Depilatory
STRONTIUM SULFIDE
Safety score · 0–100
Caution
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A sulfide depilatory — dissolves hair but releases toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Only allowed in strictly regulated rinse-off hair removers.
Strontium Sulfide (SrS, CAS 1314-96-1) is an inorganic sulfide historically used as a chemical depilatory: it hydrolyzes hair keratin by disulfide reduction, stripping hair rapidly. It is explicitly regulated in EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (entries restricting strontium sulfide and sulfide depilatories) with strict maximum concentrations, pH limits, labeling and contact-time warnings. The practical hazards are significant: the compound generates hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on contact with water and acids, a gas that is acutely toxic and has a characteristic rotten-egg smell; it also causes skin and eye irritation and can produce chemical burns with extended contact. It has no legitimate leave-on skin use; even in rinse-off depilatories it is largely superseded by thioglycolate systems.
Function
Skin benefits
- Effective short-contact hair removal in controlled depilatories
Known concerns
- Releases toxic H2S gas
- EU Annex III restricted depilatory use
- Skin/eye irritation and chemical burn risk
- Not leave-on
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.