How It Works: Depilatories remove hair chemically by dissolving them at the surface of your skin. They come in many different formulas, from powder to gel to creams and have a distinct smell that can be pungent, depending on its formulated with. The time it takes to dissolve the hair depends on its coarseness.
How Much It Hurts: "[Using a depilatory] doesn't hurt, but it can be uncomfortable," senior beauty editor Kelsey Castañon said. She described the pain as ranging from a slight tingle to a sting. She loves the Nair Leg Mask in Brighten and Smooth ($9).