Oldest lipstick ever found discovered in Iran

The discovery is dated to 4,000 years ago, which highlights the sophisticated knowledge of chemical processing possessed by ancient Iranians.

18 Feb 2024 06:00pm
Mineralogical composition of the oldest lipstick ever found. Photo by F. Zorzi/Scientific Reports
Mineralogical composition of the oldest lipstick ever found. Photo by F. Zorzi/Scientific Reports
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JIROFT - Archaeologists have discovered a small chlorite vial containing a deep red cosmetic preparation, believed to be an ancient form of lipstick, in the Jiroft region of southeastern Iran.

The findings, published in various scientific journals, reveal that the mineral components of the reddish substance include hematite, darkened with manganite and braunite, along with traces of galena and anglesite.

These ingredients were mixed with vegetal waxes and other organic substances, closely resembling the recipes of contemporary lipsticks, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

The discovery is dated to 4,000 years ago, which highlights the sophisticated knowledge of chemical processing possessed by ancient Iranians.

A professor at the University of Tehran and one of the archaeologists who contributed to the discovery, Dr Nasir Eskandari, stated to IRNA that the study aimed to uncover the pioneering role of ancient Iranians in the field of chemical science.

The discovered substance indicates that Iranians were the first inventors of lipstick, he said. - BERNAMA-IRNA

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