Thanaka is a traditional cosmetic paste from Myanmar, made from the bark of specific trees like Murraya spp. and Limonia acidissima. It's a cultural icon in Myanmar, used for centuries for its skin benefits and cultural significance. Thanaka has a rich history in Myanmar, dating back over 2,000 years. The tradition of using Thanaka as a cosmetic paste is believed to have originated in the Bagan era (11th-13th centuries). Thanaka trees are native to Myanmar, and the bark is harvested, ground into a fine paste, and applied to the skin.
Cultural Significance:
- Beauty and Protection: Thanaka is used for its skin benefits, including sun protection, skin tone evening, and soothing properties.
- Cultural Identity: It's an integral part of Burmese culture, symbolizing beauty, tradition, and community. It's a symbol of Burmese culture and is often applied in intricate designs on the face.
- Daily Life: Thanaka is used in daily life, especially among women and children, as a part of their beauty routine. Thanaka is an integral part of Myanmar's beauty routine, especially for women and children, as a traditional beauty practice
Traditional Application:
- Face and Body: Thanaka paste is applied to the face and body in various designs, often in intricate patterns.
- Fragrance: The paste has a distinctive, pleasant fragrance.
Benefits:
- Skin protection: Thanaka provides natural sun protection and helps to cool the skin.
- Skin tone evening: It's believed to even out skin tone and reduce blemishes.
- Skin soothing: Thanaka has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm the skin.
Modern Uses:
- Skincare products: Thanaka is now incorporated into various skincare products, such as creams, lotions, and soaps. Thanaka is still widely used in Myanmar for its skincare benefits.
- Makeup: Some makeup artists use Thanaka as a base or highlight due to its skin-enhancing properties.
- Cultural Preservation: Efforts are being made to preserve the traditional use of Thanaka while promoting its benefits globally.
You can buy Myanmar's Thanaka Cosmetic Paste outside of Myanmar through various online platforms. Here are some options:
- Online Marketplaces:
- Amazon offers Thanaka products, such as DE LEAF THANAKA Refreshing Talc Smooth and Natural Scented Skin, Talcum Powder Beauty Skincare Face.
- Organic Thailand sells Thanaka powder (1kg) derived from the bark of Thanaka trees.
- Specialty Beauty Stores:
- Skin that Glows offers a Munday Thanaka Collection featuring natural Thanaka powders and creams for skin care.
- Direct Purchase:
- Shwe Pyi Nan Thanaka is a popular brand that exports Thanaka products, but you'll need to contact them directly for purchasing information (+951-8100809).
Some platforms may offer shipping internationally, but availability and shipping costs may vary. If you're interested in purchasing Thanaka products, you can also consider contacting Myanmar-based suppliers or tour operators that specialize in Thanaka products.
Furthermore, the future of Myanmar's Thanaka Cosmetic Paste is uncertain due to several challenges. Here are some key concerns:
- Competition from Thailand: Thailand has started producing Thanaka-based cosmetic products and is working to register the scientific name of the Thanaka species with the ASEAN Cosmetic Association. If successful, Thailand could gain control over the global Thanaka market.
- Lack of Recognition: Myanmar's submission to UNESCO for recognition of Thanaka as an intangible cultural heritage was rejected in 2021 due to insufficient data and evidence.
- Decline of Traditional Practices: The tradition of applying Thanaka is declining, especially among younger generations, which could impact the demand for Thanaka products.
- Market Dominance: If Thailand obtains the INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) Name, it could dominate the global Thanaka market, making it challenging for Myanmar to compete.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for Myanmar to promote and protect its Thanaka heritage:
- Reviving Traditional Practices: Efforts to revive traditional Thanaka practices and promote its cultural significance could help increase demand and appreciation for Thanaka products.
- Processing and Export: Myanmar can focus on processing Thanaka into ready-to-apply cosmetic paste for export, rather than exporting raw materials.
- Registration and Recognition: Myanmar needs to gather sufficient evidence and data to resubmit its application for UNESCO recognition and secure the INCI Name to protect its Thanaka heritage.
Overall, the future of Myanmar's Thanaka Cosmetic Paste depends on the country's ability to address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities to promote and protect its cultural heritage.
