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When you picture ancient Egyptian beauties such as Queen Nefertiti or Cleopatra, they’re probably wearing dramatic black eyeliner. Ancient Egyptians believed that eye makeup¹ had properties bestowed² by the gods that protected the wearers from illness. Modern scientists determined³ that the makeup contains often-harmful lead, so they discounted any beneficial effects. But according to research published in the journal Analytical⁴ Chemistry, the eye makeup may indeed have prevented disease.

Scientists analyzed⁵ 52 different samples from ancient Egyptian makeup found at the Louvre. They identified four different lead-based substances, two of which were man-made, not natural. They then applied⁶ the substances to a culture of human cells. And the cells experienced a 240 percent increase in the production of nitric oxide⁷, which is known to jump start the immune system.

The ancient marshy⁸ Nile would have hosted many eye disease–causing bacteria. Application of the makeup may have revved⁹ up cells’ immunity¹⁰ and protected against infection. The chemical compounds were no doubt used initially¹¹ based on appearance. But then wearers noticed they weren’t getting eye infections. The gods got praised, but it was ancient chemists who deserved the credit.