How It Works: "Hair-removal creams are depilatories that are applied to the skin and break down the bonds in the hair and effectively remove the hair," dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO, previously told PS.
Depilatories remove hair chemically by dissolving them at the surface of your skin. They come in many different formulas, from powder to gel to creams, and have a distinct smell that can be pungent, depending on its formula. The time it takes to dissolve the hair depends on its coarseness.
How Much It Hurts: Using a depilatory shouldn't hurt, but it can be uncomfortable, especially as the hair starts to dissolve — the smell can be a bit overwhelming.
