Ubtan: the world’s first known cosmetic
Looking beautiful has been an obsession of men and women alike throughout the ages but it differs from one country to another and also according to the time and way of life. The desire to look enchantingly beautiful laid the foundation for the world’s first known natural cosmetic – ‘Ubtan’, which initially began as a ritual in India. The ritual of ‘Ubtan’, also known as ‘Battne di Rasam’ in Punjabi, and ‘Kappumanjal’ in Tamil is one of the vital components of the concept of ‘Solah-Shringaar’ (Sixteen ways of beautifying the body). ‘Ubtan’ is a body application used for the beautification of the body, which dates back to the remotest antiquity and is the legacy of the rich Indian heritage.
It is believed that during the Vedic era, Vedic doctors prescribed it for the protection, nutrition and beautification of the skin. The apparent results obtained with the application of ‘Ubtan’ gave it wide publicity for what perhaps became a fashionable routine for men and women, in those days, to apply it for skin beautification and later established its credibility as a a Ritual for brides and grooms before marriage.
‘Ubtan’, used to give a lovely look to the skin, is a mixture of turmeric paste, saffron, sandalwood, Bengal gram and yellow mustard seeds, mustard oil and water, which is applied by the brides and grooms while reciting ‘Ved Mantras’ or traditional folk songs, as an important ritual of marriages in India. This paste is prepared in various ways to lighten the skin and nourish it from within. On the occasion of social and religious festivals, the preparation of ‘Ubtan’ itself is quite an enjoyable task for the ladies in India. The paste is applied to the entire body for 25-30 minutes, then rubbed off before taking the usual bath. Helps improve and tighten sagging skin and keep skin glowing for a long time. Previously it was also customary to make special cosmetics for ladies of high rank and social classes, adding various other aromatic herbs, yogurt, milk cream, honey, and flower essence. Various other ingredients like rose and jasmine petals, Khus-Khus, a drop of lemon juice and other herbs are also added to make a unique beautifying lotion.
‘Ubtan’ is a powerful exfoliating treatment that stimulates the underlying tissues of the skin. Following scientific investigations of its ingredients, ‘Ubtan’ has been found not only to enhance beauty, but also to possess definite medicinal values by virtue of its antifungal, antibacterial, antiperspirant, deodorant and skin toning properties, thus ruling out the possibilities of skin infections. It does the multi-purpose role of skin cleanser, astringent, uplifter and toner all at the same time. By its revitalizing, refreshing and refining actions, ‘Ubtan’ helps to make the complexion glow and look seductive. It also provides protection against various skin problems such as acne, pimples, blemishes, white spots, freckles, blackheads, etc. Its regular use prevents the appearance of premature wrinkles, eliminates scars and helps to clarify open pores. The natural ingredients of ‘Ubtan’ accumulate flaccid and sagging tissues, improve blood circulation and skin texture, provide anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-rash, anti-spot, antibacterial and anti-tan effects on the skin and nourish it.
As a beauty aid, curcumin, the alkaloidal content of Ubtan’s main ingredient turmeric, prevents and cures pigmentation, maintains PH balance and makes skin glowing. Santalol in sandalwood helps to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and prevent skin infections. The woody fiber and vitamin C in Bengal gram open up blocked pores, maintain gland secretions, and whiten freckles from the sun. Due to its sandalwood content, ‘Ubtan’ acts as an astringent and helps to tighten the pores. Saffron’s crocetin content adds radiance to the skin and makes it glow. The rough nature of Bengal gram powder cleanses it by removing dead and infected parts of the skin. It is also used to promote healing of cracked and inflamed skin.
The resplendent glory and amazing pharmacokinetics of ‘Ubtan’? Were our ancestors really aware of them? It seems that they really were. Congratulations to them!
