Maiko Makeup was Deadly
The, oshiroi makeup gave maiko their distinctive look. But it had a toxic secret. Manufacturers used white lead. Throughout history, white lead has been favored for its smooth application and the purity of its tint. But it can result in headaches, cramping, muscle pain, and high blood pressure. Over time, the lead would age the skin, making it wrinkled, yellow, pitted, and leathery.Hair fell out, as would teeth.
In 1877, the Japanese government outlawed lead-based face powder to address lead poisoning among geisha and others who used lead-based cosmetics, but for many, the damage had already happened. A powder made without lead hit the market in 1904. Lead based geisha makeup fell out of favor, bringing an end to the horrifying visible and internal effects of lead poisoning among geisha and others who used lead-based cosmetics in Japan.
