Crisco...the hidden beauty product
Surprise Moisturizer
Get ready folks: I'm coming out of the closet! I can't hide this anymore. I even came clean to my husband. I never saw him laugh so hard and I don't think I've ever felt sillier, except for maybe the time when....oh never mind, that's behind me now. Anyway, the truth is the truth, so here goes:
I was sipping my coffee one morning watching "Good Morning America" and this one morning there was a beauty segment. I'm pretty sure it was Robin Roberts interviewing some beauty products person and she was showcasing all different creams and lotions for dry skin. Robin looked a little worried when the woman came to a container of Crisco shortening. "Really??" she asked, and actually seemed to back away from the can like it was a snake ready to strike.
"Yes, really!!" the woman replied. I listened with skepticism while she touted its exploits but the squeeky wheels of curiosity began to chug a lug in my brain.
So.....when I went to the market I purchased a can. I drove home giddy with hope. I had just bought a 16 ounce can of shortening for maybe $2.00 and if this stuff actually worked, then I might have well just won the lottery.
With the Crsico securely hidden behind my back, I snuck past my husband and into the bathroom, anxious to try it out. I flipped the lid off and looked down into the can. The pure white concoction beckoned me to dip my fingers in, and I obliged. The results?
A!!!
I tried it on my elbows, heels and hands and the results were instant and effective. Oh joy!!!!My skin became soft on contact!!! And the best part is it lasts all day! I do want to say that I pumice my heels every other day and always put a lotion on them after my shower...so they're in pretty good shape. I realize that some people's heels might be more of a challenge, but with a little work you too can have soft, supple heels =)
Can I tell you how excited I was?? I like the word inexpensive....cheap is even better...and this stuff is cheap! And the 16 ounce can will last oh so long. But there's more......The next test came about a week later...
Hmmm, I thought to myself as I scooped up the last drop of under eye treatment with my little finger. The blue container of Crisco with the Betty Crocker-like picture of way too fattening desserts was perched on the corner of the bathroom sink. I eyed it suspiciously, wondering if this could possibly take the place of my expensive eye cream. Can't hurt and maybe it will help....so I lifted the plastic lid and dipped my pinkie in it....barely. What's that Brill Cream ad say?? "A little dab will do ya"?
yup...just a dab. I patted just a little under each eye and put the leftover on my lips...and to my delight it did not disappoint; my under eye area and lips became soft instantly and remained that way all day.
Mind you, this stuff is rich so you only need a little bit......but IT WORKS!!!!
The ingredients read like this:
soybean oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, partially hydrogenated palm and soybean oils, mono and diglycerides, TBHQ and citric acid (antioxidants). That's it...simple ingredients with very nice results. I'm not trying to say that it will erase wrinkles and age spots and things like that, but I do know for a fact that it's a fantastic moisturizer...
Try it. You won't be disappointed. You have my word on that.
Yes, Crisco all vegetable shortening. It's weird, I know.
at the 3:30 mark in video, Dr. Wu discusses Crisco!
Comments
Gabrielle Robertson from SVD on August 27, 2019:
This is excellent and can work well for many people however I wouldn't recommend it for persons with oily acne prone skin nor would I recommend it for persons with diseases such as fibromyalgia.
Palm oil and soybean oil are commonly comodogenic meaning it will clog pores. Because oily skin is more prone to acne avoid lipidophilic oils which for persons with illness such as fibromyalgia can ignite a fungal breakout.
allison gilliam on September 06, 2018:
I use daily and drink lots of water. I am 60 and nobody can believe I am even forty. I look back at old pictures and can see the difference myself. Also exfoliate every other day with St, Ives apricot scrub. My sisters who are all younger have botox ect and I still look younger.
moonfairy (author) on January 14, 2018:
Chuga, thanks for reading and for commenting! I truly think you'll like it!
Bianu from Africa on January 12, 2018:
Lovely tip and certainly worth a try.
moonfairy (author) on March 28, 2017:
Hi Carolina Girl...so glad that you love it and great idea to add the essential oil! I did the same thing as you...I put some in a small jar and keep in with my other face stuff. Thanks for reading and for your feedback!
