MicroRaman and infrared spectroscopic characterization of ancient cosmetics

By FT-IR and microRaman spectrometry a large number of black to gray powders have been analysed. The studied remains were found inside Pompeiian unguentaries situated in depository of ‘‘Casa Bacco’’. By the analytical results it has been possible to understand the different nature and composition of the materials employed in preparation of ancient cosmetic powders. Dark black powders were essentially composed of amorphous carbon probably due to the carbonisation of vegetal or animal tissues. By using different starting materials or by adding different powders to the black carbon other hues could be also obtained. Particularly, this study enabled to gain a complete and unambiguous composition characterization of these old cosmetics.