Thanatopraxy and thanatoaesthetics: the care that precedes the farewell
Differences, common ground and the essential professional equipment behind two complementary disciplines that define the quality of service at the funeral home.
Thanatopraxy
Thanatopraxy groups together the practices performed on the body for its hygienisation, preservation, embalming, restoration and aesthetic care, respecting the family's wishes and religious rites.
You can dig deeper into the clinical and hygiene guidelines in our good practices in thanatopraxy guide, or browse the thanatopraxy catalogue for professional equipment.
Thanatoaesthetics
Thanatoaesthetics prepares the visual presence of the deceased: make-up, hairdressing, small restorations on head, neck and hands, and dressing. It requires specific cosmetics for post-mortem skin and a measured sensibility.
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Our most asked questions
What is the difference between thanatopraxy and thanatoaesthetics?
Thanatopraxy handles hygienisation, preservation and embalming of the body following hygienic-sanitary standards. Thanatoaesthetics works on the visible aspect of the deceased —make-up, hairdressing, small restorations on head, neck and hands— for the wake.
Who carries out each of these practices?
Thanatopraxy is performed by the thanatopractor, qualified for clinical interventions on the body. Thanatoaesthetics can be handled by the thanatopractor themselves or by a specific funeral image professional trained in specialised cosmetics.
What basic equipment does a thanatopraxy room need?
AISI 304 sterilisable stainless-steel instruments, preservative and arterial fluids with traceability, personal protective equipment, stainless-steel furniture and a clear separation between clean and dirty zones.
What cosmetics are used in thanatoaesthetics?
Professional cosmetics specific for post-mortem skin: universal-tone bases and correctors, matte blushes, fixatives and a range of brushes and combs designed for tissues that do not react like those of a living person.
Is thanatopraxy mandatory?
Not in every case. It is mandatory when applicable legislation demands it (for instance, international transfers or repatriations) or when the family requests embalming. Otherwise, it is applied according to family wishes and sanitary conditions.