arsenic

the anecdote:

In the Victorian era
arsenic
was mixed with
vinegar and chalk
and eaten
by women
to improve
the complexion
of their faces
making their skin
paler
to show they
did not work
in the fields.

Arsenic
was also rubbed
into the faces and
arms of women to
'improve their complexion'.



the fine print:

(Elemental arsenic and arsenic compounds are classified as "toxic" and "dangerous for the environment" in the European Union under directive 67/548/EEC. The IARC recognizes arsenic and arsenic compounds as group 1 carcinogens, and the EU lists arsenic trioxide, arsenic pentoxide and arsenate salts as category 1 carcinogens.)



THE SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA