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Allow us to be candid—the options for hair removal aren't great. Many of the solutions to get rid of unwanted hair (waxing, shaving, laser ) are either painful, high-maintenance, or both. If you're looking for a pain-free alternative to waxing or can't stand shaving your legs every day, consider using a hair removal cream.
If the thought of using a depilatory cream is giving flashbacks to irritation, rashes, and the smell of a fire burning, rest assured the formulas available nowadays are way better than you might remember. You also have a good amount of options to choose. There are now a wide variety of over-the-counter options for every part of the body, including the legs, face, and yes, even the bikini area. Not to mention, you can also shop formulas made specifically for sensitive-skin types or those with coarse hair.
What to consider
First off, decide how you want to remove the hair. "It’s best to choose a trimmer or shave if you have sensitive skin because these don’t cause a lot of irritation," says Rachel Lozina, master aesthetician, laser technician, oncology aesthetician, and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay and Southampton, New York. She adds, "If your skin is more resilient, try an epilator or a cream hair dissolver. Choose a facial hair remover to remove superficial hair on the face, such as hair on cheeks, chin, and sideburns."
How we chose
When it comes to figuring out the best formula for you, "stay away from overly fragrant formulas and products with alcohol, which is pore clogging and harsh on the skin," says California-based celebrity aesthetician Camaille Victoria. "Instead, look for ingredients such as calcium thioglycolate or potassium hydroxide. These work to break down the keratin proteins in the hair, which is essential for dissolving the shaft and melting it," explains Lozina.
Here, keep reading for the best hair removal creams for the job.
Neomen's product gets rave reviews on Amazon for its ability to eradicate thick and coarse hair—without irritating sensitive skin. The popular cream also acts as a great moisturizing agent, thanks to aloe vera, vitamin E, and baby oil.
Key Ingredients | Aloe vera, vitamin E |
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Good for | Thick and coarse hair |
Recommended for | Legs, arms, underarms, bikini area |
2
Best for Sensitive Skin
Nair Glides Away Sensitive Formula Hair Remover
Now 25% Off
Whether you have sensitive skin or are removing hair from traditionally sensitive areas, like the underarm and bikini line, you need a gentle—but hardworking—formula to minimize the burning sensations often associated with hair removal creams and any resulting irritation. This dye- and paraben-free stick does the trick. It's just as effective as Nair's traditional formula but contains 100 percent natural coconut oil and vitamin E to nourish and soothe skin at the same time.
Key Ingredients | Coconut oil, vitamin E |
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Recommended for | Sensitive skin and sensitive areas |
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This hair removal cream comes in a convenient spray bottle (similar to an aerosol sunscreen) for easy application. Simply spray on, let sit for four minutes, then step in the shower to rinse the formula—and your hair—right down the drain.
Key Ingredients | Argan oil, orange blossom, |
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Recommended for | Arms, legs, bikini |
4
Best for slowing hair growth
Completely Bare Don't Grow There Body Moisturizer & Hair Inhibitor
Now 15% Off
Though hair removal creams aren't permanent, this moisturizer is a great long-term option for those seeking lasting results. It's not quite a hair removal cream, but it does contain a special blend of ingredients that work to reduce hair density and length as well as inhibit growth over time.
Key Ingredient | Shea Butter, white willow bark |
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A gentle formula is necessary for sensitive skin types, says Rina M. Allawh, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania. This formula by Veet is a great choice, because it contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera that create a buffer against irritating hair “dissolving” ingredients. Just don't leave the formula on for longer than 10 minutes, and consider applying refrigerated Vaseline to the area afterward to soothe, she says.
Key Ingredients | Aloe vera, vitamin E |
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Recommended for | Legs, arms |
6
Best Facial Hair Remover
Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
Forget wax—this hair removal cream is just as fast and lasts just as long but doesn't hurt at all. And because it's specially formulated for the upper lip, chin, and face, it contains extra-gentle and nourishing ingredients, like sweet almond oil, to minimize inflammation.
Key Ingredients | Sweet Almond Oil |
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Recommended for | Face |
Good for | Slowing down hair growth |
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7
Best Multitasking Hair Remover
Nads Natural 3-in-1 Body Butter Hair Removal Cream
Remove hair, exfoliate, and smooth skin in just four minutes with this creamy formula. It's safe to use on the arms, legs, and bikini area. The cream can be used in or out of the shower, and the results last for days.
Key Ingredients | Cocoa and shea butter |
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Recommended for | Arms, legs, bikini area |
Keep your upper lip and chin free of unwanted hair with this fast-acting, pain-free depilatory kit that comes with the hair removal cream and a moisturizing lotion made with collagen and soothing vitamin E.
Key Ingredients | Collagen, vitamin E |
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Recommended for | Face |
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9
Best Natural Facial Hair Remover
Elaine Perine Paris Facial Hair Inhibitor Cream
Now 18% Off
Dermatologically tested for all skin types, this facial hair growth inhibitor cream contains natural, plant-based ingredients such as palmetto, pumpkin seed, and willow herb to eliminate peach fuzz, upper lip hair, chin hair, and unwanted eyebrow hairs.
Key Ingredients | Palmetto, Pumpkin seed, Willowherb |
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Recommended for | Face |
This simple, three-step system is gentle on skin and includes a prepping powder and soothing mist to apply after removing hair. The natural sugar formula sticks to the hair, no skin, and is water soluble for quick and easy cleanup.
Key Ingredients | Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice, Licorice Root |
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Best for | Bikini area |
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Victoria is a fan of this sugaring kit for ridding coarse hairs in hard-to-reach spots. "It's got clean ingredients and removes hair at the root," she says. For the best results, she advises to not apply heavy oils or creams on the skin beforehand.
Key Ingredients | Natural Sugar |
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Recommended for | Armpits and bikini |
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Nicole Pearl Kaplan
Nicole Pearl Kaplan is a former national magazine beauty editor turned freelance journalist and On-Air personality. During her 20-plus year media career, she's written for countless magazines including Allure, Oprah Daily, and Marie Claire, and she appears as a Beauty Expert on TV sharing the latest trends, tips and products. Nicole is also dedicated to helping small business founders get the attention they deserve, teaching them how to increase their visibility and brand awareness.