Which natural substances did ancient Egyptians use for perfumes and purification?

The ancient Egyptians were known for their sophisticated use of perfumes and purification rituals, and they primarily relied on essential oils extracted from plants and flowers. Essential oils, derived from the aromatic compounds of various plants, provided not only pleasant fragrances but also had properties believed to possess healing and protective qualities.

These essential oils were created by techniques such as distillation or expression, allowing the oils to retain the natural scent and beneficial properties of the source materials. The use of essential oils in ancient Egypt was deeply embedded in their culture, spanning personal hygiene, religious ceremonies, and even mummification processes.

While mineral oils, animal fats, and vegetable oils had applications in various areas, they did not serve the same primary role as essential oils in the context of perfumes and purification. Mineral oils are more commonly associated with industrial uses, and animal fats might have been used for nourishment or other purposes rather than for creating fragrances. Vegetable oils, although they could serve as carriers for scents, were not the focal point for perfumes in the same way as essential oils were. Thus, essential oils stand out as the key substances employed by the ancient Egyptians for these purposes.