On the Origins of Skincare (the Word, Not the Brand)

This piece from GCI Magazine discusses the very first skincare product, traced to the Roman empire about 2,000 years ago. More than one of us here in the office had an Italian grandmother, and they also swore by olive oil (internally and externally) to keep the skin looking young. (We think ancient Rome would have been a pretty cool place to live apart from the violence. They had working plumbing, skincare, fashion, jewelry, and some really interesting punishments.)

We are not currently using olive oil in our formulations, but we do find it fascinating that some of the most effective ingredients in skincare are both edible and ancient. As artificial as our lives may seem these days, human beings are fundamentally natural, so it makes sense that natural skincare works best. We believe technology should enhance nature, not replace it.