From Himba indigenous knowledge to engineered Fe2O3 UV-blocking green nanocosmetics

This contribution reports on the physical properties of the natural Namibian red Ochre used by the Himba Community in a form of a formulation, so called Otjize as a skin protective and beauty cream. The morphological and crystallographic studies of this red ochre validated its nano-scaled dominating phase of rhombohedral alpha-Fe2O3 nanocrystals with an additional hydrolized oxide component in a form of gamma-FeOOH. The optical investigations showed that such a red ochre exhibits an exceptional UV filtration and a significant IR reflectivity substantiating its effectiveness as an effective UV-blocking & solar heat IR reflector in support of the low skin cancer rate within the Namibian Himba community. In addition, such nanocrystals exhibited a non-negligible antibacterial response against E. Coli & S. Aurus. This study seems confirming the effectiveness of the indigenous Otjize as an effective skin UV protection cream with a sound antimicrobial efficacy against e-Coli & S-Aurus.

Automated summary

This study reports on the physical properties of Namibian red ochre and its use as a skin protective and beauty cream by the Himba Community. The red ochre consists mainly of nano-scaled alpha-Fe2O3 nanocrystals and gamma-FeOOH hydrolized oxide component. It exhibits exceptional UV filtration, significant IR reflectivity, and antibacterial response against E. Coli & S. Aurus.