Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

How long are chemical depilatories generally left on the skin?

1. 2 minutes

2. 10 minutes

3. 20 minutes

4. 30 minutes

The correct answer is: 10 minutes

Chemical depilatories are generally formulated to work effectively within a specific time frame to dissolve hair at the skin's surface. Leaving these products on for approximately 10 minutes allows the active ingredients, which often contain chemicals like calcium thioglycolate or sodium thioglycolate, to effectively break down the protein structure of the hair, enabling it to be wiped or rinsed away. If left on for too long, the chemical reaction can cause irritation or chemical burns on the skin, as the ingredients may also affect the surrounding skin tissue. Therefore, 10 minutes is considered the optimal duration for these products to ensure effective hair removal while minimizing the risk of skin damage.