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When it comes to choosing a hair removal method, you can fall under several categories. Are you one of the brave souls who can stomach a Brazilian wax? Or are you halfway through your laser removal package? As a frequent waxer myself, sometimes I skip the booking system and take matters into my own hands for a temporary fix: hair removal creams.
Depilatory creams, a.k.a. hair removal creams, come in a lotion-like consistency that you can glide on your legs, armpits, and in some cases, your face, to remove unwanted hair. “A hair removal cream, also known as a depilatory cream, is a cosmetic product designed to remove unwanted hair from the body. It typically comes in the form of a lotion or cream that is applied to the skin, where it works to break down the keratin proteins of the hair, effectively thinning and dissolving the base of the hairs to the point where they are weak enough to be brake off. The dissolved hair can then be easily wiped away, usually with a spatula or a washcloth, along with the cream,” says Lucy Anderson, founder and CEO of WooWoo. Best of all? It’s painless.
However, it’s wise to do a patch test first to determine your tolerance level. “My key advice when using any product to remove hair from any part of your body, especially your pubic area, is to always check the product is specially designed and safe for intimate use, only leave the product on for the maximum required time and always, always patch test 24 hours before use,” Anderson adds.
Our top picks for the best hair removal creams of 2023
Oh, and the options are endless. Want to remove hair without disrupting your shower time? What about that embarrassing patch of peach fuzz that you want gone before an important event or date? We scoured online customer feedback—and our personal stash—to bring you the 11 best hair removal creams to remove stubble, peach fuzz, and more, ahead.
Pros
Packed with gentle ingredients
Cons
- Takes longer than recommended time
“WooWoo has developed a formulation that includes the necessary active ingredients for super effective hair removal but also includes lots of moisturizing ingredients that are super kind to skin,” Anderson states. Housed in this tube are skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and jojoba oil to soothe the skin while the cream goes to work in-shower.
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
| Time | Three to six minutes |
|---|
Pros
- Ingredients include cocoa butter and vitamin E
Cons
- Can get chemical burns if you leave on too long
Most creams that claim to work fast typically don't live up to the hype, but the cocoa butter iteration of Nair's depilatory creams will change your mind. It melts away any trace of hair to leave a buttery soft film on your skin.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor said: “I've been using the cocoa butter iteration for years and it never disappoints. It's unreal how silky-smooth my legs feel after wiping this cream off, thanks to its nourishing addition of cocoa butter and vitamin E that works in as little as three minutes.” —Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
| Time | Three to 10 minutes |
|---|
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Pros
- Fast acting
Cons
- The sponge can be messy
Cut your shower routine in half with Veet's In-Shower cream, which uses naturally-sourced aloe vera to soothe the skin while the cream works its magic.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Honestly, it's really easy. If you have sensitive skin just do a patch test just to be sure you don't react badly. But I didn't have any issues with it. Just be sure to follow instructions.”
| Time | Five to 10 minutes |
|---|
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Moisturizing lotion is soothing
Perfect for travel, Sally Hansen's Hair Remover Kit gets rid of even the most stubborn facial hair with just two easy steps.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Best hair remover I've ever tried! I use this for some troublesome hairs that started to grow after having my son, on the bottom of my chin/jaw line and neck. Many removers don't do anything at all... This one really does work! It also doesn't smell too bad and doesn't burn or sting at all.”
| Time | Three minutes |
|---|
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5
Best Multitasker
Nair Hair Remover Beauty Treatment Charcoal Clay Leg Mask
Pros
- Leaves legs smooth
Cons
- Can’t be used all over
Our legs are probably the most overlooked part of our body because it's usually hidden under layers of clothes, but with summer approaching, they need all the love they can get. Enter Nair's 3-in-1 Leg Mask. This clay mixture is literally a mask for your legs; it minimizes hair regrowth, moisturizes, and removes hair at the same time.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Harsh stubble? Thick, dark body hair? This will remove it with no hair left behind! Skin was flawless as well!! Bye-bye strawberry legs!”
| Time | Five to 10 minutes |
|---|
Pros
- Lasts longer than shaving
Cons
- Does not work for all hair types
We get it, you're busy. Bikini Zone gets it, too. They created this travel-size hair removal treatment kit containing a formula that can gently remove your hair in four minutes and a hair growth inhibitor to reduce the growth rate of hair.
