Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Depilatory Creams

With so many people actively involved in hair removal, the beauty industry is always looking for the easiest and most effective way to keep body hair at bay. Depilatory creams are an easy and pain free way to remove hair from most areas of your body including legs, arms and sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line. Here’s an insight into how depilatory creams have revolutionised hair removal, and why they might just be the ideal choice for you.

How do they work

Depilatory creams contain certain alkaline chemicals that safely react with the hair on your body. They break down the Keratin (the protein structure of your hair), causing it to weaken and dissolve[1]. This leaves the hair in a jelly-like state which the user can easily wipe away with the cream.

The Ups and Downs

Depilatory creams are one of the easiest ways to remove body hair especially when compared to waxing or shaving. They are a great all-round method for getting rid of both large areas of hair along your legs, but also great for tackling smaller, harder-to-reach areas like ones around the bikini line. Veet make it very easy to apply! Simply spread the cream over a patch of hair and wait a few minutes before removing it (be sure to read the label to see what the specific recommended times are). In that time you could be getting on with all sorts of other things, from brushing your teeth to running a bath.

It is worth bearing in mind, we recommend carrying out a patch test at least 24 hours before applying the cream to check that it doesn’t cause a reaction.

Using depilatory creams in the shower is a great option as it can speeds up the whole process when you are getting ready for a night out! The cream washes off, along with the hair, and simply rinses down the drain. Veet have a specific foam range designed just for use in the shower which will stay on while you wash, and can be rinsed off when you’re ready. If you don’t have access to a shower or a bath, you can always use a regular cream which can be removed with a spatula, but you should still be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards, using a warm, wet cloth.

Available in all good cosmetic stores, depilatory creams can be a great affordable option compared to going to the salon, and therefore can be much easier to fit into your budget. As well as that, there is no risk of encountering the kind of cuts and nicks that you might get from shaving. Depilatory products also give a longer lasting result than shaving, as they are able to break down the hair at or just below the skin's surface, right at the follicle[2]. You might also find that the regrowth of the hair will not be as stubbly as that produced when shaving as the tips have been tapered, as opposed to sliced, and appear softer and less noticeable.

If you have sensitive skin, however, you may be concerned about a reaction irritation. Fortunately, Veet have a whole range aimed specifically at sensitive skin, enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, known for their soothing properties.⁴ If you do react badly, then you know that this might not be the method for you. Always remember, it’s never a good idea to use your cream over areas of broken or irritated skin[3].

If you’re considering trying out depilatory creams, be sure to check out Veet’s extensive range.