The Beautifying Potion is a cosmetic potion designed to improve the drinker's physical appearance. The precise nature of the beautification is not detailed, but it is implied to involve the clearing of skin blemishes and a general enhancement of one's features. The potion carries a notable risk if not brewed with precision. As stated by Professor Severus Snape, a common side effect is the eruption of boils on the drinker's skin. This indicates that the potion is sensitive to mistakes in the brewing process or that its magical properties are inherently unstable.
The Beautifying Potion is mentioned during a fourth-year Potions lesson in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The class, taught by Professor Snape, was tasked with brewing this potion. During the lesson, Pansy Parkinson taunted Hermione Granger about a recent, unflattering article about her in Witch Weekly written by Rita Skeeter. When Snape overheard their exchange, he commented, “There is no point hiding them, Miss Parkinson… Boils are a common side effect of the Beautifying Potion.” This remark confirmed the identity of the potion the students were brewing and served as a veiled insult towards Hermione, implying she might have a need for such a concoction. This event is the sole mention of the Beautifying Potion within the original seven novels.