Borak (cosmetic)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sama-Bajau woman from Maiga Island, Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, with borak

Borak or burak[1] is a cosmetic face powder or paste that is applied on the face for protection from the sun. It is traditionally used by the Sama-Bajau people of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Borak is most commonly used by Sama-Bajau women to protect the face and exposed skin areas from the harsh tropical sun at sea.[2] Ingredients can include talcum powder, rice flour, turmeric, and other ingredients.[3]

When dry, borak is in powder form. The powder is first soaked in water to form a paste before being applied on the face.[3] The paste can be a yellowish color or sometimes white.

Similar pastes[]

In Myanmar, thanaka, a yellow-white cosmetic paste made of ground tree bark, is traditionally used for sun protection.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Burak and Beautiful Women of Tawi-Tawi". My Mindanao | Mindanao Travels and Photography by Nanardx. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  2. ^ Tilmantaite B (20 March 2014). "In Pictures: Nomads of the sea". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Yakan - borak". SILP – Interactive Previously Published Resources. 2013-02-11. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
Retrieved from ""