Venetian Ceruse,[1] also known as Spirits of Saturn, was a 16th century cosmetic used as a skin whitener. It was in great demand and considered the best available at that time. The product contained a pigment composed of white lead, which was understood to cause lead poisoning that would eventually damage the user's skin complexion and cause hair loss. If the product was used over an extensive period of time it could cause death.[2] A notable user of this type of cosmetic was Elizabeth I of England.[3]
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