In today’s episode of Botanical Skincare Secrets, we’re diving into the toxic beauty secrets of the past—and no, we’re not being dramatic. From radioactive face creams to lead-laced powders, the skincare industry has literally glowed with danger.
We’re talking about the kinds of products that promised radiance… and delivered it, right up until the point they started killing people.
💀 Inside this episode:
— The tragic tale of radium-based beauty creams (yes, actual radiation)
— Why women were brushing their teeth with radioactive toothpaste in the 1930s
— How lead and mercury became the unsung villains of “complexion perfection”
— A quick science rant on polonium (not “polon”, soz—it’s a Polish thing)
— A look at how the legacy of toxic beauty still lingers in modern skincare marketing
This episode explores the high price of beauty when society said, “Better dead than dull.”
🧪 FACT CHECKS + FURTHER READING:
You know I bring receipts. Here are a few sources to deep-dive into the history of poisonous beauty products:
😳 A Little Note About Pronunciation…
OK, so I mispronounced polonium as “Polon” in this episode. That’s not a new element—it’s just the way we pronounce polonium in Polish. (Yes, it sounds exactly like that in Polish science class. Blame the Slavic tongue, not the podcaster.)
But for the record:
✔️ English = po-LOH-nee-um
✔️ Polish = PO-lon
✔️ Both = Deadly AF
⚰️ WHY THIS MATTERS:
Because beauty trends don’t happen in a vacuum. They happen in a world obsessed with youth, whiteness, and perfection—and sometimes, that obsession becomes lethal. This episode is a love letter to everyone who's ever felt pressure to chase “flawless” and a reminder that marketing can be as dangerous as any ingredient list.
Also: if your great-grandmother was glowing in old photos... it may not have been the lighting.
🧴THE GOO THAT WON’T KILL YOU:
Not all beauty is deadly. In fact, at The Very Good Goo, we make skincare that’s botanical, lush, and radiantly safe.
Check out our Radiance Booster Serum (with actual glow, zero radiation) and explore our Wellness Journal for more juicy skincare lore.
📣 LISTEN, SHARE, SCREAM:
Loved the episode? Leave a review, scream into the void, or send it to your cousin who still uses old cold cream from 2003.
Tag us @theverygoodgoo and tell us: What’s the wildest skincare trend you’ve ever tried?