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Formulation of a Roman cosmetic

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This unguent shares some surprising features with modern moisturizing creams.

Abstract

The discovery of a small tin canister in London during archaeological excavations of a Roman temple precinct, dated to the middle of the second century AD1, is a landmark in the study of this class of artefact. Such discoveries from the Roman world are rare2 and this is the only one to be found so far with its lid and contents — a whitish medicinal or cosmetic cream — providing a unique opportunity for us to study the ancient formulation.

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Figure 1: Appearance of the cream.
Figure 2: Analysis of the Roman canister's contents.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK

    R. P. Evershed, R. Berstan, M. S. Copley, A. J. H. Charmant & H. R. Mottram

  2. Museum of London, London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN, UK

    F. Grew & E. Barham

  3. Pre-Construct Archaeology, Unit 54, Brockley Cross Business Centre, Endwell Road, London, SE4 2PD, UK

    G. Brown

Authors
  1. R. P. Evershed
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  2. R. Berstan
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  3. F. Grew
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  4. M. S. Copley
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  5. A. J. H. Charmant
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  6. E. Barham
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  7. H. R. Mottram
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  8. G. Brown
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. P. Evershed.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Evershed, R., Berstan, R., Grew, F. et al. Formulation of a Roman cosmetic. Nature 432, 35–36 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/432035a

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