These compounds break the disulfide bonds in keratin and also hydrolyze the hair so that it is easily removed.
Depilation is followed by careful rinsing with water, and various conditioners are applied to restore the skin's pH to normal.
[2] Chemical depilatories are available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, roll-on, and powder forms.
Chemical depilatories are indicated in the treatment of hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome.
[3] In Jewish lore, King Solomon is said to have discovered a chemical depilatory made from a mixture of lime and water and orpiment (arsenic trisulfide).