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “No need for pictures haha. Take my word that this works well. No horrible smell like others I’ve tried.”
| Time | Four minutes |
|---|
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7
Best Foam Formula
Nature Nation Hair Removal Spray Foam
Pros
- Neutral smell
Cons
- Will need to use a lot of product for effectiveness
With aloe vera and vitamin E, this foam formula will painlessly remove hair and leave you with smooth, moisturized skin.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “A product that is super easy to use and very effective for any part of the body.”
| Time | Five to 10 minutes |
|---|
Pros
- Non-irritating formula
Cons
- Not great for stubborn hair
Let's face it: You want to ensure that any hair removal cream you use for your face won't irritate your skin, as it's much more sensitive than your legs. This formula is gentle enough to prevent aggravation while still getting the job done.
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Recently going through hair loss treatment and growing unwanted facial hair, with this procedure I’m able to get rid of most of this unwanted facial hair. Like it.”
| Time | Four minutes |
|---|
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Pros
- Luxurious whipped créme formula
Cons
- Not the most pleasant smell
New to hair removal cream? Opt for Nair's Bladeless Shave, this formula looks and feels just like shaving cream and gives the same results as shaving sans a razor!
Ulta rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “My friend told me that she uses this and that it worked well, initially, I didn't believe her but was willing to give it a try. Yalllll I'm silky smooth. I left on for 9 minutes, I have very sensitive skin. I applied lots of moisturizer after and I feel great. Wish I had tried this sooner!”
| Time | Five to 10 minutes |
|---|
Pros
- Fights hyperpigmentation
Cons
- Not a lot of product
Aggressively shaving your legs can lead to hyperpigmentation in sensitive skin or if you shave too frequently. Fight discoloration and remove unwanted hair with Heomen Hair Removal Cream. Containing aloe vera and Vitamin E, this powerful combo will moisturize your skin while combatting hyperpigmentation.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Painless and it works very well.”
| Time | Three to 10 minutes |
|---|
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11
Best For Multipurpose Hair Removal
Nair Wax Ready Strips, Face and Bikini Hair Removal Wax Strips, 40 Count
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not great for sensitive skin
Hair removal can be sticky and complicated but these Nair Wax Ready Strips make hair removal so fast and easy. If you want one product that can do it all, these are great for both the face and the bikini area.
Amazon rating: 3.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I like these straps! They are quick and easy to use at home. No messy wax or lengthy process.”
| Time | None |
|---|
12
What ingredients should you look for in a depilatory cream?
Since you're likely applying the cream to delicate, intimate areas, it's important to stay away from any ingredients that could cause irritation. “Hair removal creams typically contain a number of alkaline chemicals. These chemicals are safe enough to come into contact with skin but have been specifically formulated to break down the proteins in hair,” Lucy Anderson, founder of WooWoo, explains. “When choosing a hair removal cream, it's important to look for certain ingredients that are commonly found in effective and safe products, including:
- Calcium thioglycolate: This is the primary active ingredient in most hair removal creams. It helps break down the protein structure of the hair, allowing it to be easily removed
- Moisturizers: Look out for products that contain aloe vera, cocoa butter, or vitamin E, as these ingredients help to soothe and hydrate skin, minimizing potential irritation.
- Gentle chemicals: Some hair removal creams may contain additional chemicals to enhance the efficacy or smell of the product.
Also, it's important to be mindful of any potential allergies or sensitivities you may have to these chemicals and choose a product accordingly.”
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13
Is hair removal cream better than shaving?
“Unlike shaving, which leaves blunt squared-off hair at the surface of the skin, hair removal creams dissolve hair from their follicles leaving a tapered end just below the surface of the skin. This tapered end not only feels softer to the touch but is also less likely to leave razor bumps or lead to ingrown hairs,” Anderson says. Using a depilatory cream also slows the process of hair growth so your stubbles don't return as quickly as they would if you shaved. “Compared to shaving every one to two days to prevent stubble and regrowth, creams can last up to four days–especially if you exfoliate and moisturize in between applications. Plus, it's less abrasive,” she adds. Shaving can cause mishaps or cause irritation, and can “make you more susceptible to STIs due to nicks and cuts.”
14
Does hair grow back thicker after hair-removal cream?
Simply put, no hair does not grow back thicker. “This is a common myth associated with various hair removal methods, including shaving and hair removal creams. Hair growth is determined by factors such as genetics and hormonal influences—using a hair removal cream does not alter the structure or growth pattern of hair follicles. After using hair-removal cream, the regrowth appears similar to the original hair, neither thicker nor finer, The main difference between shaving and hair-removal cream is a blunt end vs a tapered end,” Anderson shares.
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16
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
Danielle James
Digital Beauty Director
Danielle James is the Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s written for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, The Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, and more. She enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.
