Formulation of a Roman cosmetic: Archaeology

This unguent shares some surprising features with modern moisturizing creams. The discovery of a small tin canister in London during archaeological excavations of a Roman temple precinct, dated to the middle of the second century AD 1 , is a landmark in the study of this class of artefact. Such discoveries from the Roman world are rare 2 and this is the only one to be found so far with its lid and contents — a whitish medicinal or cosmetic cream — providing a unique opportunity for us to study the ancient formulation.