Carolina Girl in a AR World on March 25, 2017:
Alrighty then, tried this for the first time tonight and loved it. I took about a tablespoon of Crisco and put it in a little container to store in the bathroom. I also added about 7 drops of peppermint essential oil, so now I get the wonderful moisturizing effect and a little aroma therapy to go with it. ❤️
Jessica on March 21, 2017:
I'm going to try thr Crisco. Under my eyes. I'm starting to get black circles under them. I don't like it at all. I've tried all these expenses products and non of them work. Now I'm going to put crisco to the test. Crisco makes the best fried chicken ever.
Leola Knight on February 09, 2016:
In the black community this was always used for pressing our hair and softening the skin.
moonfairy (author) on July 26, 2015:
hi honeybrown..Crisco works great as an under eye moisturizer but I never really noticed whether it helps with puffiness......it very well could!!!
honeybrown on July 21, 2015:
Heard bout crisco on the movie the help she said works for undereye puffiness and you say no????
moonfairy (author) on February 24, 2015:
Rahil, thanks for reading! yes, it works really well. Mind you, I don't slather it everywhere but I do use it =)
Rahil on February 23, 2015:
Shoot, who would have thuhogt that it was that easy?
Mary Ann on May 17, 2014:
Organic Coconut oil. Doesn't have any other ingredients in it! Melts at about 75degrees, otherwise it's a white soft solid. Good to put it in your shake, also! Super healthy! If you're health-minded, visit www.thebestsuperfood.com...
Swap out your snacks and unhealthy drinks... even one at a time... and start to fill in those nutrition gaps! Give your body what it needs to
optimally do what it was designed to do: Regenerate! It's trying to right now: Give it the gift of whole nutrition and spend the money you save by not buying what isn't that good for you!
:-)
moonfairy (author) on March 08, 2014:
Bucky, yes! I love it when a product is validated...thanks for sharing that info and for stopping by my hub!
Bucky on March 08, 2014:
Dr Oz mentioned it on his show - if your hands look old, it help to alleviate the problem - my friends and I have been using for a while now - hands are young and smooth.
moonfairy (author) on January 13, 2014:
Hi Brian, yes, give it a go!! I use it as an under eye moisturizer every day. Remember that a little goes a long way!!! and please do let me know your thoughts after you've tried it!
Brian Prickril from Savannah, GA on January 12, 2014:
Interesting. I learned the hard way how fragile our skin can be. I have used almost every moisturizer on the market, but I've never heard this secret before! Okay, I will try it but you better not be pulling my chain lol. I always keep Crisco on hand to season my cast iron, so here goes...
moonfairy (author) on December 29, 2013:
joanne...thanks for reading and commenting. Wow, what a great idea for doggy paws. I'm going to try that on my own golden retriever. Thanks for that!!
joanne on December 29, 2013:
I came across Crisco when looking for a solution to keeping snow out of my German Shepherds feet when we are walking. Ice balls would form , so I discovered that hunters put a small amount of Crisco on the pads of the dogs paws. Works really well I also started using as a moisturizer, makes skin feel amazing and best of all cheap.
moonfairy (author) on June 24, 2013:
erinshelby....I think so too!! thanks for reading and for your comment =)
erinshelby from United States on June 24, 2013:
What a clever idea!
moonfairy (author) on May 19, 2013:
Insightful Tiger....thanks so much for your comment and thank you for your vote and pinning =)
Insightful Tiger on May 18, 2013:
Wow, I love the word "cheap" too! Nothing wrong with that! I'm going to try and I thank you for the tip! Voted up and pinned :)
moonfairy (author) on May 18, 2013:
Ponmu, thanks for your comment! Yes, I use it all the time. I've tried other "stuff" but I always go back because nothing seems to moisturize like crisco. It's the craziest thing...LOL!
