
If you choose to get rid of the hair on any part of your body, you know just how much you go through for a smooth and silky finish. And let's face it: no hair removal method is 100 per cent perfect. Waxing provides a smooth finish, but it's often too painful for some to bear; laser hair removal is convenient and long-lasting but pricey; and shaving, while easy, can leave the skin irritated and littered with razor bumps if it's done incorrectly.
Read more: Best bikini trimmers
If any of the aforementioned options sound like too much of a pain, hair removal creams might seem like the most convenient one. Today's formulas contain nourishing and soothing ingredients, like vitamin E, aloe vera, and cocoa butter — and they really do work. Ingredients like calcium hydroxide, calcium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide, and sodium thioglycolate break down the keratin bonds that make up the structure of your hair. Through this process—which usually takes just a few minutes—the hair weakens and starts to dissolve, making it easy to wipe away—no razor required.
If this sounds almost too good to be true, check out some of the best hair removal creams below.
Our Top Picks
Best hypoallergenic hair removal cream
Nad's Natural Hair Removal Body Butter 3 in 1
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Best moisturising hair removal cream
Meltoway Hair Dissolving Cream Milk and Honey
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Best hair removal cream for sensitive skin
Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
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Best hair removal cream for dry skin
Nair Moisturising Face Cream for Upper Lip Chin And Face
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Best hair removal cream for body hair
Veet Gel Cream Hair Remover
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How to use a hair removal cream
Obviously, there are a few things to keep in mind before trying out a new hair removal cream. 'To lower irritation risk, you can only leave it on for one to three minutes and then shave it off in a warm shower,' S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., founder of Miami Skin Institute, advised. She also recommends patch testing beforehand to make sure your skin doesn't have any adverse reactions to the product.
Meet Our Expert: S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., founder of Miami Skin Institute
Body hair can be a touchy subject, and understandably so. No one should have to subscribe to the societal pressures of removing it—in the end, the choice is all yours. If you do choose to go team bare, it might be time to give hair removal creams another shot. The best hair removal creams are completely painless, unlike waxing or laser hair removal, and remove the hairs from the root, unlike shaving, leaving you hair-free for days longer.
Pros
Non-messy formula
Moisturising
Cons
May not work as well on coarse hair
Hair removal cream but make it *natural.* This new product from Nad's is made with 80% natural ingredients, including almond oil and shea butter. Cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and the thick no-drip formula make this hair removal product extra enticing.
With aa botanical-rich formula and delicious cream and honey scent, you'll finally be able to have that silky smooth skin of your dreams without that chemical scent offered by most hair removal creams.
This formula only takes two to three minutes to work on the face or five to eight for the body, so the process of hair removal with this product isn't a time-consuming one.
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Pros
Great for sensitive skin
Includes moisturising vitamin E
Cons
Scent may be unpleasant for some
This dye- and paraben-free formula is made with skin-saving ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E—perfect for that sensitive underarm area. Bonus: Its touch-free application makes for a no-mess process.
Pros
Quick working
Easy to use
Cons
Strong smell
Summertime means bare skin, but there isn’t always time to keep up appearances. Nair’s Hair Removal Lotion works its magic fast — smooth on a thick layer to the desired area and remove it with a damp washcloth after just three minutes. You’ll be out the door and on your way to the pool in no time.
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Pros
Easy to use
Cruelty-free
Good for sensitive skin
Cons
Unpleasant smell
The key to a good hair removal cream is a solid ingredient list, and this one from Nad’s makes the cut. Melon extract, aloe vera, avocado oil, and honey all work to keep skin hydrated and calm during the hair removal process.
Pros
Brightening
Hydrating
Cons
Burns a little bit
Say goodbye to peach fuzz and hello to soft skin. The removal cream in this kit contains pumpkin seed oil, which helps brighten skin tone, while the skin conditioning lotion has vitamin E and collagen to keep your skin calm and moisturised.
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Pros
Versatile
Hydrating
Cons
Sometimes requires multiple applications
The gel consistency of this cream from Veet, packed with aloe vera and vitamin E, gives the skin a boost of moisture for gentle hair removal on larger areas like your legs and arms. With something so versatile, you'll get a lot of bang for your buck—especially given the price.
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Pros
Exfoliating
Brightening
Cons
Instructions are hard to work through at first
This charcoal mask does double duty by exfoliating the skin while also removing unwanted hair. Natural clay and pure charcoal work to give your legs a bright look and a silky feel.
Pros
Works on thick, curly hair
Hydrating
Cons
Unpleasant smell
If the hair on your chin is thick, coarse, or curly, this cream will get rid of it in minutes. It also features ingredients like shea butter and almond oil to keep your bare face moisturized and free of irritation.
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Pros
Long-lasting results
Quick-working
Cons
Works best if you trim hair first
The bikini area is one of those hard-to-reach spots that's prone to razor bumps. But thankfully this hair removal cream, which is safe for use down there, works to remove stubble or hair in as little as three minutes. The results last longer than shaving, too.
From: Women's Health US
Josey Murray
Josey Murray is the editorial fellow at Women's Health. She's passionate about storytelling, sustainable wellness, and the plant-based lifestyle. When she's not writing, she loves learning about mushrooms and discovering new wellness products.