What does depilatory mean?
A depilatory is a substance—typically a cream, lotion, gel, or powder—that removes unwanted body hair chemically rather than mechanically. Unlike shaving or waxing, which cut or pull hair out at or below the surface, a depilatory works by breaking down the keratin protein in the hair shaft so the hair can be wiped away just above the skin line. Depilatories are widely sold as cosmetic products and are valued for leaving skin smoother for longer than shaving, though their active ingredients, usually calcium thioglycolate or similar salts, can irritate sensitive skin if left on too long. The word also functions as an adjective describing anything used for hair removal, as in 'depilatory treatment' or 'depilatory cream'. It derives from the Latin verb depilare, meaning to strip or pluck out hair, formed from de- ('away') and pilus ('hair'). The term appears chiefly in pharmaceutical, dermatological, and beauty-industry contexts.
A chemical preparation, such as a cream or lotion, that removes unwanted body hair by dissolving it at the surface of the skin.
"She bought a gentle depilatory designed for facial use."
Plural: depilatories.
Used for or relating to the removal of hair, especially body hair.
"The pharmacist recommended a mild depilatory agent for sensitive skin."
Standard English plural, replacing '-y' with '-ies'. Applies only to the noun sense referring to hair-removing products.
"The drugstore stocks several depilatories formulated for different skin types."
The same Latin root that gives us 'depilatory' — pilus, meaning 'hair' — also hides inside 'caterpillar', the fuzzy creature named for its hairy appearance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of depilatory
Depilatory comes from the Latin verb depilare, meaning 'to deprive of hair', formed from the prefix de- ('away, off') and pilus, meaning 'hair'. It entered English in the early 17th century, initially as an adjective describing hair-removing agents, with noun use following later. The root pilus also underlies related words such as depilate and depilation, and survives more distantly in English terms like 'pileus'. Its development has remained closely tied to cosmetics and medicine throughout its history in English.
Related word forms
How depilatory is actually used
As a noun, 'depilatory' is most common in commercial and clinical contexts; in everyday speech people more often say 'hair removal cream'. The adjective is largely restricted to formal, medical, and cosmetic-industry writing. The word carries a slightly clinical register and no strong connotations beyond its association with grooming and cosmetics.
Easily confused with depilatory
'Depilatory' relates to hair removal, while 'depletory' (a rare word) relates to depletion or emptying of something.