Depilatory cosmetics aimed at taking care of unwanted body hair. Largely exported into Oriental countries, they were based on sodium sulfur, strontium, arsenic, etc.
For the hygiene of the mouth and the teeth, the main substance used then was precipitated and washed chalk, to which antiseptic and astringent substances (soap, borax, camphor) were added. Tooth powders also contained
magnesium carbonate, orris root powder, alum and cream of tartar. The first toothpastes were composed of powders to which glycerin, syrup or soap were added. Mouthwashes also appeared on the market. Their purpose was to
“destroy the bacteria that sojourn in the mouth, and ensure the convalescence of the teeth.”
In addition to soap bars, liquid soaps and alcohol dissolutions of ordinary soap started being used as hygiene products.
