​The Toilet of Flora by Pierre-Joseph Buc’hoz is an 18th-century treatise on beauty and personal care, offering a comprehensive collection of recipes for cosmetics, perfumes, and health remedies. The work is structured around practical instructions for preparing various products, such as aromatic baths, tooth powders, and scented waters, using natural ingredients like herbs, flowers, and minerals. Buc’hoz’s approach reflects the Enlightenment-era emphasis on empirical knowledge and the democratization of beauty practices, making them accessible to a broader audience.​

The book delves into the preparation of cosmetic baths that cleanse and soften the skin, employing ingredients like barley meal, bran, and borage leaves. It also includes recipes for tooth powders and washes that promote dental hygiene and oral health, utilizing substances like coral, cinnamon, and cloves. Additionally, Buc’hoz provides instructions for creating sweet-scented waters and perfumes, infusing spirits with flowers such as jasmine, rose, and orange blossom to produce fragrant elixirs. These formulations not only served aesthetic purposes but were also believed to have therapeutic benefits, aligning with the holistic health perspectives of the time.​

Beyond cosmetics, Buc’hoz’s work encompasses a range of remedies for common ailments, including lotions for strengthening gums, liniments for treating skin conditions, and poultices for eye care. The inclusion of such treatments underscores the interconnectedness of beauty and health in the 18th-century worldview, where personal appearance was often seen as a reflection of one’s overall well-being. By compiling these recipes, Buc’hoz contributed to the preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge, offering insights into the everyday lives and practices of his contemporaries.​

The Toilet of Flora stands as a testament to the historical practices of personal care and the cultural values surrounding beauty and health in the 18th century. Its detailed recipes and holistic approach provide a window into the past, illustrating how individuals sought to enhance their appearance and maintain health through natural means. Today, the work serves as both a historical document and a source of inspiration for those interested in traditional beauty practices and the enduring connection between nature and personal care.