43
For your complexion: Arsenic wafers! (1889) (media.piefed.ca)
submitted 4 days ago by EnmebaraGuesser@piefed.ca to c/vintageads@sh.itjust.works
14 comments fedilink hide all child comments

These were sold under various Dr. Somebody's brands.

Even in the 1800's, reputable doctors knew arsenic was highly toxic, and they tried to warn people away from these products. But for a time, the pallor and waxy, death-like skin arising from arsenic poisoning was a beauty ideal.

At least dozens of deaths were attributed to the use of arsenic wafers as a beauty aid, and the true number might be much greater than anyone knows.

They were often advertised as being safe, as seen on this box.

dgZ6eMqZTJLQy90.jpg

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] terranoid@lemmy.cafe 6 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

YES SIR THIS IS GUARANTEED COMPLETELY SAFE

HARMLESS TO ANYBODY

IT SAYS SO RIGHT ON THE BOX

WOULD AN UNREGULATED INDUSTRY OF SNAKE OIL SALESMEN LIE

this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2026
43 points (100.0% liked)

Vintage and Retro Ads, Promos, Fliers, Etc.

2094 readers
340 users here now

For sharing images of vintage magazine ads, fliers, promos, etc.

We're going to play it pretty loose with timeframe here so please don't get offended anyone :)

Be nice. All instance rules apply.

Rules:

  • Be respectful. Everyone should feel welcome here.
  • No bigotry - including racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or xenophobia.
  • No Ads / Spamming.
  • No pornography.

Règles :

  • Soyez respectueux. Tout le monde doit se sentir le bienvenu ici.
  • Pas de bigoterie - y compris le racisme, le sexisme, le capacitisme, l’homophobie, la transphobie ou la xénophobie.
  • Pas de publicités / Pas de spam.
  • Pas de pornographie.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
can@sh.itjust.works