The present invention is directed to depilatory compositions comprising a depilatory active, alkali metal hydroxide and an aminoalkylpropanol. The compositions have a pH in the range of from 10 to 12.5. The depilatory active preferably contains a thiol group, the alkali metal hydroxide preferably comprises potassium hydroxide and the aminoalkylpropanol preferably comprises aminomethylpropanol. The composition is preferably a gel, mousse, foam, cream, lotion or peelable film, especially a translucent or transparent gel. The depilatory compositions provide effective hair removal yet are well tolerated by the skin and allow for acceptable application times of the composition. The present invention further provides a depilatory composition comprising urea, a carbomer, and a gum； these compositions may or may not comprise aminoalkylpropanol.
