Cosmetic: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Cosmetic means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Kavya (poetry)
The seclusion of ladies of high rank and the continual use of cosmetics after the bath would doubtless give a perfume to the skin which would require continued disuse to entirely eradicate. At a Brāhman wedding the bride is only allowed to use scented soaps provided they contain no animal fats.
Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Cosmetics should be avoided on a stage (where a dramatic play is performed).—A Nāṭaka should contain pañcasandhis which indicate five successive stages of the drama. This criterion also is present in the Mudrārākṣasa. [...] In the Sāhityadarpaṇa, Viśvanātha gives a list of certain actions which should not be presented on the stage. [...] Likewise sleeping, bath, use of cosmetics and siege of the city are strictly prohibited in a Sanskrit nāṭaka
Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Cosmetics are typically offered to the icon of the Lord as part of “liturgical worship”, as discussed in chapter 6 of the Sattvata-Samhita: one of the most ancient of Pancaratra Agamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyuhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avataras (incarnations).—Description of the chapter [sūkṣamavyūha-devatā-bahiryāga-vidhi]: The details of how the liturgy step-by-step is prepared for and how it proceeds are given (7-131). [...] After [bathing the icon, ] the pādapīṭha (foot-rest) is to be set and then wind should be wafted with a fan of peacock feathers; then is offered a comb, followed by offerings of betel nut, flowers, silk clothes, the “sacred thread,” an upper cloth, a crown and all other kinds of ornaments. Again flowers from neck to foot are to be offered along with bangles and pratisara. Then cosmetics are applied to the deity; also betel nut for chewing is given. Two flowers-one over each ear are given, whereupon a mirror is advanced to “show” the deity what has been done (50b-58a).
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+248): Angaraga, Vilepana, Anjana, Prasadhana, Mei rong, Mukhalepana, Angasamskara, Yan xun yan, Candana, Fen dai, Kou hong, Mian shuang, Kamtivardhaka, Priyangu, Ba jie, Saumdaryaprasadhana, Eladi, Black eye-cosmetic, Diao zhi, Prasadhan.
Relevant text
Search found 135 books and stories containing Cosmetic, Cosmetics; (plurals include: Cosmetics, Cosmeticses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
Cosmetics: What Do Bruneian Female Adults Believe? < [Volume 19, Issue 17 (2022)]
Potential Carcinogens in Makeup Cosmetics < [Volume 20, Issue 6 (2023)]
Toxic Elements in Traditional Kohl-Based Eye Cosmetics in Spanish and German... < [Volume 18, Issue 11 (2021)]
Characterization of Inhalable Aerosols from Cosmetic Powders and... < [Volume 12, Issue 19 (2020)]
Advancing Cosmetic Sustainability: Upcycling for a Circular Product Life Cycle < [Volume 17, Issue 13 (2025)]
A Cross-Sectional Study on Ethical Buyer Behavior towards Cruelty-Free Cosmetics < [Volume 14, Issue 13 (2022)]
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Consequence of cosmetics use on females health andamp; its remedies < [2022: Volume 11, December issue 16]
Role of cosmaceuticals in health care system < [2022: Volume 11, March issue 3]
Surveying Cosmetovigilance and Heavy Metals in Cosmetic Products < [2023: Volume 12, November issue 19]
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
A Review on Ayurvedic Cosmetology and Cosmetic Toxicity < [Vol. 9 No. 9 (2024)]
Cosmetic Toxicity & Its Management - An Ayurvedic Perspective < [Vol. 5 No. 05 (2020)]
The Dark Side of Beauty < [Vol. 10 No. 4 (2025)]
Current Status of Rule 170 in Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules, 1940 and 1945 < [Volume 11, Issue 3: May-June 2024]
Formulation and evaluation of herbal ointment with haridra, manjistha, mocharasa. < [Volume 4, issue 1: January - February 2017]
Management of non communicable diseases by siddha system < [Volume 2, issue 4: July - August 2015]
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
Lip Cosmetics – A Formulator (OR) An innovator to Overcome a Challenge in... < [Vol. 18 No. 01 (2024)]
Formulation and Evaluation of Lip balm - An Ideal Decorative Cosmetic for Lips < [Vol. 18 No. 3 (2024)]
History of cosmetics < [Vol. 3 No. 3: Jul-Sep (2009)]