Ponmu on May 18, 2013:
Well I used it for 9 months straight along with Coconut oil & Castor oil....not a single stretch mark & I looked like I swallowed a Basketball. So yes IT WORKS!
moonfairy (author) on March 10, 2013:
ytsenoh, thanks for reading and for your comment. I was a little skeptical in the beginning but it really does work!
Cathy from Louisiana, Idaho, Kauai, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri on March 09, 2013:
Very, very interesting. Kind of have to separate the idea of it being a fat product versus a moisturizing product. Thanks for sharing this interesting idea to ponder over.
moonfairy (author) on February 01, 2013:
Tammy...Hurray! I'm so glad that you told me this! My grandson has eczema as well, so I'll be sure to tell my daughter in law about it.
thanks a bunch for reading and commenting!
Tammy on February 01, 2013:
Hi, I just decided to look up uses for Crisco & saw this conversation. I want to let you know what I do with it. My granddaughter has eczema. I use Crisco on her -no alcohol, no fragrance,no irritants. When her eczema is really bad & I feel I need to use her prescription cream I add it to the Crisco. The prescription creams are damaging to skin so you aren't supposed to use a lot, yet I can cover the area & know I am doing it without using too much. Her dermatologist thought it was a great idea.
moonfairy (author) on January 31, 2013:
DJ Anderson, your comment about using enough vaseline to waterproof a small car made me laugh out loud....
thanks for your comment and I hope the crisco works for you. Remember that I also said to pumice your feet while you're in the shower.....this makes a huge difference as well! Good luck!!!
DJ Anderson on January 30, 2013:
My doctor told me to use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on my cracked heels
at bedtime and put on several pair of socks. He must have mistaken my surprise and interest as discretion. That night I used enough Vaseline to water proof a small car. I would have been smarter to use rubber gloves than socks on my feet, as I stained some really nice sheets.
I was glad that you clarified 'a little dab will do ya'.
Someone once told me that they used olive oil for dry skin and especially dry nail cuticles.
Great info. Super Hub!
moonfairy (author) on January 28, 2013:
Geri...first of all thanks for reading and commenting! When you apply it you don't need much, a little goes a long way and it does absorb into your skin after a bit. People are generally surprised that it's not as greasy as they expect it to be! If you're worried, just try it on your hands first (rub in just a little) and see what you think, but give it a bit to absorb in, just like any other cream. Hope it works for you if you choose to try it!!
Geri on January 28, 2013:
How do you keep it from not getting onto your clothes or bed sheets or making your hair greasy by oily hands.
moonfairy (author) on December 17, 2012:
keely....yes it is! And it works!!!
keely on December 14, 2012:
that is freaking cheap!!!!
moonfairy (author) on November 07, 2012:
thanks suzzycue and I truly hope this helps heal your hands...they'll certainly be softer!!!!
Susan Britton from Ontario, Canada on November 06, 2012:
You can count me in I am willing to give this a try on my hands every night are dry and split open . I wash dishes for a living so will give this a try. Thanks a bunch you saved me a ton of money .
moonfairy (author) on November 05, 2012:
thanks tiffany delite for your feedback and I do hope you'll try it! You won't be disappointed =) and yes, pumicing your feet each day makes a huge difference =)
Tiffany Delite from Wichita, KS on November 04, 2012:
ha! thanks for this hub...what a sneaky little secret! lol...i like the part of the article where you mentioned your heels...i don't think people realize that if they would just pumice their heels/feet for just a minute or so each time they take a shower, their feet would be so much softer! as for the crisco, i may just have to add this to my beauty routine! blessings!
moonfairy (author) on October 27, 2012:
thanks for the feedback lupine =)
lupine from Southern California (USA) on October 26, 2012:
Tried it...worked well, not greasy either like I thought it might be. Kept skin smooth, dryness away. Thanks.
