Venetian Ceruse, 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 pigment of
white lead caused
lead poisoning, damaging the skin and causing
hair loss. Usage over an extended period could cause
death.
Elizabeth I of England is popularly imagined to have been a notable user, although critics Anna Riehl and Kate Maltby have argued that little historical evidence exists to support this claim.