Chemical depilatory

A depilatory is a preparation which is used for depilation of body hair. Typical areas of the body are the chest, legs, arms and bikini area. The depilatory offered as a cream, lotion or foam must usually act after application approximately three to ten minutes ( depending on the product ). Finally, the cream together with the hair with a cream often enclosed spatula ( Depilationsspatel ) is removed. The advantage of the creams is the painless hair removal. The hair root is not affected by the treatment and new hair grows back.

Contained in Enthaarungsprodukten alkaline (about pH 12) active ingredients are usually potassium or ammonium salts of thioglycolic acid or thiolactic acid, which split the peptide bonds and disulfide bonds of the hair keratin. Located outside the skin part of the hair dissolves and is removed. The EC Cosmetics Directive regulates the quantity of substances and height of the pH of the formulations. After application of the preparations thorough washing with water is required. Sauer ( approximately pH 4) set aftertreatment preparations help in neutralizing. For maintenance purposes, the depilatory E and Bisabolol frequently added substances such as apricot oil, vitamin. Fragrances are used for coverage of the often perceived as unpleasant odor.

Thioglycolic acid is toxic and is absorbed to a significant extent by the body percutaneously ( through the skin ). Furthermore, it can also lead to skin irritation, so that a previous test is recommended on a small spot skin. But that is no guarantee of a good compatibility, although this has improved in recent years.

For pubic hair removal and for facial use the cream on these grounds is to use no or only with great caution, as allergic reactions or skin irritations are possible. A mucous membrane contact should be avoided at all costs.

Swell

• Hair removal