G. Diane Nelson Trotter from Fontana on October 25, 2012:
loveofnight, I love it!
moonfairy (author) on October 25, 2012:
loveofnight...that's fantastic! I was thrilled to read your comment. When I started using it I felt kind of silly, but it really does work, as you know! And what a great idea to add your favorite body oils to it. I'm going to try that too. thanks much for your comment =)
Loveofnight Anderson from Baltimore, Maryland on October 25, 2012:
I have always bought this product and would take one of my empty facial cream containers that I keep in the bathroom and put a portion of it in there. It is not only good for your skin but I love using it to remove make-up. To my surprise I was watching Tyra Banks (next top model) and she was telling the audience how she also uses it. I have even gone so far as adding some of my favorite body oils to it which gave it a great scent and I now have a nice hand cream that I keep in a small container in my purse. I am so happy to know that I am not the only one.....Be well and happy hubbing.
moonfairy (author) on October 19, 2012:
JaimePage
southernmapart
aliceleftinwonder
thank you all for reading and for your comments...I appreciate the feedback!
aliceleftinwonder from Somewhere along I-5 on October 19, 2012:
Thanks , great hub. And I found it just in time! Winter is right around the corner.
Southernmapart on October 18, 2012:
Great hub and enjoyed reading all the comments.
Jaime from New Jersey on October 18, 2012:
Great hub! I'm so glad I came across it.
moonfairy (author) on October 17, 2012:
GeoJo...thanks for reading a commenting and remember that a little goes a long way!!! I've not had a problem with clogged pores or anything of the sort and I usually apply right after my shower when my skin is still moist=)
moonfairy (author) on October 17, 2012:
Gary Holdaway..I'm not laughing, I promise! This is going to sound strange but when you're in the shower, scrub your heels and side pads with an emery of sorts or a pumice stone to get all the dead skin off, then when you dry off and while your feet are still moist from the shower, put the crisco on the dry parts of your feet..it may take a few times if your feet are really dry, but it does work and it's really soothing.
good luck and thanks for reading =)
moonfairy (author) on October 17, 2012:
lupine...thanks for reading and commenting...and yes, do try it!!
moonfairy (author) on October 17, 2012:
CrisSp..thanks for your comment!! Last winter I used it on my hands and it felt oh so good =)
GeoJo on October 17, 2012:
Wow I am going to try that....You would think it would clog your pores instead. Interesting Hub!
Gary Holdaway from Sleaford, UK on October 17, 2012:
Nice hub! Don't laugh because we're men, but me and my dad work all day on our feet, and get really bad heels and side pads because of it. I'm gonna try this haha never before has anything fixed it before though.
lupine from Southern California (USA) on October 16, 2012:
Can't wait to try it! Will let others know too.
CrisSp from Sky Is The Limit Adventure on October 16, 2012:
Awesome! Gotta try this specially that the cool dry air of winter will soon be upon us. Excited and will absolutely share.
Thanks for the cheap tip! Why pay more, eh? (:
moonfairy (author) on October 16, 2012:
InLove3x...I know! how can you not love something like that?! thanks for your comment!
everythingdazzles...yes, spending tons of money on "stuff" that doesn't really work is annoying.
thank you both for reading!!!
Janelle from Houston on October 16, 2012:
Great idea! I love at home beauty remedies. It certainly beats going to the store spending 10-20 dollars for something that contains high levels of alcohol. I hate it when I look at a moisturizer and then I see the high level of alcohol in it. Totally wrecks my skin into a dry mess! Thanks again!
Esha N. from Charleton, SC on October 16, 2012:
I love beauty regimens that come straight out of the kitchen and this is another that I have gladly added to mines. Thanx for the post
moonfairy (author) on October 16, 2012:
Ammara Asir...thank you!
anglnwu...it's cheap and it works! I especially like to use it under my eyes...
adrienne2...I know, I laughted too when I saw it on GMA and I felt so foolish when I knew I was actually going to try it out! I haven't been disappointed either =)
Fierce Manson from Atlanta on October 16, 2012:
Moonfairy...CRISCO..LOL.. I saw the title of the hub, and I had to find out what is up with crisco as a hidden beauty secret. Your hub is a great one, well as for the Crisco maybe I will try it. I love to moisturizer so I probably just put it to the test to find out for myself. Thanks for the info! = )
anglnwu on October 16, 2012:
I'm a cheap moisturizer junkie--just ask my cabinet. Never heard of using Crisco but the ingredients are friendly and even familiar like soya bean and palm oil. I grew up on that, in my diet, so how wrong can it go? Loved it and shared.
