This is a fun one. So it seems that scientists in France are reporting that the striking eye makeup worn by ancient Egyptian royals may have been used for more than just beauty. New research suggests that the ancient cosmetics may have helped prevent or treat eye diseases!
From Science Daily -
Christian Amatore, Philippe Walter, and colleagues note that thousands of years ago the ancient Egyptians used lead-based substances as cosmetics, including an ingredient in black eye makeup. Some Egyptians believed that this makeup also had a “magical” role in which the ancient gods Horus and Ra would protect wearers against several illnesses. Until now, however, modern scientists largely dismissed that possibility, knowing that lead-based substances can be quite toxic.
It seems the makeup reacted with the skin causing an increase in the production of nitric oxide in skin cells, which can help boost the immune system and prevent or treat eye infections – a common occurrence for ancient Egyptians due to contaminated water.
While it’s unknown if the makeup was specifically produced for health reasons, “it is clear that such intentional production remains the first known example of a large-scale chemical process,” the study authors wrote.
