production of cosmetics and deodorants

Meaning of Cosmetics

Cosmetics are substances which we apply on our faces, hair or bodies to look more attractive e.g. body creams and oils, nails vanishes, etc. We can also call them make-ups. Other examples of make-up are shampoo, hair conditioner, perfume, powder, soap, cream, lotion, nail vanishes, lips sticks, body cream body oils etc.

Meaning of Deodorants

Deodorants are substances that are put on the skin to prevent the body from having an unpleasant smell. Examples are roll-on, spay, sticks, perfume etc

Meaning of Anti-perspirants

These are special products or astringents that reduce the amount of perspiration a person secretes for several hours. Products that contain antiperspirant and deodorant combined together are called anti-perspirant deodorants.

Other examples of make-up are shampoo, hair conditioner, perfume, powder, soap, cream, lotion, nail vanishes, lips sticks, body cream body oils etc.

Types of Cosmetics

Indigenous (local) Cosmetics

These are naturally occurring local cosmetics. Some of them were used in the past to improve appearance. Some are still in use today. They include:

(i) Eye make-up “tiro” (Yoruba) or “tanjere” (igbo): this can be ground into powder. It is applied as eyeliner using a special thin stick reserved for the purpose.

(ii) Cam wood powder “uhe” (igbo) or “oshun” (Yoruba) this is a red wood which can be thoroughly ground into a fine powder. It can also be made into a paste by mixing the powder with little water and palm oil. It can be used on the face or entire body. It is said to have a smoothening effect on the skin.

(iii) Body paint “uri or uli” (igbo): this is a special body paint made from the bark, seeds or roots of certain trees. It also has some medicinal effects.\

(iv) “lali or lalle” :this is a special make-up from leaves of a special tree. The leaves are ground into paste and mixed with lemon or lime juice. It is commonly used by ladies in the Northern parts of Nigeria to paint their finger and toe nails as the outline of the hands and feet.

(v) “Nzu” (igbo) or “Efun” (Yoruba): This is a local chalk. It can be ground into powder and applied on the face  and body.

(vi) “Edo or odo” (igbo): This is a yellow substance. It can be made into a paste and applied on the skin. It is said to have smoothening effect on the skin.

Materials and Tools for Making Cosmetics

Recipe and Procedure for Making Pomade (Vaseline)

We are already aware of the materials and tools required for making pomade in this lesson, we shall be taught the quantity of each material required and the practical procedure for making pomade.

Recipe for Making Pomade (Vaseline)

1. 2 cups of petroleum jelly
2. ¾ cup of mineral oil
3. 1% mineral wax for thickening
4. 1 table spoon of lanoline
5. Colour (as desired)
6. Perfume (as desired)

Note: These materials including quantity measurement can be gotten from shops where cosmetics production chemicals are sold.

Procedure for Making Pomade (Vaseline)

1. Measure out all ingredients as specified under recipe
2. Put all the oil ingredients in the sauce pan
3. Add the lanoline into the mixture
4. Add the wax and melt
5. Add colour to taste
6. Add perfume but avoid evaporation
7. Stir thoroughly to obtain your pomade
8. Pour out the pomade into the containers

EVALUATION

1. list five materials for making pomade(Vaseline)
2. identify five indigenous cosmetics