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Making make-up in Ancient Egypt

Author

Listed:
  • P. Walter

    (Laboratoire de Recherche des Muses de France)

  • P. Martinetto

    (Laboratoire de Recherche des Muses de France)

  • G. Tsoucaris

    (Laboratoire de Recherche des Muses de France)

  • R. Brniaux

    (L'Oréal-Recherche, 90 rue du Gnral Roquet)

  • M. A. Lefebvre

    (L'Oréal-Recherche, 90 rue du Gnral Roquet)

  • G. Richard

    (L'Oréal-Recherche, 90 rue du Gnral Roquet)

  • J. Talabot

    (L'Oréal-Recherche, 90 rue du Gnral Roquet)

  • E. Dooryhee

    (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)

Abstract

The extensive use of green, white and black make-up has been known since the earliest periods of Egyptian history1,2. We have investigated cosmetic powders dating from between 2000 and 1200 BC that were preserved in their original containers. Quantitative crystallographic and chemical analysis of the organic and mineral components of the powders enabled us to identify two natural lead-based compounds: crushed ore of galena (PbS) and cerussite (PbCO3). We also found two unexpected constituents: laurionite (PbOHCl) and phosgenite (Pb2Cl2CO3). Because they are neither natural extracted ores nor products resulting from subsequent ageing or chemical modification, laurionite and phosgenite appear to be synthetic products manufactured by the Egyptians using ‘wet’ chemistry.

Suggested Citation

  • P. Walter & P. Martinetto & G. Tsoucaris & R. Brniaux & M. A. Lefebvre & G. Richard & J. Talabot & E. Dooryhee, 1999. "Making make-up in Ancient Egypt," Nature, Nature, vol. 397(6719), pages 483-484, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:397:y:1999:i:6719:d:10.1038_17240
    DOI: 10.1038/17240
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    Cited by:

    1. Bin Han & Bei Zhang & Jianrong Chong & Zhanwei Sun & Yimin Yang, 2022. "Beauty and chemistry: the independent origins of synthetic lead white in east and west Eurasia," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Julia M. Robertson & Barbara E. Kingsley, 2021. "“Behind the Façade: Motivations for Cosmetic Usage by Womenâ€," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, December.

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