apply it to your skin which is a plus and it really smells good.
It does exactly what it says: moisturizes, heals, and softens. It's affordable, and a little goes a long way!" Get it from Amazon for $7.68 .
3. A classic slugging essential Patented by Vaseline in 1870, petroleum jelly is one of the most influential skincare products of our time. Toronto-based dermatologist Dr.
Geeta Yadav told us that it prevents transepidermal water loss and can make the active ingredients used in your regimen more effective — this technique is commonly known as slugging. Get it from Target for $2.69 4.
A hydrating cleansing balm for sensitive skin If you have sensitive skin, then this product is for you. We spoke with New York-based and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Pratt about the hydrating makeup remover — according to her, it's a hit amongst her patients with dry or mature skin.
For over 140 years, Albolene has relied on simple but effective ingredients. This balm features ingredients like ceresin and beta-carotene, which condition the skin while removing stubborn makeup and grime. Amazon reviewer Martina K.
loves it for their dry and sensitive skin. According to them , it "glides on smoothly, removes dirt, sunscreen, and makeup." Not only that, but it's "very good at keeping water in the skin and softening.
" Get it from Amazon for $9.74 . 5.
A thick and restorative moisturizer Nivea originated in 1915 and is still one of the most recognizable brands on the market. With over 15,000 ratings on Amazon and a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating, this blue tin is the definition of a bestseller.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, Nivea's $10 formula rivals La Mer's $100 face creams. She said, "Nivea Creme and Crème de la Mer are likely compared to one another because there is significant overlap in the ingredients that appear at the beginning of their ingredient lists.
" Get it from Amazon for $10.69 . 6.
A hydrating makeup remover One of the oldest products on this list, Pond's Cold Cream can be traced all the way back to the early 1800's. This thick cleanser dissolves stubborn makeup and only leaves soft, radiant skin behind. According to one Amazon reviewer, it's their holy grail.
"This is hands-down the best makeup remover I've ever used, and I wear a lot of heavy eye makeup," they write . "This cold cream removes the eye makeup quickly and effortlessly upon being rubbed in — and the best part is that it does NOT sting my eyes at all, which is a rare feat for most makeup removers that end up in my eyes." Get it from Amazon for $4.
99 . 7. A restorative face lotion Vanicream's moisturizer is another great option for sensitive skin.
The brand dates back to 1975 and received a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association for its safe formulas (some products are even gentle enough for babies!). Score this lotion for long-lasting hydration minus any irritating chemicals. "It has transformed my dry skin," one Amazon reviewer writes .
They add, "One of the most impressive aspects of this cream is its long-lasting moisturizing effect. Even in harsh weather conditions or when I'm exposed to drying elements, Vanicream keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day. I no longer face the discomfort of tightness or dry patches.
The cream creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture, leaving my skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated." Get it from Amazon for $13.56 .
8. A brightening and rejuvenating body serum Not only is Bio-Oil known to reduce the look of scars and stretchmarks, but according to board-certified Dr. Brendan Camp, it delivers even more benefits.
She said, "Bio-Oil contains a number of vitamins and botanical extracts to heal and treat the skin on the face and body," like vitamin E and mineral oil. Get it from Ulta for $14.99 .
9. A modern sun-protective take on a beloved old-school tanning oil Revamped formula, same timeless appeal — the '80s favorite sunscreen (although it launched in 1920), Orange Gelée is back thanks to Vacation's recent collaboration with the discontinued brand. Customers love it for its retro flair, but also for its water-resistant and vitamin-packed formula.
Ulta reviewer Ari loves the new iteration. They write , "This version added more moisturizing ingredients, which is great for our dry, desert heat. I generally like mineral oil, but replacing it with other butters and oils is nice.
I like that the broad spectrum SPF 30 is reef-safe. I get to be safely shiny and bronzed." Get it from Ulta for $23 .
10. A versatile skin cream Egyptian Magic falls into the "cult" product category. Since launching in 1991, this all-purpose cream has garnered plenty of attention for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
According to our reporter Sophie Gallagher, it's worth buying. After testing it out as lip balm, moisturizer, a face cleanser, and more over the span of three weeks, her official verdict was: "Would I buy it? Yes, I think so — even if it can’t do everything, it is definitely a good product to have at the back of the cupboard for legs, arms, lips, and dry patches on places like my elbows. And for my face when I’m feeling in need of some deep hydration.
It might not be perfect for everything, but it’s getting me 90% of the way there." Get it in multiple sizes from Egyptian Magic starting at $5.99+ .
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity..
