Nair is a hair removal product. It works by breaking the disulfide bonds of the keratin molecules in hair. This reduces the tensile strength of the keratin so greatly that the hair can be wiped away. Two of the active ingredients are calcium hydroxide (lime) and sodium hydroxide (lye), which raise the pH of hair, chemically breaking it down. Some formulations also contain potassium thioglycolate, which breaks down the disulphide bonds in the hair's keratin thus weakening it enough to be simply wiped away. Products such as Nair often combine softening agents such as mineral oil to help offset the harsh active ingredients.