A depilatory is a cream or lotion that is chemical based and used to remove hair at the skin's surface. There are several types of depilatories available on the market to target fine and coarse hair.

Common, but it can cause skin irritation or even chemical burns if rubbed too hard.

Test depilatory cream on your forearm before using it to determine whether your skin reacts to it adversely. If your skin breaks out when using a depilatory cream, wash the area with an anti-bacterial solution (like Betadine) and apply an antibiotic (such as Neosporin) or cortisone cream to reduce the inflammation. And never apply a depilatory to an area that has any cuts, scratches or other wounds.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive, fast, sometimes painless, can be done at home, available almost anywhere.

Disadvantages:

• Effect lasts a short time - between a few hours to several days. Dark-haired users may have visible shadow of dark hair under skin. Often requires use every two or three days.
• Can cause skin irritation, cuts and chemical burns.
• Can be a severe skin and eye irritant.