Where did cosmetics originate? We take a look at how traditions from the Middle East and Africa (MEA) have influenced the global cosmetics industry
Archaeological evidence of the use of cosmetics dates back to the Ancient Egyptians who were believed to have applied different natural ingredients to protect the skin from the intense desert sun.
From the use of kohl for eyeliner to protect eyes from the desert heat and rouge from red ochre to enhance cheeks and lips, to traditional beauty treatments that have been used for centuries, we take a look at how traditions from the Middle East and Africa (MEA) have influenced the global cosmetics industry.
1) The traditional Hammam
One of the oldest surviving bath traditions in the world, the Hammam is a beauty treatment that combines a full body wash and body scrub using black olive soap usually followed by a deep tissue massage and steam bath. It is a tradition that originated in Turkey and also quickly became embedded in Morocco’s socio-cultural lifestyle as it conformed to the rules of Islam and offered a social outlet.
Today, the Hammam is a popular beauty treatment that can be enjoyed in luxurious spas around the globe. Tourists can also visit the more traditional Hammams and bath houses in Turkey and Morocco. Or for those that want to recreate the traditional Hammam experience at home, Rituals has just launched a new range of luxury body products coined the Hammam Collection and some of the bigger players within the global cosmetics industry could also follow suit.
2) Eye liner
Men and women in Ancient Egypt drew dark lines around the eyes with different natural ingredients. Historians tell of how they ground natural ingredients such as galena, malachite or copper ore and applied it with a kohl pencil. A quick look at Ancient Egyptian art reveals both men and women wore this type of heavily applied kohl eye liner dating as far back as 10,000 BC.
Amongst the many extraordinary artefacts found when the tomb of ancient Egypt Pharaoh Tutankhamen was discovered was his cosmetics supply. Studies of these findings have been included in books and exhibits which depict the stories and images of artfully applied eyeliner. It was this discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 that popularised what we now know as eye liner as a beauty treatment within the global cosmetics industry.
3) Arabian Oud
Oud, sometimes referred to as liquid gold, comes from the resin of the wood of the Agar tree, one of the most expensive of all natural ingredients. It holds a very special place in Arabic culture where it has been used for centuries for beauty treatments in the form of wooden incense chips, body oils and fragrances. For many Muslims, Oud invokes a sense of nostalgia, as it has been burned across the Middle East for centuries.
Many of the perfume houses in the global cosmetics industry have introduced oud collections in their product offerings in efforts to grow their market share in the Middle East. It is a particularly popular ingredient for use amongst artisan perfumers and within the niche fragrances market.
4) Argan oil
Arabic women have been using argan oil as a beauty treatment for centuries, recognising its moisturising properties for healthy hair and skin. Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it is best known for its cosmetic, medicinal and nutritive benefits as it is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins 6 and 9.
Argan oil is growing in popularity with major celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson advocating its benefits for shinier, healthier hair and skin. As demand for this natural ingredient grows and the global cosmetics industry increasingly recognises its benefits, we can expect to see more products boasting its moisturising and restorative properties hit global shelves.