Setting the Standard of Dermal Tolerance Testing for Safe and Effective Male and Female Pubic Hair Removal

Abstract

Pubic hair removal has increased in frequency over recent years, with some degree of pubic hair grooming considered desirable by both men and women. Despite the increasing use of chemical depilatory creams for the removal of hair in intimate regions, there is a lack of published data regarding the safety and efficacy of such products when used for full hair removal in the genital area. This study investigated the in-use cutaneous compatibility of two thioglycolate chemical depilatory creams for full male and female genital depilation through three single application studies. Initially, a preliminary study tested a standard male intimate chemical depilatory cream (Product A) on 18 male participants to ensure acceptable tolerance of the product. Following this, Study 1 applied Product A to 33 male participants whilst a standard female intimate chemical depilatory cream (Product B) was applied to 31 female participants in Study 2. Visual dermal assessments, together with participant-perceived assessment of tolerance, were conducted before application, and at 30 minutes, 24 and 72 hours after product removal. Study 1 reported 5 incidences (out of 33) of dermal irritation at 30 minutes post product removal, with 3 incidences remaining after 72 hours post product removal. Study 2 reported 4 incidences (out of 31) of dermal irritation at 30 minutes post product removal with 1 incidence remaining after 72 hours post product removal. Both chemical depilatory creams were concluded by a dermatologist, on the basis of dermal irritation and participant-perceived tolerance, to have achieved acceptable dermal tolerance when applied to the intended area of use for the maximum recommended application time. This data provides confidence in the safety of chemical depilatory creams when used for full removal of the pubic hair of men and women and adds to the existing published database, validating the safety and efficacy of these products for genital hair removal.