Depilatory
BARIUM SULFIDE
Safety score · 0–100
Avoid
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A highly hazardous barium sulfide — liberates H2S and can release toxic soluble barium. Not appropriate for modern cosmetics.
Barium Sulfide (BaS, CAS 21109-95-5) is a toxic inorganic sulfide historically used as a potent depilatory. It reacts with water and acids to liberate hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and to generate soluble barium species. Soluble barium salts are among the more toxic heavy-metal-adjacent ions in cosmetics: ingestion or significant absorption can cause hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmia, muscle weakness and death. GHS lists BaS with acute oral toxicity (Cat. 2/3) and severe skin/eye damage. EU CosIng and Annex III entries limit barium compounds, and modern depilatories almost universally use thioglycolate systems instead. There is no safe leave-on use and even historic rinse-off use has largely been displaced on safety grounds.
Function
Skin benefits
- Not recommended — replaced by safer actives
Known concerns
- Acutely toxic soluble barium generation
- H2S off-gassing
- Skin/eye corrosion
- Essentially obsolete in modern cosmetics
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related depilatorys
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.