High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! 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 product contained a pigment composed of white lead, which was understood to cause lead poisoning that would eventually damage the user`s skin complexion and cause hair loss. If the product was used over an extensive period of time it could cause death. A notable user of this type of cosmetic was Elizabeth I of England.