Original roman cream container (L) and its latest duplicate (R) (Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Eurek Alert)

    BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- A cosmetic face cream used by fashionable women in ancient Roman times has been analysed by scientists at Bristol University, UK, and now reproduced.

    The cream was found to be composed of refined animal fat, starch and tin, China Radio International reported on Thursday.

    The researchers then created their own version from the same recipe. The smooth powdery texture, created by the starch in the cream copy, is still used for whitening women's skin in modern cosmetics.

    Researchers say white face paint was fashionable in Roman times and normally derived its colour from a lead compound, but the health risks of lead were not recognized until second century AD.

    The results of this unique opportunity to analyse the ingredients of the 'foundation' cream are reported in Nature this week.

    The metal container was discovered at an ongoing archaeological dig in London, UK. It is believed to be the only one ever found intact and in good condition.

    (CRIENGLISH.com)