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 Barium Sulphide for Hair Removal

Barium Sulphide for Hair Removal

The inorganic chemical compound barium sulphide is a type of inorganic compound. It is a mixture of at least two additional substances in a precise proportion, It is employed in a variety of applications due to its chemical properties. In the cosmetics business, barium sulphide is highly popular. Barium sulphide is one of the most active and widely used components in hair removal lotions.

For hair removal, it’s usually combined with other active substances. This chemical molecule has been used in medicine for almost 90 years! Most shaving and depilatory creams contain the inorganic chemical barium sulphide as one of their components. This chemical can cause hair to fall out. As a result, it facilitates the eradication of body hair. Apply the cream to your skin and wait for the chemical ingredients in this composition to begin acting.

You may remove the hair once the protein structure of the hair dissolves. This procedure can take up to 10 minutes, depending on hair growth. So, how do you use barium sulphide to remove hair? 

The following are the steps you must take to make a Barium Sulphide Hair Removal Cream

  • Preheat the water phase to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Stir our barium sulphide into the heated water phase.
  • At 40 degrees, combine the remaining ingredients of the formulation.
  • Stir constantly until the mixture is complete.

 How Barium Sulphide Chemically Removes Hair

1. Alkaline Hydrolysis & High pH Environment

  • When barium sulphide (BaS) is mixed with water, it undergoes hydrolysis
  • Ba(OH)₂ raises the pH, typically to around 11–12, creating a strongly alkaline environment.
  • This high pH helps soften the keratin structure, making it more susceptible to chemical attack.

2. Formation of Barium Hydrosulphide & Thiolate Species

  • BaS also produces hydrosulfide (HS⁻), a potent reducing agent.
  • In alkaline conditions, HS⁻ is deprotonated further to S²⁻, which attacks disulfide (–S–S–) bonds within keratin.

3. Breaking Disulfide Bonds in Keratin

  • Hair’s strength comes from disulfide bridges between cystine amino acids (–S–S–).
  • HS⁻ (or S²⁻) reduces these bonds through thiol–disulfide exchange.
  • This reaction transforms insoluble keratin into soluble thiol-containing fragments, dramatically weakening hair structure.

4. Buffering with Barium Carbonate

  • Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is often included to buffer the mixture, preventing skin irritation by moderating pH back toward milder alkaline levels. 
  • This ensures the reaction proceeds safely without excessive damage to the skin.

5. Breakdown to Amorphous Mass

  • Over ~15–20 minutes, the hair shaft dissolves into an amorphous, easily wiped-off mass. Studies confirm full hair removal after ~20 minutes of exposure.

Simplified Chemistry Process

Step

Explanation

1. High-pH formation

BaS + water → ba(OH)₂ (raises pH ≥ 11).

2. Generating reducing HS⁻

BaS also → HS⁻ atoms.

3. Priming keratin

Alkali breaks down keratin’s hydrogen bonds.

4. Cleavage

HS⁻ reduces –S–S– in cystine → free thiols (–SH).

5. Dissolution

Keratin becomes soluble — hair can be washed off.

6. Buffering

BaCO₃ moderates pH — protects skin.

 

Comparison: Barium Sulphide vs. Other Hair Removal Ingredients

Feature

Barium Sulphide

Calcium Thioglycolate

Sodium Hydroxide

Waxing

Effectiveness

✔️ Fast and strong on coarse hair

✔️ Effective on fine to medium hair

⚠️ Mild effectiveness, slow action

✔️ Very effective, pulls hair from root

Skin Sensitivity

⚠️ Can be harsh on sensitive skin

Milder and more commonly used in creams

⚠️ May cause irritation or burning

⚠️ Can cause redness, especially on sensitive skin

Odor

Strong sulfur smell

Milder odor due to masking agents

Low to neutral odor

No chemical odor

Ease of Use

⚠️ Needs careful timing and removal

Easy-to-apply creams and lotions

⚠️ Not common in OTC products

⚠️ Requires skill or salon visit

Safety

⚠️ Requires buffering to reduce irritation

Generally safe for home use

High risk of burns at strong concentrations

⚠️ May cause ingrown hairs or bruising

 

Side Effects, Risks & Safety Precautions

While barium sulphide is a powerful hair removal agent, it is also a toxic chemical that must be used with great caution. Here’s what users need to know:

Symptom

Cause

Skin irritation

High alkalinity (pH ~11–12)

Chemical burns

Prolonged contact or overuse

Allergic reactions

Hypersensitivity to sulphur-based compounds

Foul odor

Release of hydrogen sulfide gas

 

You can also use it to remove hair by mixing it with natural powders like Sandalwood powder and Rose petal powder, and then mixing it with rose water and applying it to the skin.

Body hair removal with barium sulphide is fantastic. It acts rapidly and usually has positive results. Now that you’ve learned about all of the benefits of barium sulphide, you’re probably curious about where you can get it and how to use it on your skin. So, here’s some wonderful news. For the enhancement of your skin, Aseschem will supply barium sulphide. Aseschem is a cosmetic ingredient provider based in India that has been delivering quality products since 1942. We guarantee that we will never let your trust down. Though barium sulphide is very helpful in hair removal, one must be careful while using it as it also carries some harmful effects with it. Barium sulphide is a poison, so it should never be used internally or near the mouth in any case. Keep it away from kids.

So, what are you wondering now? Get your desired product at Aseschem now!

FAQs

1. Is barium sulphide safe for facial hair removal?

Generally, no—barium sulphide is too harsh for delicate facial skin unless the product is specifically formulated and labeled for facial use. Using it on sensitive areas like the upper lip or eyebrows can cause burning, redness, or allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test and follow the product instructions strictly.

2. Can pregnant women use barium sulphide-based hair removal products?

It is not recommended. Although there's limited data on systemic absorption, the strong chemicals and potential skin reactions pose unnecessary risks during pregnancy. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using any chemical depilatory while pregnant.

3. How is barium sulphide different from hair bleaching powders?

• Barium sulphide removes hair by breaking down its protein structure (keratin), making it fall away from the skin.

• Hair bleaching powders like hydrogen peroxide lighten the color of the hair without removing it.

They serve different purposes—depilation vs. camouflage—and use completely different chemistry.

4. What should I do if I experience a burning sensation after application?

Immediately rinse with cold water and avoid scrubbing. Apply a mild aloe vera gel or cold compress to soothe the area. If irritation persists or blisters form, seek medical help. Avoid reapplying the product on the affected area.

5. Can I use barium sulphide on broken, inflamed, or recently shaved skin?

Applying the product on compromised skin increases the risk of chemical burns, deeper absorption, and severe irritation. Wait until the skin is fully healed before applying.

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