Ancient Egyptian Beauty Routines Making TikTok Comebacks
The Resurgence of Timeless Glamour
In an era dominated by AI-driven skincare apps and $200 serums, TikTok users are turning heads by reviving beauty rituals from one of history’s most iconic civilizations. The #EgyptianBeauty hashtag has amassed 218 million views, with creators demonstrating everything from Cleopatra-inspired milk baths to symbolic eyeliner techniques once reserved for pharaohs.
Replicas of 18th Dynasty beauty implements trending on Etsy
Why Ancient Egypt?
- Proven Longevity: These routines survived 30+ centuries
- Natural Ingredients: Aloe vera, honey, and mineral clays
- Cultural Fascination: Hollywood’s enduring Cleopatra obsession
- TikTok’s Vintage Aesthetic: Fits ‘old money’/‘clean girl’ trends
5 Pharaoh-Approved Routines Gone Viral
1. The Milk & Honey Bath Ritual
Historical Context: - Cleopatra allegedly bathed in sour donkey milk - Modern adaptation uses oat milk + manuka honey
TikTok Hack:
1. Mix 2 cups colloidal oatmeal
2. Add 1/4 cup raw honey
3. Stir in 1 cup coconut milk powder
4. Store in airtight jar (#ShelfLife: 6 months)
Science Backing: - Lactic acid gently exfoliates (Dermatology Times, 2022) - Honey’s antimicrobial properties prevent bacne
2. Dead Sea Salt Scrubs
Original Use: - Body exfoliation before ceremonial events - Sourced from Qumran trade routes
Modern Spin:
"Mix pink Himalayan salt with jojoba oil for that ‘after-spa’ glow without the $300 price tag." —@GlowLikeNefertiti (2.4M followers)
3. Kohl Eyeliner Rituals
Cultural Significance: - Worn by both genders for sun protection - Believed to ward off ‘evil eye’
Safety Note: - Ancient versions contained lead - Modern swaps use activated charcoal + shea butter
4. Frankincense Anti-Aging Serums
Temple Records: - Used by priestesses for ‘eternal youth’ - Mixed with Nile clay for spot treatments
2024 Formula:
| Ingredient | Percentage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Frankincense CO2 extract | 1% | Collagen boost |
| Squalane | 89% | Moisture barrier |
| Vitamin E | 10% | Oxidation prevention |
5. Henna Hair Masks
Original Formula: - Lawsonia leaves + fenugreek - Enhanced with pomegranate molasses
TikTok Trend Alert: - #HennaHighlights (63M views) - Temporary crimson streaks for brunettes
The Science Behind the Hype
Peer-Reviewed Validations
- Dead Sea Minerals:
- 2019 NIH study showed 41% improvement in psoriasis
- Aloe Vera:
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirms wound-healing acceleration
- Frankincense:
- Terpenes shown to inhibit MMP-1 (aging enzyme) in 2021 trials
Dermatologist Warnings
- “Never apply raw citrus oils—phototoxic reactions!” —Dr. Amira Nassar (Cairo University)
- “Stick to cosmetic-grade clays to avoid heavy metals”
Cultural Appropriation Debates
While many celebrate the revival, some Egyptologists urge respect:
“These weren’t just beauty acts—kohl application involved chanting to Hathor. Turning it into a ‘viral challenge’ erases sacred context.” —Dr. Zahi Hawass
TikTok creators like @AuthenticEgypt address this by: - Including hieroglyph translations in tutorials - Donating 15% of affiliate earnings to Cairo Museum
DIY vs Commercial Products
Best Niche Brands: 1. Nefertem Labs ($38 kohl sticks) 2. Nilotic Naturals (authentic karkade clay) 3. Cleo’s Legacy (vegan donkey milk powder)
Cost Comparison:
| Product | DIY Cost | Retail Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Henna Mask | $2.10 | $56 (Sisley-Paris) |
| Milk Bath | $1.75 | $85 (Herbivore) |
Future Predictions
- AR Filters: Snapchat’s ‘Digital Nemes’ crown trial
- Mainstream Adoption: Sephora’s 2025 ‘Nile Collection’ leak
- Tech Integration: AI apps analyzing skin via Cartonnage mask patterns
Conclusion
As we blend Nubian secrets with nanotechnology, these TikTok trends remind us that innovation often looks backward. Whether you’re mixing clays like an embalmer or live-streaming your ‘Bastet Cat-Eye’ tutorial, remember—beauty rituals have always been about more than skin depth.
Disclaimer: Consult dermatologists before trying historical recipes. Some ancient ingredients like white lead and malachite powder are toxic.