From Ancient Skincare to Today’s Products: Timeless Rituals Reimagined
Skincare may seem like a modern phenomenon with endless shelves of serums, toners, and creams—but it has deep, fascinating roots. Long before beauty influencers and lab-made formulas, ancient civilizations across the world developed natural, effective routines using ingredients sourced directly from the earth.
From Egyptian queens to Korean court ladies, beauty rituals weren’t just about appearance—they symbolized health, self-respect, status, and spirituality. In this blog, we explore three legendary skincare practices—milk baths, olive oil massages, and rice water cleansing—and show you how to revive their timeless power with modern products, like those from Haruharu Wonder, that keep ancient wisdom alive in today’s skincare world.
Milk Baths to Milky Essences: Cleopatra’s Glow, Reimagined
One of the most iconic figures in beauty history, Cleopatra of Egypt, was famous for her elaborate skincare rituals. Among them, her most indulgent secret was the milk bath. Historical accounts claim she bathed in donkey’s milk, rich in lactic acid—a natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead skin, revealing a softer, more radiant complexion underneath.
But Cleopatra wasn’t the only one. In Ancient Persia, milk was prized as a natural anti-aging remedy, especially for hydrating dry, sun-exposed skin. Milk baths were also often combined with honey, rose petals, or herbs to further nourish and scent the skin.
Today, we can harness the same benefits without filling a tub with milk. Enter the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence—a healthy skin barrier by replenishing nutrients to improve moisture balance making it more supple, plump, and hydrated while preventing dryness.
Powered by fermented black rice extract and probiotics, this essence mimics the softening and rejuvenating effects of milk. Probiotics help balance the skin’s microbiome, reduce inflammation, and smooth texture. Meanwhile, gentle exfoliating agents help lift away dead skin cells just as lactic acid would in a traditional milk bath.
Rather than soaking in milk, a few drops of this essence post-cleansing will leave your skin plump, glowing, and protected—the modern-day version of Cleopatra’s secret glow.
Olive Oil Massages to Facial Oils: The Ancient Art of Nourishment
Long before creams and balms, one of the earliest skincare staples was olive oil—a liquid gold that has been revered since ancient times for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
In Ancient Egypt, olive oil was applied to the skin to heal wounds, moisturize dry skin, and even as an ingredient in early perfumes. In Ancient Greece, athletes massaged olive oil into their bodies to highlight their muscles, improve circulation, and protect skin from the elements. The ritual was not only functional but ceremonial, often associated with strength, youth, and vitality.
Roman bathhouses included olive oil in their cleansing process, rubbing it into the skin before scraping it off with a tool called a strigil, removing sweat, oil, and dirt in one motion. In Persian culture, olive oil was similarly used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities, often infused with herbs or saffron.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the benefits of olive oil reimagined in lightweight, skin-compatible facial oils. One standout option is the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil.
Formulated with 45% black rice bran oil:
- Prevents moisture loss
- Balances oil production
- Delivers deep nourishment without feeling greasy
Unlike ancient olive oil, which was thicker and more occlusive, this formula absorbs quickly and works beautifully under makeup or as part of your nighttime routine. It’s ideal for anyone seeking dewy, elastic, healthy-looking skin—minus the heavy residue.
*3-Minute Massage with Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil
Prep (30 seconds):
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Apply 3–5 drops of black rice facial oil to your palms.
- Warm the oil by rubbing your hands together and gently press it into your face.
Massage (2 minutes):
-
Forehead: Use fingertips to make upward strokes from brows to hairline.
-
Cheeks: Glide fingers from the nose out toward the ears in circular motions.
-
Jawline: Use knuckles to massage from chin toward ears.
-
Eyes: Gently tap around the eye area with ring fingers.
-
Neck: Stroke upward from collarbone to jawline.
Finish (30 seconds):
- Press palms lightly over your entire face to help absorb the oil.
- Optional: Use a jade roller or gua sha for extra depuffing.
