The Best Hair Removal Creams

Buying Guide for Hair Removal Creams

Why buy hair removal cream?

Not everyone likes to deal with shaving, waxing, laser, or in-office hair removal treatments. While shaving might be the most common way to remove unwanted body hair, some people struggle with ingrown hairs or are concerned with accidentally cutting themselves with a razor. Hair removal creams tend to contain gentle ingredients that can make banishing unwanted hair easier to achieve.

What should you consider when purchasing a hair removal cream?

• Type: Different formulas are created to remove fine and coarse hair on different areas of the body. Be sure to figure out which type of cream is best for your hair type.
• Ingredients: Hair removal creams can consist of a variety of chemical and natural additives. Double-check the label on your product to see if it has vegan or other preferred ingredients.
• Time: Most hair removal creams take between three to five minutes to work. However, it is not recommended that you keep any cream on longer than ten minutes. Consult the product’s directions for safe use.
• Strength: Hair removal creams also come in different strengths. People with sensitive skin should avoid using a hair removal cream that’s listed as “extra strength,” as this may be too irritating for their skin.
• Allergies: If your skin is prone to allergic reactions, test your hair removal cream on a small area before use. Some creams are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

What’s the best way to use a hair removal cream?

It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s directions when using a hair removal cream. Many general hair removal creams aren’t designed to be used in sensitive areas like the bikini zone or on the face or lip. Usually, creams designed for these specific areas are clearly labeled as such, so always follow the instructions. Similarly, follow guidelines for maximum waiting time before rinsing or wiping off the cream. Additionally, it’s always important to perform a patch test before applying a hair removal cream to a large portion of your body.

Our Picks for the Best Hair Removal Creams

Pros: If you have sensitive skin, you can’t just slap anything on your body and hope for the best. The Veet Sensitive Hair Remover Gel Cream is designed specifically for people that might otherwise experience irritation with traditional hair removal creams. It’s safe for use not just on arms, underarms, and legs, but also on your bikini zone. It’s aluminum-free and enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to boost moisture and soothe your skin.

Cons: One of the most common complaints about this cream was that it had a strong chemical odor. Because it’s designed for sensitive skin, people with hair that’s usually stubbornly resistant to hair removal creams may find it ineffective.

Bottom Line: If you struggle with hair removal creams, this gentler alternative is designed to effectively remove body hair, including from the bikini zone. However, people with coarse hair might not find this as useful.

 

Pros: In theory, there’s no reason a man can’t use a hair removal cream marketed toward women. But if the idea of smelling too much like floral or fruit scents is unappealing, Nad’s has created a guy-friendly alternative that promises to remove body hair in just three minutes. This product is rated safe for the arms, legs, and chest and will last longer than shaving.

Cons: Faster hair removal comes at a price. While you can banish unwanted hair in just three minutes, that means that this is a stronger product. A common concern was that it caused irritation. So, anyone with sensitive skin might do well to pick a product that’s not quite so potent.

Bottom Line: Men who refuse to be caught in the women’s grooming aisle will appreciate a male-targeted hair removal cream that can be used on the arms, legs, and chest. However, with a promise of hair removal in three minutes or less, this isn’t a good pick for those with sensitive skin.

 

Pros: Slathering hair removal creams on your legs can be messy. So, if you want an easier application process, go for Nair Hair Removal Glides Away. Apply it as if you were using a deodorant stick: simply glide the stick over your skin, wait, and then wipe it off. This pick is infused with Moroccan argan oil for added moisture.

Cons: Note that this product is specifically designed for coarse, thick hair. This means that it’s a stronger formulation that might be too intense for people with sensitive skin and sensitive areas on the body.

Bottom Line: A mess-free way to apply hair removal cream does exist, and this glide-on solution from Nair proves it. This product is infused with Moroccan argan oil for added moisture. However, as this is made for coarse, thick hair, it might not be ideal for sensitive skin.

 

Pros: The Neomen hair removal cream promises to remove unwanted hair in just five minutes while being effective for legs, arms, underarms, and even your bikini line. This unisex hair removal cream is easy to apply and can be quickly removed by wiping it off.

Cons: While this product is moisturizing, a common complaint was that it wasn’t as effective — even when left on for more than the recommended five-minute timeline. And in some cases consumers noted that it was too strong for use in the bikini area.

Bottom Line:  If you dislike hair removal products that leave your skin dry, the Neomen cream is a good alternative. However, concerns about sensitivities and effectiveness might make others want to keep looking.

 

Pros: In most cases, you can’t use a body hair removal cream for your face, as it will be too strong. Thankfully, the GiGi hair removal cream is especially designed to tackle unwanted hair that might be lingering on your upper lip, cheeks, chin, and forehead. This two-step product comes with a soothing aftercare cream. More importantly, the removal cream is infused with papaya enzyme to help slow the growth of hair over time.

Cons: Although this cream is specifically formulated for use on your face, common complaints centered around skin sensitivities and having to remove the product well before the five to eight-minute treatment time.

Bottom Line: If you want to gently remove unwanted facial hair, the GiGi hair removal cream is designed to do so in as little as five to eight minutes. It also slows the regrowth of future hair.

Final Thoughts

Depilatory creams are a great alternative for those who don’t like the discomfort with waxing or the frequent touch-ups required with shaving. These hair removal creams could be just what you’re looking for.