* Ancient Civilizations: People in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome used various oils, plant extracts, and animal fats to moisturize and protect their skin. These could be considered early precursors to modern face creams, but they weren't the product we know today.
* 18th and 19th Centuries: The development of more refined cosmetic preparations started in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. Early forms of cold cream and vanishing cream emerged.
* Cold Cream: Often attributed to the Greek physician Galen in the 2nd century AD, cold cream as we know it developed further in the 18th century. It was traditionally made from beeswax, water, and some kind of oil.
* Vanishing Cream: This lighter, oil-free alternative to cold cream gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
* While many individuals and companies contributed to the development of vanishing cream, Pond's Extract Company is often credited with popularizing it with their Pond's Vanishing Cream in 1904. Theron T. Pond founded the company, though the specific chemist behind the vanishing cream formula is less well-known.
* 20th Century: The 20th century saw significant advances in cosmetic chemistry, leading to the development of more sophisticated face creams with added ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, and sunscreens. Many cosmetic companies contributed to these advancements.
In summary:
* There's no single "inventor" of face cream.
* Early forms of moisturizing preparations existed in ancient times.
* Cold cream and vanishing cream were important milestones in the development of modern face creams.
* Pond's Extract Company and Theron T. Pond are noteworthy for popularizing vanishing cream.
* The 20th century brought about major advances in cosmetic chemistry, leading to the diverse range of face creams available today.