Rice Water Cleansing to Rice-Rich Toners: East Asia’s Secret to “Glass Skin”
Rice has long been more than a staple food in East Asian culture—it’s also one of the most celebrated beauty ingredients in history.
In Ancient Japan, women in the Heian period (794–1185) used the leftover water from washing rice, known as yu-su-ru, as a toner and facial rinse. This cloudy water, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, was prized for its ability to soften the skin, brighten complexion, and reduce irritation. It was part of a minimal but highly effective skincare routine that promoted the classic Japanese ideal of luminous, smooth skin.
Meanwhile, in Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, noblewomen used rice water to achieve the iconic “glass skin”—clear, glowing, and flawlessly hydrated. Rice was also ground into powders and masks for brightening and anti-aging effects.
Modern Take: Black Rice Toner and Cleanser
Modern skincare has elevated rice water into science-backed, effective formulations—and Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice line is a perfect example.
The Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner delivers deep hydration, plumps the skin, and enhances overall tone.
The Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil and 5.5 Soft Gentle Cleansing Gel gently remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin.
Both products incorporate fermented black rice, which contains more antioxidants than white rice, and provides added benefits like collagen support and cell regeneration. These modern interpretations make it easier than ever to bring ancient Korean and Japanese beauty practices into your daily life—no soaking or boiling rice required.
Why Ancient Skincare Still Matters Today
What makes these ancient rituals so timeless? The answer is simple: they’re built on natural, effective ingredients that work in harmony with your skin—not against it.
Modern skincare may be driven by science and innovation, but the foundations remain the same:
- Gentle exfoliation from milk
- Deep nourishment from oils
- Hydration and brightening from rice water
By combining the wisdom of the past with the precision of today’s skincare science, we get the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts: Blending the Old with the New
Skincare is a journey—one that spans cultures, continents, and centuries. From Cleopatra’s milk baths to Korean rice water rituals, the world’s oldest beauty practices are still alive and evolving in today’s products.
With modern brands like Haruharu Wonder, we have the opportunity to honor these ancient traditions while enjoying the convenience and efficacy of contemporary formulas. Whether you're looking to deeply hydrate, nourish, or brighten your skin, turning to ancient ingredients with a modern twist is one of the smartest—and most beautiful—decisions you can make.
So the next time you reach for a product, take a moment to think of the timeless stories behind it. Because in skincare, what’s old is beautifully new again.
From ancient skincare to today's products
From Ancient Skincare to Today’s Products: Timeless Rituals Reimagined
Skincare may seem like a modern phenomenon with endless shelves of serums, toners, and creams—but it has deep, fascinating roots. Long before beauty influencers and lab-made formulas, ancient civilizations across the world developed natural, effective routines using ingredients sourced directly from the earth.
From Egyptian queens to Korean court ladies, beauty rituals weren’t just about appearance—they symbolized health, self-respect, status, and spirituality. In this blog, we explore three legendary skincare practices—milk baths, olive oil massages, and rice water cleansing—and show you how to revive their timeless power with modern products, like those from Haruharu Wonder, that keep ancient wisdom alive in today’s skincare world.
Milk Baths to Milky Essences: Cleopatra’s Glow, Reimagined
One of the most iconic figures in beauty history, Cleopatra of Egypt, was famous for her elaborate skincare rituals. Among them, her most indulgent secret was the milk bath. Historical accounts claim she bathed in donkey’s milk, rich in lactic acid—a natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead skin, revealing a softer, more radiant complexion underneath.
But Cleopatra wasn’t the only one. In Ancient Persia, milk was prized as a natural anti-aging remedy, especially for hydrating dry, sun-exposed skin. Milk baths were also often combined with honey, rose petals, or herbs to further nourish and scent the skin.
Modern Take: Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Today, we can harness the same benefits without filling a tub with milk. Enter the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence—a healthy skin barrier by replenishing nutrients to improve moisture balance making it more supple, plump, and hydrated while preventing dryness.
