Oldest Makeup In History? Egyptian Eyeliner Used 2,700 Years Ago Has Its Unprecedented Formula Revealed

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 17/06/2025 at 21:11

Updated on 17/06/2025 at 21:13

Delineador preto usado no Egito Antigo e no Oriente Médio foi encontrado no Irã e continha ingrediente nunca antes visto em fórmulas de maquiagens do tipo — Foto: Silvia Amicone/CC BY 4.0

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2,700-Year-Old Eyeliner Found in Tomb in Iran with Unique Formula Made of Graphite, Without Fat or Vegetable Oil

An archaeological find in Iran has drawn the attention of the scientific community. At the Kani Koter site, researchers discovered a ceramic container with black eyeliner used 2,700 years ago.

The product found is known as “kohl”, a common makeup in Ancient Egypt and the Middle East. But this sample revealed something unprecedented: a formula with natural graphite, something never before identified in ancient recipes of this type.

The study was published in the journal Archaeometry. According to the authors, the container contained a black powder made of manganese and graphite. The combination of the crushed ingredients formed a fine powder, which was likely used around the eyes.

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Graphite has properties that reflect light, producing a metallic black shine when applied. Additionally, it adheres easily to the skin, making the makeup effective. Unlike other cosmetics of the time, no traces of animal fat or vegetable oil were found in the analyzed content.

The eyeliner was found inside a tomb, alongside other personal items, weapons, and tools related to the use of cosmetics. Two applicators and two containers were located, one of which still contained enough powder for detailed study.

Based on the set of objects, archaeologists believe the tomb belonged to someone of high status. It possibly belonged to an important warrior of the time. The find reinforces the symbolic and functional value of makeup in ancient civilizations.

With information from Revista Galileu.

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