Ammara Aseer from Lahore, Pakistan on October 16, 2012:
great job. thank you for sharing.
moonfairy (author) on October 16, 2012:
Mom on a Budget
GoldenThreadPress
Fiddleman
Thank you all for reading my hub and for the great comments =)
Fiddleman on October 15, 2012:
I know this one is a hit and got to be one of the most novel uses of shortening.
GoldenThreadPress on October 15, 2012:
Me, too! Whooda thought that something that could give one high cholesterol could be a beauty secret. I'm amazed again! Thanks for the great hub!
Tonya Keith from Tampa, FL on October 15, 2012:
Love, love, love. I will be sure to try this stuff today! Thanks
moonfairy (author) on October 15, 2012:
Judy G Gillis...yes, the instant it hits your lips you can feel them soften...it really does work =)
moonfairy (author) on October 15, 2012:
PaisleeGal...yes, it works!! I'm glad you're going to give it a try =) and thanks for the compliment....I appreciate it very much!
dreamseeker2...I've not heard of pepto as a beauty secret, but you just never know! thanks for your feedback!
oceansider...you are so welcome....and thanks for reading!
Judy G Gillis from Charlottetown, PEI, Canada on October 15, 2012:
Just tweeted this - my daughter has been looking for something that will keep her lips from drying out and cracking, and this may actually do the trick! Love it that it's so cheap... :D
oceansider on October 15, 2012:
Hello, thanks for the interesting information on using Crisco as a moisturizer.....I never would have thought of using that on my skin.....and, I actually have never even once in all these years, bought Crisco to cook with.....But now I may give it a try for my skin!
Thank you for sharing this beauty secret!......I appreciate that.
dreamseeker2 on October 15, 2012:
LOL! Love your story. Now I have to try it!! I've heard of Pepto Bismol as a beauty secret. But this is worth a try too. (I haven't yet tried the pepto though). : ) Voted up and useful!
Pat Materna from Memphis, Tennessee, USA on October 15, 2012:
I've heard this before, about 15 yrs ago, from a quite elderly lady in her 80's with beautiful facial skin. Smooth and hardly any wrinkles. According to her the only thing she had ever used on her face to remove make-up and moisturize was Crisco. She was proof it worked. I don't know why but I've never used it. But, after reading all this I'm going to start as soon as I finish up my expensive stuff.
Love the Hub and the way you write. Interesting and with humor too!
moonfairy (author) on October 11, 2012:
btrbell, you're welcome! and thank you =)
Randi Benlulu from Mesa, AZ on October 11, 2012:
Love this! Thank you! I am going to try it!
moonfairy (author) on September 23, 2012:
Maximizer, yes it works great especially in the winter when your skin needs it the most! Thanks for reading!
Maximizer from San Jose, Costa Rica on September 23, 2012:
Interesting, and should be especially useful now that the air is getting cold and dry!
moonfairy (author) on September 23, 2012:
Doodlehead, nikashi designs, lanaz...thanks for reading and for your comments =)
lanaz from Las Vegas on September 22, 2012:
Thanks for the info...
nikashi_designs on September 22, 2012:
Pretty good idea...simple, inexpensive, and you can cook while you beautify. I wonder if the guest host on the television show was a representative of Crisco? Regardless, I tried it on my eyes and lip area and in just a few days seems to be much smoother. Great Hub, Thanks
Doodlehead from Northern California on September 22, 2012:
OMG I'll have to go get some the next time I go to a non-healthfood store!
moonfairy (author) on September 21, 2012:
Blond Logic
Talfonso
Kalux
Litsabd
vintagetreasures
nina64
Thanks to you all for enjoying my hub and giving Crisco a try...I swear you won't be disappointed!
