A Synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of Egyptian cosmetics

This chapter draws attention to the synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of Egyptian cosmetics. Unguents, creams, powders and eye-paints were commonly used and kept in receptacles with characteristic shapes made of stone (alabaster, hematite, and marble), ceramic, wood, or reed. These receptacles had been placed in tombs as burial artefacts. Previous studies have shown that the make-up was used since the earlier periods (around 4000 EC for the pre-dynastic times) in relation to its aesthetic, hygienic, therapeutic, and religious functions. Their function is respectively to “clean” the god's face and to enable him to “see through Horus's eye.”These documents also describe the symbolic role that the ancient Egyptians attributed to cosmetics in maintaining cosmic order. The analysis of cosmetics as used in Ancient Egypt reveals the great variety of compositions using lead compounds along with chemical synthesis. This shows that 4000 years ago, people already wanted more impact from their use of cosmetics than simply highlighting of the eyes.