Facial Hair Removal Depilatory Creams and Chemical Methods

Question 1

What is the active ingredient in most chemical depilatory creams?

Accepted Answer

Thioglycolate (calcium or potassium thioglycolate)

Answer

Thioglycolate compounds break the disulfide bonds in keratin, the protein that makes up hair, dissolving the hair shaft at the skin surface.

Question 2

How do depilatory creams remove facial hair?

Accepted Answer

By chemically breaking down the hair shaft so it can be wiped away

Answer

Depilatories dissolve the hair's keratin structure at or just below the skin surface, allowing it to be easily wiped off.

Question 3

Why must a patch test always be performed before applying a depilatory cream to the face?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential allergic reactions or chemical irritation on sensitive facial skin

Answer

Depilatory chemicals can cause allergic contact dermatitis or chemical burns, especially on the sensitive skin of the face.

Question 4

What is the maximum recommended time most facial depilatory creams should remain on the skin?

Accepted Answer

5–10 minutes per the manufacturer's instructions

Answer

Leaving depilatory cream on longer than directed risks chemical burns and significant irritation to the skin.

Question 5

How does the result of a depilatory cream compare to waxing?

Accepted Answer

Results are shorter because depilatories only dissolve the hair at the surface, leaving the root intact

Answer

Because the follicle root is untouched, hair regrows as quickly as it does after shaving, making depilatory results shorter-lasting than waxing.

Facial Hair Removal Practice Test