Depilatories. Preparations for removing superfluous hair from the skin. The constituents of most of these are lime, and the tersulphuret of arsenic (orpi-ment), but the use of orpiment is dangerous, especially in case of any abrasion of the skin. The safest depilatory is a strong solution of sulphuret of barium made into a paste with powdered starch. It should be applied immediately after it is mixed, and allowed to remain there for 5 or 10 minutes. (See Nos. 1223 (To Apply a Depilatory as a Paste) to 1225.)

1220. Martin's Depilatory

1220.    Martin's Depilatory. Apply a light coating of sulphuretted sulphide of calcium to the part from which the hair is to be removed; after 10 minutes it may be washed off, and the skin will be clean.

1221. Boudet's Depilatory

1221.     Boudet's Depilatory. Mix 3 parts hydro-sulphuret of sodium (crystallized), 10 parts finely powdered quicklime, and 11 parts starch. It should not be applied longer than 2 to 4 minutes. Very effective* and safe.

1222. Chinese Depilatory

1222.     Chinese Depilatory. Mix 8 ounces quicklime, 1 ounce dry pearlash, and 1 ounce sulphuret of potassium; apply as in the last receipt.

1223. To Apply a Depilatory as a Paste

1223.     To Apply a Depilatory as a Paste. In use, the chemical depilatories (see Nos. 1219 to 1222) which are in the state of powder, are made into a paste with warm water, and immediately applied to the part, previously shaved close, a little starch being generally added to those which do not contain it, in order to render the paste more manageable. Sometimes soap-lye is used, instead of water, to form the paste. A wooden or bone knife should be used in preparing this paste.

1224. To Apply a Depilatory as a Plaster

1224.    To Apply a Depilatory as a Plaster. Another mode of application is to make the paste rather thick, spread it on a piece of strong paper, and apply it like a plaster. In from 5 to 10 or 15 minutes, or sooner if much smarting occurs, the paste should be washed off with warm water, and a little cold cream or any simple ointment applied to the part. The liquid depilatories are usually thickened with a little starch powder, before application. (See Nos. 1219 to 1222.)

1225. Cautions About Applying Depilatories

1225.      Cautions About Applying Depilatories. Both classes (see Nos. 1223 (To Apply a Depilatory as a Paste) and 1224) require caution in their use. They should be applied to only a small surface at a time, and great care should be taken to prevent them extending to the adjacent parts. They lose their properties unless kept entirely excluded from the air; and no liquid must be added to the dry ones until just before their application, and then no more should be mixed than is required for immediate use.