Depilatory creams are generally safe to use by the majority of the population. The main active ingredient in hair removal creams is thioglycolic acid, which is added in the form of various salts like potassium and calcium thioglycolates and also as pure thioglycolic acid. Together with other ingredients, these acids break down the keratin, a protein naturally in the hair. Here are some of the positive and negative aspects of using depilatory creams:
Positive aspects:
- Depilatory creams are a fast, affordable way to remove unwanted hair.
- They are painless and user-friendly.
- Compared to shaving, depilatory creams dont irritate the skin and leave fewer skin lesions or papules.
Negative aspects:
- If left on too long, depilatory creams can cause first-, second-, or even third-degree chemical burns.
- The potential side effects that come with using depilatory creams are more severe than most hair-removal techniques.
- Depilatory creams increase the number of hair follicles and dermal fibroblasts expressing interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and tumor necrosis factor-β in mouse skin.
It's important to do a patch test before using depilatory creams to make sure that your skin doesn't have an allergic reaction. Additionally, it's crucial to use the correct cream for the kind of hair you're removing.
