What is the composition of the white paste that Japanese geisha apply to their faces?

The ultra-white BB cream on the face of Japanese geisha is scientifically called kabuki white powder, and some are practicing white powder.

The two are slightly different.

Kabuki white powder does not contain oil, also called water white powder, which is dry and oily. Washing powder contains a small amount of oil, which is suitable for dry skin and has good compliance.

In ancient times, the Japanese would use lead carbonate, that is, white lead (the main component of ancient Japanese white pigments), glutinous rice and mercury to grind into powder. Therefore, the practice of white powder in ancient Japan was toxic.

Now the refined powder is replaced by lead-zinc oxide and starch. Part of it will be mixed with titanium dioxide. Adding this titanium dioxide will make the white powder reflect a little on the stage and make the performer's face look shiny.

Now in Japan, many places can also buy training white powder. Besides kabuki, some traditional Japanese dancers also use training white powder. When using training white powder, the powder must be dissolved in water in proportion before smearing.

Extended data:

Geisha is very particular about makeup, and there are special procedures for applying heavy makeup. The materials used are mainly traditional raw materials.

The most striking thing is that a geisha will evenly coat her face and neck with a liquid white pigment, so she looks like a gorgeous doll.

The kimono of geisha is different from that worn by ordinary Japanese women. The kimono of ordinary women has a high back collar and tightly covers the neck. However, the neckline of the geisha kimono is very wide, and it is deliberately tilted backwards, so that the neck is completely exposed.

When accompanying wine or performing, geisha will wear a bun, put on makeup and put white powder on her neck. It is said that the white neck of geisha is the best place to provoke Japanese men.