Skin Care:

Egyptians are known for good hygiene, or rather they followed the adage, " Cleanliness is next to godliness". They made a cleansing paste with water combined with Natron, which is a compound that occurs naturally in sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. After bath they oiled their skin with frankincense and myrrh, probably for the fact that they lived in hot and arid climates.

Egyptians preferred balanos oil from the fruit of thorny tree, Balanites Aegyptiaca, Behen oil from the nuts of Moringa or Horseradish tree and Almond oil for cosmetic use and fragrance. These oils proved beneficial for complexion, pleasing aroma and dry and aging skin.

Fenugreek seeds or Hilbeh (in Arabic) was used as skin softener, in cosmetics and in soothing facial masks. A tea made from these seeds could help in increasing mother's milk. Egyptians believed that it could even stimulate breast growth.

They started using soaps way back in 1500 BC, made from animal oil, vegetable oil and salt.

Queens like Cleopatra liked to bathe in milk as its rich lactic acid exfoliated and rejuvenated their skin.

Aloe Vera was the other most important factor that Egyptian queens treasured and used for smoothening skin, healing wounds and minor burns.