Ancient Ointment Rolls Back the Years

An appreciation for a quality beauty product (and the need to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!) has been a part of the human grooming regimen for a lot longer than we might have thought. In a remarkable archaeological find, a Tuscan tomb has produced a perfectly preserved vial of skin lotion among the offerings placed there, presumably intended to travel with the deceased into the hereafter.

At over 2,000 years old, the discovery is remarkable -- among other reasons -- for the very well-preserved condition of the lotion. One might otherwise expect such organic materials to have long succumbed to degradation.

The ointment was found inside a cosmetics case along with jewelry, combs, and other personal items, and has been found to be composed of vegetable oil and pine resin. Layers of clay that built up over time sealed the case from atmospheric oxygen, apparently contributing to the nearly complete chemical preservation.

It turns out that the act of putting one's best, moistest, and most supple face to the world is something we've done for at least 2,000 years. But honestly, it doesn't seem a day older than a thousand.

(Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)