top of page

Weird but Interesting... the History of Cosmetic Emulsions.

The history of lotion and cream emulsions dates back centuries and has evolved through various civilizations and cultural practices. Here's a brief overview of their historical development:


The 19th century marked a significant milestone in the development of modern skincare products. With the rise of industrialization and scientific advancements, chemists began experimenting with new ingredients and formulation techniques. Emulsions, combining water and oil phases stabilized by emulsifiers, became increasingly popular for their ability to deliver moisture to the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

- In 1890, German pharmacist Oskar Troplowitz and dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna developed a water-in-oil emulsion cream known as Eucerit. This formulation served as the foundation for the iconic skincare brand Nivea, which was founded in 1911. Nivea Creme, featuring Eucerit as a key ingredient, quickly gained popularity worldwide and became synonymous with high-quality skincare.


20th Century:

- The 20th century witnessed a proliferation of skincare brands and products, with emulsions playing a central role in moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Advancements in cosmetic chemistry led to the development of lighter, more cosmetically elegant emulsions that absorbed quickly into the skin, catering to different skin types and preferences.


- In the mid-20th century, the beauty industry saw the emergence of luxury skincare brands offering sophisticated emulsion formulations enriched with botanical extracts, vitamins, and other active ingredients. These products were marketed as anti-aging treatments, promising to hydrate, firm, and rejuvenate the skin.


21st Century:

- In the 21st century, skincare emulsions continue to evolve in response to consumer demand for natural, sustainable, and multifunctional products. Formulators are incorporating innovative ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and plant stem cells into emulsion formulations to address specific skin concerns and deliver targeted benefits.



- With the rise of clean beauty and green cosmetics movements, there is growing interest in eco-friendly emulsions formulated with natural and organic ingredients, free from potentially harmful additives and synthetic fragrances. Brands are prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing practices in their formulations and marketing strategies.


Overall, the history of lotion and cream emulsions reflects the intersection of cultural traditions, scientific discoveries, and consumer preferences, shaping the evolution of skincare products over time. From ancient balms to modern emulsions, these formulations continue to play a vital role in nourishing and protecting the skin, catering to diverse skincare needs and preferences.


Here at Taiga Beautyâ„¢ we take a methodical approach to creating our skincare products. We curate ingredients from the environment around us and blend with scientific advancements as they are commercially available. This has enabled us to bottle nature on a small scale to bring our customers the very best and freshest scientifically researched ingredients. We know that you'll love the results you get when you try Taiga Beautyâ„¢.

15 views0 comments
bottom of page