New Jersey Barber and Hairstyling Practice Exam

The main active ingredient in most depilatories is calcium thioglycolate. This compound works by breaking down the protein structure of hair, making it easier to remove. Depilatories are designed to chemically dissolve hair just below the surface of the skin, and calcium thioglycolate is particularly effective for this purpose due to its ability to weaken the hair's keratin structure.

While sulfur, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid are used in various cosmetic and skincare applications, they do not serve as the primary active ingredient in depilatory products. Sulfur can be used for its antibacterial properties and might be found in some acne treatments or antifungal products. Salicylic acid is widely used for its exfoliating properties, particularly in acne treatments and skin peels. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used mainly for exfoliation and skin renewal in skincare regimes. None of these ingredients have the specific formulation and effectiveness for hair removal that calcium thioglycolate provides in depilatories.