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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.
![Thumb](#/media/File:Sama_woman_with_traditional_sun_protection_("borak").JPG)
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.
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In Myanmar, thanaka, a yellow-white cosmetic paste made of ground tree bark, is traditionally used for sun protection. In Madagascar, a paste of wood called masonjoany is worn for decoration as well as for sun protection.[4]
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