Michele Travis....yes, try the teabags and the crisco and I truly hope they work for you!!!!!!!
Nina L James from chicago, Illinois on September 21, 2012:
Who knew that Crisco could be used as a beauty product? I'm not walking to the store, I'm running to purchase my can of Crisco!!!! Now I can do away with all those other expensive beauty products that claim to moisturize my skin. Awesome hub......voted up and away!!!!!!
Terri on September 21, 2012:
I LOVE it! Definitely gotta try this!
Michele Travis from U.S.A. Ohio on September 21, 2012:
Thank you again moonfairy, we have a lot of tea bags filled with caffeine and I will by Crisco today!
litsabd on September 21, 2012:
This is great information you shared with us! I hope I can find Crisco products somewhere in Greece as I am soooo anxious to test them! :)
Kalux from Canada on September 20, 2012:
Very interesting, I love trying things like this!
talfonso from Tampa Bay, FL on September 20, 2012:
The CSPI and other health nuts detest Crisco because of the hydrogenated oils that can clog arteries! But you sure have a good use for it besides food! I didn't know until I read your Hub that it's an inexpensive beauty product!
Mary Wickison from USA on September 20, 2012:
Many years ago I remember Joan Collins saying she always removed her make-up before going to bed. She said if she didn't have cold cream she would use Crisco!
I haven't tried it but will now. I hate paying over the odds for a fancy name.
Fun hub.
moonfairy (author) on September 20, 2012:
GlstngRosePetals...glad I talked you into it, you won't be sorry!
Michele Travis...I have faith that the Crisco will help. As far as the puffiness, try brewing a teabag and then letting it cool and apply to your undereyes...caffeine is known to reduce puffiness...and good luck!
Michele Travis from U.S.A. Ohio on September 20, 2012:
Thanks for this hub. I have tried everything, but nothing works. I will try Crisco. My only other problem is that under my eyes the skin is kind of puffy. Do you know of any way to help with that?
Voted up!
GlstngRosePetals from Wouldn't You Like To Know on September 19, 2012:
OK you talked me into it! IM going to take a plunge in to the lard for im not getting any younger and i live in one of the driest states. Keeping my skin moist is impossible with everything that i have tryed so far. Great hub!! Voted up!!!
moonfairy (author) on September 19, 2012:
starbright...hope you can find an equivalent...I love the stuff! Thanks
for your comment =)
Nellrenae... it does last forever and that's a good thing!!
Jentu.. I love hearing about simple and cheap as well, especially if it
works!
zionsphere...yes, weird, but it really does work...so good luck!
zionsphere from Oregon on September 19, 2012:
Ok..weird, but Awesome! I have this problem with my cheeks getting dry, and my makeup getting scaley when I put it on. I bet this would work better than the over night cream I use in the morning to prevent becoming a lizard, and MUCH cheaper! Thanks for the tip :)
Jentu from U.S. on September 18, 2012:
I love hearing about simple and cheap around the house products that can be used for beauty. First time hearing about this one but I think I'll give it a go!
Nellrenae on September 18, 2012:
I have to say it is nice to know what else I can use crisco for. It seems like the stuff lasts forever and I do not bake very much so I always seem to have too much.
Lucy Jones from Scandinavia on September 18, 2012:
Oh joy of joys. Got to find out if I can get this or an equivalent in Scandinavia. What a find. Thanks for sharing MoonFairy. Voted up as useful.
moonfairy (author) on September 18, 2012:
MarleneB- I tried a little on my hair end this morning and it worked great...thanks for the tip!!
Green Art. thank you and yes, give it a try!!
dianetrotter...I use it on my eyes every day and love it =)
khmohsin...thanks for your feedback!!!
jennzie...you've got to try it....it's fabulous!!!
Thank you all for your kind comments =)
Jenn from Pennsylvania on September 18, 2012: