Lime or orpiment, and generally both of them, have formed the leading ingredients in depilatories, both in ancient and modern times. The first acts by its well-known causticity, and also, when an alkali is present, by reducing that also, either wholly or in part, to the caustic state. The action of the orpiment is of a less certain character, and its use is even dangerous when applied to a highly sensitive or an abraded surface. The addition of starch is to render the paste more adhesive and manageable.
In using the following preparations, those which are in the state of powder are mixed up with a little warm water to the consistence of a paste, and applied to the part. Sometimes soap lye is used for this purpose, and some persons spread the pulpy mass on a piece of paper, and apply it like a plaster. In 12 or 15 minutes, and sooner, if much smarting ensues, the whole should be washed off with warm water, and a little cold cream, lip-salve, or spermaceti cerate, applied to the part. The application of the liquid preparations is generally accompanied with gentle friction, care being taken to prevent them extending to the adjacent parts. All the following effect the object satisfactorily, with proper management; but some are much more effective than others. A small wooden or bone knife is the best for mixing them with. They must all be kept in well-stoppered bottles, and no liquid must be added to them until shortly before their application; and then no more should be mixed than is required for immediate use.
Depilatory, Arsen′ical. Orpiment (sulphide of arsenic) forms the principal ingredient in many fashionable depilatories, but its use is not free from danger. The following are well-known preparations:
1. (Colley’s D.) From nitre and sulphur, of each 1 part; orpiment, 3 parts; quicklime, 8 parts; soap lees, 32 parts; boil to the consistence of cream. Very caustic.
2. (Delcroix’s d.; ‘poudre subtile,’) Orpiment, 1 oz.; quicklime, 10 oz.; starch, 14 oz.
3. (Oriental d.; Oriental rusma.)—a. Quicklime, 3 oz.; orpiment, 1⁄2 dr.; strong alkaline lye, 1 lb.; boil together in a clean iron vessel until a feather dipped into the liquor loses its flue.
b. From pearlash, 2 oz.; orpiment, 3 dr.; liquor of potassa, 1⁄2 pint; boil together as before. One of the most caustic and consequently the most certain of depilatory preparations; but, with the rest of its class, open to the objections of containing orpiment. (See No. 7.)
4. (Paste d.; ‘Pâte épilatoire,’) To No. 1 add of orris root, 3 parts.
5. (Plenck’s d.; ‘Pasta epilatoria,’) Orpiment, 1 part; quicklime and starch, of each 12 parts.
6. (Soap d.; ‘Savon épilatoire,’) Turkish depilatory and soft soap, equal parts. Must not be mixed until about to be applied. (See No. 7.)