I remember reading about this years ago and then stumbled on it while doing research for the next Cosmetic Science in 300 Seconds video. It was interesting enough that I thought I would share.

Archeologists have discovered a container of color foundation makeup that is over 2000 years old. It was found in a dig in Southwark which is just outside of the southern part of London.

The cream was made from animal fat, starch and tin oxide. When researchers made a modern version of the formula they said it left a smooth powdery texture when rubbed into skin. Of course, I’m not sure how different the starting raw materials were. The biggest differences would be in the purity of the compounds used.

Anyway, the article doesn’t say whether the formula separated but if it didn’t, that would be an incredible feat of formulating. Imagine a 2000 year long stability test. I’ve had some formulas that have lasted 4 or 5 years, but 2000? Wow.

Although the ancient formula may not have passed all the stability testing. According to the researchers when they opened the jar there was a strong pungent rotten eggs smell. Not quite the kind of thing you want to put on your skin.

But it leaves me wondering, how would you modify a formula to be stable for 2000 years?

Here’s a nice Saturday video shot.  A couple fun science experiments on the Kelly and Guest show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVr3REUTzPQ

It’s not Helium its heavier than air so makes your voice lower. Sulfur hexaflouride.

I loved Richard Wiseman’s book Quirkology.  His book 59 Seconds was also excellent.  That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled on this video he did containing 10 cool science tricks.

Take a look and try them out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_f3SkxTWxc

Are you familiar with Instructables.com? It’s a website where people share their methods for making different things. They have a number listings for different cosmetic products and most of the techniques that I found were not too good.

But I like this one for creating your own fragrance.

Make your own perfume

This moisturizer formula however…not so good.

How to make a basic moisturizer

Still, this is an interesting site and could provide you with some inspiration for making your next formulation.

On this holiday weekend, here’s a little Dr. Chemistry for your amusement.  Merry Christmas.

Well, I still have some of these so here is the next installment.

Remember all that chemical nomenclature that you learned in Organic Chemistry? Well, in the cosmetic industry it’s easy enough to forget because you don’t use the information too often. But it is valuable to do and useful to review.

Here is an excellent game which quizzes you and helps you learn the names better. It pits you against mad scientist zombies and you have to type in the chemical name before the zombie kills you. It’s quite fun and useful! Oh, and it’s free too. Can’t beat that.

Play the Organic Chemistry tutor game

Here’s a comic which all cosmetic chemists will likely experience in their formulating career.

Click to enlarge.

I like science and seeing a cool experiment done well is always entertaining.

That’s why I found this article at Wired Science about the top 10 chemistry videos so amazing.

Some of my favorites include…

9. The melting Gummy Bear

6. The Oscillating reaction. (I always thought this would make a cool cosmetic product effect.

4. Elephant toothpaste. You have to try this in your lab!

We’ve included the Elephant Toothpaste below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=085e-ALKmUM

I wonder if this same effect would happen with a shampoo, body wash or other cosmetic formula.

Have you got a clever experiment done with cosmetic products? Leave a comment below.