Rhusma turcorum

Until the Middle Ages used to a paste stirred mixture of auric pigment (arsenic aperture, toxic), slaked lime and starch.

Pure auric pigment is a mineral that is mined in various places in the world, including Europe. It contains 60.9% arsenic and 39.1% sulphur, but can also contain admixtures of selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), vanadium (V) and germanium (Ge). In addition, the mineral is often also contaminated with clay minerals, silicon dioxide (SiO2) and/or stibnite (antimonite, Sb2S3).

For Rhusma Turcorum the following prescription can be found in the Lexikon der Kosmetischen Praxis by R.Volk:

• Auripigmenti 2,0
• Calcar.hydric. 10,0
• Amylum 5,0

This powder was mixed with some water to a paste and applied for 2-3 minutes on the area to be depilated.

In ancient Greece but also in ancient Rome hair on the body (except for the head hair) was considered barbaric (barbae=beard bearer). Rhusma Turcorum, which was already used by the Greeks and Romans, was used as a depilatory cream.

Apparently Rhusma Turcorum is still used in some areas in Turkey (1 part auripigment and 8 parts slaked lime are rubbed together. To this is added egg white and soapy water to make a paste). Instead of shaving, Turks remove their beards by smearing their face with this paste and washing it off after it dries.