Thanaka: Ground bark paste used as face makeup and sun protection in Myanmar.

Thanaka is a cosmetic paste made from ground tree bark, widely used in Myanmar for over two thousand years. It offers cooling relief, sun protection, and skin benefits while serving as a traditional facial adornment with distinct cultural patterns.

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Used in Myanmar since the mid-11th century.
Made from ground bark of Murraya and wood apple trees.
Provides UV protection via the compound Marmesin.
Applied in circular or leaf-shaped designs on the face.
Prepared on a circular slate slab called kyauk pyin.

What it is

Thanaka is a distinctive cosmetic paste created by grinding the bark, wood, or roots of specific trees with water. It appears as a creamy substance with a scent similar to sandalwood. People apply it to the face and sometimes arms in decorative patterns. Common designs include circular patches on the cheeks, stripes on the nose, or leaf shapes. The paste is prepared on a circular slate slab known as a kyauk pyin, which features a channel for draining excess water. This traditional preparation method has remained consistent for centuries, linking modern users to historical practices.

History and origin

The use of this bark paste dates back to the mid-11th century among Burmese people. Evidence includes wall paintings from the Bagan era showing women wearing it. Literary references appear in a 14th-century poem by King Razadarit’s consort and works by monk-poet Shin Raṭṭhasāra in the 15th century. During military campaigns by Kings Bayinnaung, Alungpaya, and Bodawpaya, the practice was introduced to Thai people. This long history demonstrates its deep integration into the regional culture and its spread beyond Myanmar’s borders through historical interactions and royal influence.

What it means

In Myanmar, thanaka serves both aesthetic and practical purposes in daily life. It is a marker of cultural identity, worn commonly by women and girls, and to a lesser extent by men and boys. The application styles, such as the thanaka bè gya stripes, allow for personal expression within tradition. Beyond beauty, it signifies a connection to nature and ancestral practices. Its presence in religious sites like Bagan Pagoda highlights its acceptance across social and spiritual contexts, representing a blend of cosmetic art and functional skincare rooted in local heritage.

The science

Research indicates that thanaka provides protection against ultraviolet radiation, largely due to a compound called Marmesin. A 2010 study by Chulalongkorn University and the University of London confirmed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The paste absorbs UV rays and inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. This action helps prevent skin discolouration and affects pores. Additionally, it offers a cooling sensation and acts as an anti-fungal agent. These scientific findings support traditional beliefs about its ability to promote smooth skin and remove acne.

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In culture

Thanaka is integral to the culture of Myanmar, visible in everyday street scenes and historical art. It connects contemporary life with the Bagan era, where it was already depicted in wall paintings. The trees used, primarily Murraya species and Limonia acidissima, grow abundantly in central regions like Sagaing and Magway. Specific varieties, such as Shwebo and Shinmadaung thanaka, are highly valued. The practice transcends age and gender, though it is most prominent among females. It remains a living tradition, adapting to modern forms like pre-made pastes while retaining its traditional preparation methods.

Questions people ask about Thanaka

What trees are used to make thanaka?

The paste is primarily made from Murraya species, also known as thanaka trees. Limonia acidissima, or wood apple, is another common source. These trees grow abundantly in central Myanmar, with popular varieties coming from Sagaing and Magway regions.

How is thanaka prepared traditionally?

Traditional preparation involves grinding the bark, wood, or roots with a small amount of water. This is done on a circular slate slab called a kyauk pyin, which has a rim channel to drain excess water, creating a smooth creamy paste.

What are the skin benefits of thanaka?

Thanaka offers a cooling sensation and protects against sunburn by absorbing UV radiation. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as an anti-fungal, and may help remove acne and promote smooth skin by inhibiting melanin synthesis.

Who typically wears thanaka?

It is commonly worn by women and girls in Myanmar as a form of makeup. Men and boys also use it, though to a lesser extent. It is applied by people of all ages for both cosmetic beauty and practical skin protection.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Thanaka", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

Thanaka