Powered by fermented black rice extract and probiotics, this essence mimics the softening and rejuvenating effects of milk. Probiotics help balance the skin’s microbiome, reduce inflammation, and smooth texture. Meanwhile, gentle exfoliating agents help lift away dead skin cells just as lactic acid would in a traditional milk bath.
Rather than soaking in milk, a few drops of this essence post-cleansing will leave your skin plump, glowing, and protected—the modern-day version of Cleopatra’s secret glow.
Olive Oil Massages to Facial Oils: The Ancient Art of Nourishment
Long before creams and balms, one of the earliest skincare staples was olive oil—a liquid gold that has been revered since ancient times for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
In Ancient Egypt, olive oil was applied to the skin to heal wounds, moisturize dry skin, and even as an ingredient in early perfumes. In Ancient Greece, athletes massaged olive oil into their bodies to highlight their muscles, improve circulation, and protect skin from the elements. The ritual was not only functional but ceremonial, often associated with strength, youth, and vitality.
Roman bathhouses included olive oil in their cleansing process, rubbing it into the skin before scraping it off with a tool called a strigil, removing sweat, oil, and dirt in one motion. In Persian culture, olive oil was similarly used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities, often infused with herbs or saffron.
Modern Take: Black Rice Facial Oil
Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the benefits of olive oil reimagined in lightweight, skin-compatible facial oils. One standout option is the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil.
Formulated with 45% black rice bran oil:
Unlike ancient olive oil, which was thicker and more occlusive, this formula absorbs quickly and works beautifully under makeup or as part of your nighttime routine. It’s ideal for anyone seeking dewy, elastic, healthy-looking skin—minus the heavy residue.
*3-Minute Massage with Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil
Prep (30 seconds):
Massage (2 minutes):
Finish (30 seconds):
Rice Water Cleansing to Rice-Rich Toners: East Asia’s Secret to “Glass Skin”
Rice has long been more than a staple food in East Asian culture—it’s also one of the most celebrated beauty ingredients in history.
In Ancient Japan, women in the Heian period (794–1185) used the leftover water from washing rice, known as yu-su-ru, as a toner and facial rinse. This cloudy water, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, was prized for its ability to soften the skin, brighten complexion, and reduce irritation. It was part of a minimal but highly effective skincare routine that promoted the classic Japanese ideal of luminous, smooth skin.
Meanwhile, in Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, noblewomen used rice water to achieve the iconic “glass skin”—clear, glowing, and flawlessly hydrated. Rice was also ground into powders and masks for brightening and anti-aging effects.
Modern Take: Black Rice Toner and Cleanser
Modern skincare has elevated rice water into science-backed, effective formulations—and Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice line is a perfect example.
The Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner delivers deep hydration, plumps the skin, and enhances overall tone.
The Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil and 5.5 Soft Gentle Cleansing Gel gently remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin.
Both products incorporate fermented black rice, which contains more antioxidants than white rice, and provides added benefits like collagen support and cell regeneration. These modern interpretations make it easier than ever to bring ancient Korean and Japanese beauty practices into your daily life—no soaking or boiling rice required.
Why Ancient Skincare Still Matters Today
What makes these ancient rituals so timeless? The answer is simple: they’re built on natural, effective ingredients that work in harmony with your skin—not against it.
Modern skincare may be driven by science and innovation, but the foundations remain the same:
By combining the wisdom of the past with the precision of today’s skincare science, we get the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts: Blending the Old with the New
Skincare is a journey—one that spans cultures, continents, and centuries. From Cleopatra’s milk baths to Korean rice water rituals, the world’s oldest beauty practices are still alive and evolving in today’s products.
With modern brands like Haruharu Wonder, we have the opportunity to honor these ancient traditions while enjoying the convenience and efficacy of contemporary formulas. Whether you're looking to deeply hydrate, nourish, or brighten your skin, turning to ancient ingredients with a modern twist is one of the smartest—and most beautiful—decisions you can make.
So the next time you reach for a product, take a moment to think of the timeless stories behind it. Because in skincare, what’s old is beautifully new again.