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<p>Cosmetology in ancient India was a sophisticated integration of aesthetics, health, and spirituality, where <i>saundarya</i> (beauty) expressed holistic physical and mental harmony. This research offers a comprehensive historical and literary analysis of its evolution, drawing on archaeological findings, <i>Vedic</i> literature, and <i>Āyurvedic</i> classics. The study critically examines references to cosmetic practices from the Indus Valley Civilization, revealing advanced knowledge of personal hygiene, adornment, perfumery, and grooming tools. <i>Vedic</i> and post-<i>Vedic</i> texts—including the <i>Ṛgveda</i>, <i>Arthaśāstra</i>, and Epics—detail the ritualistic and social significance of <i>añjana</i>, herbal pastes, and perfumery. A primary focus is on <i>Āyurveda’s</i> contribution, where beauty results from <i>doṣa</i>–<i>dhātu</i>–<i>agni</i> balance and <i>ojas</i>. The research reviews daily regimens (<i>dinacaryā</i>), <i>rasāyana</i> therapies, and specialized texts such as <i>Haramekhala Saṃhitā</i> and <i>Gandhasāra</i> to document ancient knowledge of perfumes and aesthetic procedures. By consolidating scattered references into a systematic resource, including&#xa0;classification of cosmetics and procedural monographs, this study establishes that ancient Indian cosmetology was an evidence-based, holistic science. It demonstrates that these traditional practices remain profoundly relevant to contemporary natural and integrative cosmetology, bridging ancient wisdom with modern applications.</p>

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History of cosmetology in ancient India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月28日

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  • G. Pallavi

摘要

Cosmetology in ancient India was a sophisticated integration of aesthetics, health, and spirituality, where saundarya (beauty) expressed holistic physical and mental harmony. This research offers a comprehensive historical and literary analysis of its evolution, drawing on archaeological findings, Vedic literature, and Āyurvedic classics. The study critically examines references to cosmetic practices from the Indus Valley Civilization, revealing advanced knowledge of personal hygiene, adornment, perfumery, and grooming tools. Vedic and post-Vedic texts—including the Ṛgveda, Arthaśāstra, and Epics—detail the ritualistic and social significance of añjana, herbal pastes, and perfumery. A primary focus is on Āyurveda’s contribution, where beauty results from doṣa–dhātu–agni balance and ojas. The research reviews daily regimens (dinacaryā), rasāyana therapies, and specialized texts such as Haramekhala Saṃhitā and Gandhasāra to document ancient knowledge of perfumes and aesthetic procedures. By consolidating scattered references into a systematic resource, including classification of cosmetics and procedural monographs, this study establishes that ancient Indian cosmetology was an evidence-based, holistic science. It demonstrates that these traditional practices remain profoundly relevant to contemporary natural and integrative cosmetology, bridging ancient wisdom with modern applications.