14 Magazine Ads That Wouldn’t Be Approved Today
Advertising has gone through major changes over the decades, with modern standards focusing on ethics, inclusion, and accuracy. In the past, many magazine ads crossed boundaries that would no longer be acceptable today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The world of magazine advertising has evolved significantly, driven by social awareness, legal boundaries, and shifting public values. Some ads from the past reveal deeply troubling messages that would face instant backlash today. Many featured sexist undertones, racially insensitive themes, or misleading health promotions. These outdated ads now serve as reminders of how media once treated serious issues with shocking indifference.
1. Cigarette Ads Targeting Doctors
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There was a time when cigarette companies used doctors to promote smoking. Ads claimed certain brands were better for your throat and were recommended by medical professionals. The imagery often featured a smiling physician holding a cigarette. Today, this kind of marketing would face overwhelming criticism. Public health standards would never allow medical endorsement of tobacco.
2. Soap Ads Featuring Racial Stereotypes
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Many early soap ads relied on blatantly racist imagery to suggest “cleansing” associated with whiteness. These ads often depicted people of color in offensive ways. The implication was that using the soap could somehow change skin tone or social status. They reflected harmful ideologies that are no longer tolerated. Such portrayals would be banned today under modern advertising and anti-discrimination laws.
3. Diet Pill Ads Promising Instant Weight Loss
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Old magazine spreads regularly showcased pills with miraculous weight loss claims. They offered dramatic before-and-after photos with no scientific backing. Warnings about side effects were rarely included. Today’s advertising regulations require transparency and evidence-based claims. Promoting health products without FDA approval would result in immediate penalties.
4. Beer Ads Depicting Objectified Women
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Beer companies frequently featured women in minimal clothing to sell their products. These ads relied on sexualized imagery rather than product value. Women were often shown as rewards for buying the drink. This approach would now be considered sexist and demeaning. Modern ad standards push for respectful and inclusive representation.
5. Children in Soda and Caffeine Ads
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Some old soda advertisements included very young children consuming caffeine-filled drinks. The message often equated sugary soda with happiness and energy. Nutrition guidelines were not even considered. Today, marketing caffeine to children is heavily restricted. Public health officials have warned against the dangers of such messaging.
6. Ads Promoting Corsets for Better Marriage Prospects
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Corset ads once claimed that women would attract a husband more easily if they wore the right undergarment. These messages focused on external appearance as a woman’s only value. The ads reinforced outdated gender roles and body shaming. Such content would be deemed discriminatory by current advertising standards. Campaigns today focus more on empowerment and comfort.
7. Household Product Ads Portraying Women as Servants
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Household cleaner ads often showed women gleefully serving their husbands with a spotless home. The tone was patronizing and reinforced the idea that domestic work was a woman’s sole purpose. Men were rarely shown doing housework. Such one-dimensional portrayals would not pass today’s inclusivity guidelines. Gender balance and shared responsibility are now encouraged in modern advertising.
8. Ads Encouraging Smoking for Weight Control
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Some cigarette ads directly claimed that smoking could help people stay slim. They marketed tobacco as an appetite suppressant. Women were especially targeted with slogans linking thinness to attractiveness. Today, such ads would be immediately banned for false health claims. They also contribute to dangerous behavior and body image issues.
9. Ads Using Fear of Body Odor to Shame Women
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Deodorant ads frequently warned women they would be socially rejected if they smelled bad. The tone was fear-driven and focused on embarrassment. These ads suggested that even loved ones would turn away due to a minor body odor. Modern standards would view this as manipulative and harmful. Advertisers now aim for empowerment rather than shame-based messaging.
10. Airline Ads Featuring Stewardesses as Eye Candy
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Airlines once promoted flights by showcasing attractive female flight attendants in provocative outfits. The focus was not on safety or service quality but on physical appearance. These ads often treated the women as perks of flying. Such objectification would be seen as workplace sexism today. Airlines now market professionalism and customer care instead.
11. Ads Selling Asbestos-Based Products
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Before the health risks were widely known, some magazines featured ads for products containing asbestos. These were promoted as safe and even beneficial for construction and home use. No warnings were included despite the long-term dangers. Once the health hazards became public knowledge, the ads were pulled from circulation. Today, no responsible publisher would allow such content.
12. Asbestos Warning
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Toy companies once advertised guns that closely resembled real firearms. Kids were shown pointing them at others in action-packed scenes. There was little concern for safety or real-world consequences. Today, these ads would not only be controversial but also face legal restrictions. The focus has shifted to safety and responsible messaging in children’s advertising.
13. Ads Suggesting Women Should Be Silent and Beautiful
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Beauty product ads often promoted silence and obedience as feminine ideals. The message was clear: be pretty, agreeable, and nothing more. These themes were widespread and deeply ingrained. Today, such messaging would be called out for promoting toxic stereotypes. Advertising now celebrates individuality and confidence.
14. Ads Encouraging Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
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Some vintage ads subtly implied that pregnant women could enjoy a drink without harm. The tone was casual and dismissive of potential risks. Science has since disproven these claims with strong evidence. Today, such messaging would not only be frowned upon but also illegal. Health campaigns now emphasize caution and responsibility during pregnancy.