Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

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What is the common ingredient in depilatories?

Salts of thioglycolic acid
Salicylic acid
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Vitamin E

The correct answer is: Salts of thioglycolic acid

Depilatories commonly contain salts of thioglycolic acid as the active ingredient. Thioglycolic acid works by breaking down the disulfide bonds in keratin, which is the protein that makes up hair. This process effectively weakens the hair structure, allowing it to be easily wiped away from the skin's surface. Salicylic acid is primarily known for its use in acne treatments and exfoliating skin but does not serve the purpose of hair removal. Sodium lauryl sulfate is mainly used as a surfactant in shampoos and cleansers, contributing to lather and cleaning, rather than directly affecting hair removal. Vitamin E is often included in skin care products for its moisturizing properties and skin benefits but has no role in the depilation process. Therefore, the specific function of thioglycolic acid salts as a hair removal agent makes them the common ingredient in depilatories.