Ancient beauty rituals and ingredients have transcended generations, from pearl powder and thanaka to haldi ubtan and snail mucin. You may just find your next ingredient to obsess over.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/139-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
1/8
Ancient Beauty Secrets
Long before skincare became a multi-step ritual, ancient civilisations had their own beauty philosophies. From natural ingredients to time-honoured treatments, discover the age-old practices that continue to shape beauty today.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/133-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
2/8
Pearl Powder In China
A prized ingredient in traditional Chinese beauty rituals, pearl powder has long been associated with a luminous complexion. Its journey from ancient beauty preparations to modern skincare reflects a centuries-old fascination with radiant skin.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/134-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
3/8
Thanaka In Myanmar
A familiar sight across Myanmar, thanaka is a traditional paste made from ground tree bark, applied to the skin for its cooling and cosmetic benefits. Worn in distinctive patterns across the face, it remains an enduring part of the country's beauty culture.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/135-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
4/8
Volcanic Mud Baths
Volcanic mud baths have drawn people to mineral-rich earth for centuries, blending bathing rituals with the promise of softer, refreshed skin. Today, this natural treatment continues to find its place in spa and wellness traditions around the world.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/136-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
5/8
The Rise of Snail Mucin
Once rooted in traditional beauty practices, snail mucin has become a modern skincare favourite, celebrated for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties. Its rise from an unusual ingredient to a cult-favourite formula marks one of beauty's more unexpected turns.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/137-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
6/8
Saffron, Milk And Honey
A blend of pantry staples and beauty lore, saffron, milk and honey have featured in traditional skincare rituals across cultures, including South Asia. Valued for their nourishing and skin-softening properties, these ingredients continue to inspire homegrown beauty remedies.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/138-2026-10-19-14-08-33.png)
7/8
Sugaring And Haldi Ubtan
From sugaring as a traditional hair-removal technique to haldi ubtan as a pre-wedding skincare ritual, these practices have long held a place in South Asian beauty culture. Passed down through generations, they continue to influence how we approach body care and skin preparation.
/elle-india/media/media_files/2026/10/19/featured-image-8-2026-10-19-14-11-14.png)
8/8
Ancient Rituals, Modern Skincare
Today's beauty shelves may look different, but many of their ingredients and ideas have roots in centuries-old traditions. This is how ancient rituals are being revisited, reimagined and incorporated into contemporary skincare.