The word cosmetics derives from the Greek , meaning "technique of dress and ornament", from "skilled in ordering or arranging"[4] and that from κόσμος (kosmos), meaning amongst others "order" and "ornament".[5]
The first archeological evidence of cosmetics comes from the hollowed out tombs of the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs.[6] Archaeological evidence of cosmetics dates at least from ancient Egypt and Greece. According to one source, early major developments include:[1]
Castor oil used by ancient Egypt as a protective balm.
Skin creams made of beeswax, olive oil, and rosewater, described by Romans.
Vaseline and lanolin in the nineteenth century.
Nivea in 1911.