Global glow-up: 7 ancient Asian beauty secrets that conquered the world

Tatler Asia

03-06-2025

2. Gua Sha (China)
Above Gua Sha is one of the most popular Asian beauty secrets currently. (Photo: Karly Vancuylenberg / Unsplash)
What TikTok calls the 'jawline sculptor' was once a traditional Chinese healing therapy known as 刮痧 (Gua Sha), used to promote blood circulation, release muscle tension and realign stagnant qi. The original practice involved firm, even aggressive scraping of the body to heal internal illnesses. On the face, it evolved into a gentler ritual for lifting and revitalising tired skin.
Now, it's a darling of clean beauty brands like Mount Lai and Herbivore Botanicals, both of which offer pastel-hued stone tools with Instagram-ready aesthetics. Even Chanel launched its own sleek Gua Sha tool as part of its No 1 de Chanel line, proving that even the French can't resist an ancient Chinese lift. 3. Turmeric (South Asia)
Above Turmeric has been used in a pre-wedding body mask to brighten the bride's complexion. (Photo: Tamanna Rumee / Unsplash)
In India, turmeric (haldi) isn't just a spice—it's sacred. For thousands of years, it's been used in ubtan, a pre-wedding body mask made from turmeric, chickpea flour, milk and rosewater to brighten the bride's complexion and ward off evil spirits. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, turmeric's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory powers made it a topical cure-all for everything from acne to dark spots.
Modern beauty giants have bottled this ancient wisdom in everything from Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Masque to Sunday Riley's CEO Glow Oil with turmeric and vitamin C. South Asian-founded brands like Fable & Mane and Ranavat have also reclaimed these Asian beauty secrets with luxe packaging and cultural reverence. 4. Double cleansing (Korea)
Above Double cleansing is rooted in Korea's centuries-old life purification rituals. (Photo: KoolShooters / Pexels)
Double cleansing wasn't invented by beauty bloggers or even modern Korean skin care. The process is rooted in Korea's centuries-old saenghwal sugan or life purification rituals. The belief? True beauty starts with deep, respectful cleansing—first with oil to break down makeup and sebum, then with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove residue.
The modern 10-step K-beauty routine—heavily inspired by this practice—took the world by storm in the 2010s, thanks to brands like Banila Co (famous for Clean It Zero balm) and Sulwhasoo, whose cleansing oils feel like a facial in a bottle. Western brands quickly adapted: Clinique, Tatcha and Elemis now offer cleansing duos inspired by this Korean art of face-washing. 5. Sandalwood and saffron (India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia)
Above Saffron, a luxurious spice, is also a potent skincare ingredient. (Photo: Mohammad Amiri / Unsplash)
Used in temple rituals and royal baths, sandalwood and saffron were considered spiritual and sensual. They were meant to cool the skin, awaken the senses and illuminate the face. In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood paste was applied to soothe acne, while saffron was believed to enhance natural glow and even skin tone.
Luxury South Asian brands like Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda now sell heritage-rich products such as saffron night creams and sandalwood toners in gold-accented packaging. Globally, saffron made a splash in Tatcha's Silk Canvas Primer, while Dior Prestige has played with saffron in rare, limited-edition lines. It's proof that no ingredient is too sacred to seduce the West.
See more: 7 impactful beauty brands owned by Asian women you should know 6. Coconut oil (Philippines, India, Sri Lanka)
Above Coconut oil moisturises, strengthens, detangles and even offers mild UV protection. (Photo: Tijana Drndarski / Unsplash)
Coconut oil doesn't seem like one of those mysterious Asian beauty secrets, but it is for other countries. In the Philippines, virgin coconut oil (VCO) has long been used for hilot massages, postnatal healing and hair treatments. In South Asia, it's at the core of champi, the art of hair oiling, famously endorsed by Indian grandmothers and Bollywood beauty queens. It moisturises, strengthens, detangles and even offers mild UV protection.
Global brands like Ouai, Briogeo and Drunk Elephant have all released coconut-oil-based treatments, while The Body Shop built an entire range around it. Meanwhile, Filipino-owned Cocobody and The Tropical Shop export VCO-based balms and butters, championing homegrown wellness on the world stage. 7. Snail mucin (Korea)
Above Snail mucin helps repair skin barriers and diminish fine lines. (Photo: Kirk Ding via Unsplash)
It's not as old as other Asian beauty secrets, but it's worth noting: the use of snail secretion began in Korea and Chile as early as the 1960s, when farmers noticed their skin healed faster after handling snails. Korean beauty labs turned this into a skincare revolution. Rich in glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid, snail mucin helps repair skin barriers and diminish fine lines.
COSRX's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is now a holy grail product worldwide, and even luxury players like Allies of Skin and Missha have joined the slimy-but-stunning party.