• Cosmetics are substances or products applied to the body (skin, face, nails, or hair) to improve appearance, maintain cleanliness, and sometimes protect the body.


• Deodorants are substances used to reduce or prevent body odor caused by bacteria in sweat.


• Antiperspirants are a type of deodorant that also reduce the amount of sweat produced.

1. Indigenous (Traditional) Cosmetics


• Tiro (black eyeliner).


• Camwood (osun) – skin beautification.


• Henna (lali) – decorative designs on the skin.


• Uli – body paint.


• Nzu – white chalk for cooling.


• Edo – yellow cosmetic substance


2. Modern (Commercial) Cosmetics
• reams and pomades (body lotions, Vaseline).


• Deodorants and perfumes.


• Face powder.


• Lipstick and lip gloss.


• Hair cream and pomade.


• Nail polish.

1. Beautify the body.


2. Protect skin from dryness and harsh weather.


3. Control body odor and perspiration.


4. Improve confidence and self-esteem.


5. Serve as a source of income (entrepreneurship).

• Petroleum jelly.


• Mineral oil.


• Wax (e.g., paraffin wax).


• Lanolin.


• Colouring (optional).


• Perfume (optional).

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).


• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder.


• Coconut oil or shea butter.


• Essential oils (for fragrance) .

1. Alcohol.


2. Aluminium salts (antiperspirant).


3. Perfume oils.


4. Preservatives.


5. Water.

• Saucepan or pot.


• Mixing spoon/spatula.


• Measuring cups and spoons.


• Containers/jars with covers.


• Heat source (stove, hot plate).


• Protective clothing (apron, gloves, mask).

1. Always wear protective clothing (aprons, gloves, masks).


2. Handle hot mixtures carefully to avoid burns.


3. Avoid harmful substances like mercury and hydroquinone.


4. Properly label products with ingredients, date, and expiry.


5. Store chemicals and finished products safely and away from children.

1. NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control):


• Registers and approves cosmetic products.


• Ensures products are safe for human use.


• Fights against fake and harmful cosmetics.


2. SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria):


• Sets industrial standards for cosmetic production.


• Ensures quality packaging, labeling, and marketing.


• Protects consumers from substandard goods.

A. Procedure for Making Pomade / Cream

1. Measure petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and wax.


2. Heat gently in a saucepan until melted.


3. Stir well until smooth.


4. Add colouring if desired.


5. Add perfume after cooling slightly.


6. Pour into clean containers.


7. Allow to cool and set.

B. Procedure for Making Homemade Deodorant

1. Mix 3 tbsp of baking soda with 3 tbsp of cornstarch.


2. Add 2 tbsp of coconut oil and stir into a paste.


3. Add 5 drops of essential oil for fragrance.


4. Pour into a clean container with cover.


5. Store in a cool dry place.

C. Procedure for Making Face Powder (Simple Cosmetic)

1. Grind white clay (kaolin) into a fine powder.


2. Sieve to remove lumps.


3. Add perfume or essential oil drops.


4. Mix thoroughly.


5. Package in a powder container.

• Production of deodorants and cosmetics can generate income.


• Attractive packaging and labeling help to win customers.


• Small-scale business can start from home with simple equipment.


• Record keeping helps monitor cost, profit, and sales.


• Large-scale production requires NAFDAC registration.