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Publications International, Ltd., the Editors of. "12 Odd Beauty Products Throughout History." 19 September 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/12-odd-beauty-products-throughout-history.htm> 17 May 2008.
12 Odd Beauty Products Throughout History
Before there were department store counters and drugstores, there were homemade cosmetics that often had some pretty funky ingredients. Even today, you might be surprised to learn what's in the items you throw into
your makeup kit. But be forewarned -- what we do for beauty can get pretty
ugly . . . and dangerous.
1. Ambergris
Ambergris -- a highly flammable, waxy substance with a sweet, earthy odor -- comes from the intestines of whales and is used in perfume manufacturing. Prior to the 18th century, men and women molded ambergris into beads that were worn as an aromatic necklace. Although whales excrete the substance naturally (it's jokingly called whale barf), synthetic ambergris is now made to prevent the slaughter of whales for this highly sought-after product.
2. Wax
Wax is a common ingredient in many hair products and facial cosmetics today, but the men and women of ancient Egypt used wax more creatively. They would stick a cone of pomade, or scented ointment, on the top of their head, and over time, their body heat would melt the wax and give off a pleasant aroma.
your makeup kit. But be forewarned -- what we do for beauty can get pretty
ugly . . . and dangerous.
1. Ambergris
Ambergris -- a highly flammable, waxy substance with a sweet, earthy odor -- comes from the intestines of whales and is used in perfume manufacturing. Prior to the 18th century, men and women molded ambergris into beads that were worn as an aromatic necklace. Although whales excrete the substance naturally (it's jokingly called whale barf), synthetic ambergris is now made to prevent the slaughter of whales for this highly sought-after product.
2. Wax
Wax is a common ingredient in many hair products and facial cosmetics today, but the men and women of ancient Egypt used wax more creatively. They would stick a cone of pomade, or scented ointment, on the top of their head, and over time, their body heat would melt the wax and give off a pleasant aroma.
 Propolis is also called "bee glue" and can be found in lip balms and toothpaste. |
3. Kohl
Often made from soot, kohl was used for black eyeliner in ancient Egypt, North Africa, the Middle East, and Greece. Although kohl served to protect the eyes against the harsh sun and certain eye infections, some forms of the pigment contain lead -- not exactly a safe ingredient. Lead poisoning can induce insanity and death.
4. Carmine
The cochineal bug
is a bright red insect that hangs out mostly on cacti in places such as
Peru, Chile, Mexico, and the Canary Islands. For centuries, these bugs
have been crushed for the carminic acid they produce, which is used to
make a bright red dye called carmine. A common ingredient in lipsticks,
rouges, and eye shadow, the dye is also synthetically produced today.
Who knew beauty products were so full of . . . bee glue, among other things? Find out more on the next page.
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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this How Stuff Works article:
Publications International, Ltd., the Editors of. "12 Odd Beauty Products Throughout History." 19 September 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/12-odd-beauty-products-throughout-history.htm> 17 May 2008.
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