When Was Lotion First Invented?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 06, 2023

Evidence of lotion salves date back to 3,000 B.C.E. Lotions were invented using natural ingredients, such as red ochre and animal fat. Commercially manufactured lotions were invented in the late 19th century.

The first scented lotions combined animal fat with fragrant herbs, such as frankincense. One of the earliest known lotion bottles, which belonged to Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, contained nutmeg oil, palm oil, polyunsaturated fats and benzopyrene. Unfortunately, benzopyrene, while highly aromatic, is one of the most toxic substances to humans. Historians now believe Queen Hatshepsut may have accidentally moisturized herself to death in an attempt to soothe her chronic eczema.