Which hair removal method is primarily chemical in nature?

Depilatory creams are specifically formulated to break down the protein structure of hair, allowing it to be easily wiped away from the surface of the skin. This chemical process typically involves active ingredients such as calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate, which dissolve the hair shafts. Because depilatory creams rely on a chemical reaction to remove hair, they are classified under methods that are primarily chemical in nature.

In contrast, waxing involves physically pulling hair out from the roots using a sticky substance, while shaving simply cuts hair at the skin's surface with a blade. Laser treatment uses light technology to target hair follicles, leading to permanent hair reduction, but it does not involve a chemical process similar to that of depilatory creams. Therefore, the unique chemical mechanism of action is what distinguishes depilatory creams as the correct answer in this context.