Depilatory Hair Removal Creams & Sprays

Hair removal creams work by breaking the disulfide bonds that link the protein chains that give hair its strength, making the hair disintegrate. They are not considered harmful but you should always carry out a patch test on a small area of skin as you may develop an allergic reaction. A common problem after using a depilatory cream is dry skin, so you need to moisturise after use.

The effects last about as long as shaving so depending on the speed that your hair grows you may need to use the product several times a week.

The chemicals in depilatories dissolve the hair into a thick residue that then has to be washed away. The outermost layer of skin is also removed, leaving the skin smoother. This outer skin layer is normally replaced every 28 days, so to use a depilatory more often than that may damage the underlying layers of skin.

Currently, a common active ingredient is calcium thioglycolate, which breaks down the disulfide bonds in keratin and weakens the hair so that it is easily scraped off where it emerges from the hair follicle. Chemical depilatories are available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, and roll-on forms.

As the epidermis is also rich in keratin, the skin may become irritated and sensitive if the preparation is left on for too long. Chemical depilatories are used primarily for the arms and legs. They should not be used on the face unless specifically listed for that purpose on the product's label.

Many depilatories also contain moisturizers such as Baby Oil, Almond Oil, Green Tea Extract and Aloe to make skin softer and smoother.

A depilatory lotion, liquid or spray is designed for application to large areas of the body such as the legs, underarms and bikini area. A depilatory cream has a thicker consistency and can be used to target specific areas without the risk of it running on to skin you don't want treated. A cream is therefore ideal for the face.

This hair removal method is popular despite the strong smell because it is pain-free and the effects are reasonably long lasting. Regrowth hair will not appear as rapidly as it does with shaving because the hair is dissolved below the skin's surface.

If you try a depilatory then carry out a patch test on a small area of skin and wait at least 24 hours to make sure you're not allergic to any of the ingredients.