Historical development of facial mask

Facial mask is a kind of cosmetics that has been used a long time ago. As far back as the ancient Egyptian pyramids, it was known to use some natural raw materials, such as soil, volcanic ash, and sea mud, to treat some skin diseases on the face or body. Later, it was developed to use lanolin mixed with various substances such as honey, plant flowers, eggs, semolina, coarse beans, etc., to make a slurry, and apply it on the face for habitual beauty or to treat some skin diseases.

The Egyptians passed this technique to Greece, then to Rome, and finally to Europe. In the 8th and 9th centuries, the development of civilization moved to the Middle East and at the same time helped promote the European Renaissance. During the Renaissance era, the cosmetic chemistry and flavor industries that were subordinate to medical disciplines developed greatly. In the 17th and 18th centuries, most cosmetics were produced in home workshops. It was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that significant changes took place and the cosmetics industry gradually formed.

Facial masks became popular during the Tang Dynasty in China and became popular among aristocratic women. The classics record that Yang Guifei used fresh almonds, light powder, and talc as the main ingredients, supplemented by borneol, musk, and egg white.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the development of facial masks slowly shifted from relying on natural to scientific technology. At present, products with clearer efficacy and scientific support have become the demands of consumers.