We're witnessing unprecedented hype about the traditional beauty secrets from around the world. And the reasons are quite clear — there's a global wellness movement going on, people seeking natural remedies, and holistic health. This demand is driving a surge for everything natural and clean, whether it's about food products or beauty essentials! All this provides a fertile ground for these traditional beauty secrets to gain widespread popularity.
The primary driver? Of course, social media! Thanks go to beauty influencers and content creators for bringing these rituals into the mainstream. But what has made these ancient beauty rituals even more legitimate? They have been utilised by major beauty brands. Companies like Tatcha, Forest Essentials, Kiehl and Ranavat are either incorporating ancient ingredients ( turmeric, rice water, saffron) or creating products that mimic ancient beauty rituals — The Rice Wash (Tatcha), Ubtan Exfoliating Mask (Forest Essentials), Resurfacing Saffron Masque (Ranavat) and more.
1. Moroccan Nila powder
This sapphire‑blue mask is one of the ancient beauty secrets of Moroccans, generating immense buzz in the beauty world. This blue body mask has been used by Berber women for centuries to brighten, soften, and smooth their skin. The girls on TikTok were out here glowing like sapphires in the desert. The result: Brands like Zehda and boutique Moroccan labels now bottle it. This popular mask can be easily prepared; you just need to mix the nila powder and a liquid base ( milk, aloe gel or Greek yoghurt), and that's it!
2. Ubtan
This turmeric‑chickpea‑sandalwood paste blew up with people mixing their DIY versions for glowing skin. This is an ayurvedic pre-wedding ritual mask that's a must in every Indian wedding house. The best part? There are no hard and fast rules for the ingredients to be used. While chickpea flour, turmeric, and sandalwood are the key ingredients, you're free to add your favourite ones into it, creating your DIY ubtan. You can also find ubtan scrubs and masks. Medimix and Forest Essentials are among the best brands to go for.
3. Jade & Gua Sha tools
Ancient beauty rituals aren't always about organic face packs and somewhat magical liquids; sometimes it's about tools too! Like
Jade & Gua Sha Tools. These traditional Chinese face-sculpting tools went full viral! This shift came via TikTok beauty gurus and K‑Beauty videos showing “snatched jawline” tutorials. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, Jade and Gua Sha tools work wonders in defining the jawline and also improve blood circulation and collagen production. Honestly, who wouldn't want these? Modern brands like Kitsch and CKD also offer gua sha tools built right into their facial creams.
_1741704309813_thumb_300.jpeg)
4. Rice water
If you're seeking ancient beauty secrets to get healthier hair, you can't afford to miss rice water. The OG of hair care — rice water has been used for centuries by women in East Asia. It made a mind-boggling comeback with TikTok’s “shampoo girlies” and K‑Beauty fans resurrected it, flaunting long, glossy locks. Even some of the most trusted brands are using it in shampoos like Eva NYC’s H2‑Whoa and The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright.
5. Black Seed oil
From Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions comes this “cure‑everything” oil—acne, hair loss, and digestion. The TikTok community went crazy for it: people are literally slathering it everywhere. You might know this seed as black cumin or kalonji. Reputable names like KNC and Heritage Store have black‑seed‑based serums or capsules, and Dabur's food-safe version is taking off.
6. Ayurvedic hair champi
Ever thought that those childhood champis would go viral one day? It’s back thanks to HairTok, with creators filming scalp massage videos that get millions of views. Champi head massage with hibiscus, amla, and bhringraj goes centuries deep in India. Prevents premature ageing, reduces rainfall, and relieves stress— it boasts an endless list of amazing benefits. One of the best brands, like Indulekha, Kama Ayurveda, and Forest Essentials package these age‑old elixirs.
7. Henna
Henna is used across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa for vibrant red tones and scalp health. It is a reddish-brown dye prepared from the dried and powdered leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. PPD‑free DIY videos blew up on Reels, showcasing gorgeous natural dye results. Companies like Parampara Ayurved offer chemical‑free, herb‑enriched henna powders. All you need to do is mix the powdered henna with water, and adding lemon juice and coffee powder is optional. Mix well, let it sit for 2 to 4 hours, and it's ready!
8. Tallow
Would you use animal fat for your skin? Ancient folk used it as a moisturiser, and TikTok influencers like Nara Smith sparked a tallow revival. Scotland rugby star Adam Ashe even launched Notox Skincare based on beef tallow, fighting scars and dryness. And people are using it to combat dry and dull skin owing to its moisturising properties.
9. Saffron masks
Saffron mask is one of the most popular ancient beauty rituals hailing from Persia and India. It uses saffron, a decadent spice, as a primary ingredient and has been a glow‑up secret for pigmentation and brightening for centuries. And now, it’s popped up in luxe masks like Ranavat’s $75 Sephora fave “Flawless Veil.
10. Mugwort
Want to add traditional beauty secrets to your skincare regimen that's suitable for sensitive skin types? Mugwort is perfect for you. This herb from Korea and China boasts calming properties — and now it’s in mists, masks, and toners. K‑beauty brands like I’M From and Missha feature mugwort essence for sensitive skin.