You may think that the days of searching for the best hair removal cream are a thing of the past, but products like this are still very popular and useful in daily life.

It’s true that depilatory cream is just one of the numerous modern options available for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Many resort to simple shaving or tweezing when it’s necessary. Some leave it to professionals and schedule in-office sugaring or waxing treatments every few weeks.

What if you need to remove hair at a moment’s notice? This is why it’s important to look for a depilatory cream that works well with your skin. Using a cream-based hair removal kit is affordable, easy, quick and mostly painless—as long as you follow instructions. Even shaving takes longer and can result in dry skin and small cuts if you’re not careful.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best hair removal creams below. Find the right product for your skin type and particular needs here.

Editors choice

2. Neomen Hair Removal Cream

9.85 / 10
Read Reviews

Looking for a reliable depilatory product you can use on several parts of your body? Neomen Hair Removal Cream tops our list because of its multi-purpose and moisturizing properties.

With a vitamin E-infused formula that also includes hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, the depilatory cream does its job while hydrating your skin. You can apply this product on your arms, underarms, legs and bikini line—although the company doesn’t recommend using the product on your face. Neomen also suggests that customers do an allergy test on your hands before ordinary use of the cream.

Neomen Hair Removal Cream comes in a portable size and includes an applicator in the form of a curved spatula. Directions indicate that the latter should be used both to spread the depilatory cream all over the target area and to remove the product before rinsing with water after enough time has passed for it to work.

Barring the rare adverse reaction—which should have been caught by the initial allergy test—the result should be skin with no nicks or unsightly bumps. It should look smoother than a shave, as the hair is supposed to be removed much closer to the follicle root. Using this cream should be a painless experience.

Important: Neomen Hair Removal Cream is intended to get rid of fine hairs. Coarser strands may resist this depilatory product. Five minutes is the minimum time it should stay on your skin, and 10 minutes the maximum. It is safer to simply tweeze out stubborn hairs, rather than leave Neomen Hair Removal Cream on your skin longer than the company advises.

Key Features
  • Dermatologist tested moisturizing formula
  • Comes in a portable tube with an accompanying applicator
  • Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee
Specifications
  • Package Size: 7.6 x 2.3 x 2 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 72 hours between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 1.5 to 2 weeks
Pros
  • Quick and hassle-free hair removal
  • Smells gentler than other depilatory creams
  • Can smoothen and hydrate sensitive skin
Cons
  • Not recommended for facial use
  • May not be effective on coarse hair
  • May irritate the skin if used incorrectly

Nair Hair Remover Cream Nourish Shower Power may include moisturizing and hydrating Moroccan argan oil in its ingredients, but it is definitely not for sensitive skin. In fact, the formulation is strong enough to properly dissolve even the thickest of your hair strands. Make sure you conduct a sensitivity test a full day before widespread use of this product on your skin.

As confirmed by its name, this hair removal cream is indicated for pre-shower use, which makes it very convenient and easy to use. However, one overlooked instruction is that the skin must be completely dry before cream application. It’s also not recommended for sensitive locations like your face or genital areas. You should also wash your hands after application and rinsing to make sure that your hands don’t get irritated.

If your shower routine is quick, you can wait until after you’ve shampooed your hair and soaped unaffected areas of your body before rinsing off Nair Hair Remover Cream Nourish Shower Power. Make sure you don’t go over ten minutes, though.

The sponge is more than a simple cream applicator. While you shouldn’t rub in the product during the initial application, you may also use the sponge to carefully encourage the hair removal as you are taking off the cream after the allotted time. Massage the treated area in small circles so the unwanted hair comes off more easily.

Because the dermatologist-tested formula is both strong and revitalizing, you may expect smooth and silky skin without new hair growth from more than one week.

Key Features
  • Includes Moroccan argan oil and a gentle orange blossom fragrance
  • Dermatologist-tested and backed by Nair’s decades-long hair removal expertise
  • Comes with a sponge applicator
Specifications
  • Package Size: 3.3 x 2.8 x 7.2 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 24 hours between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 2 to 10 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 2 weeks
Pros
  • Still has a distinctive odor, but not as strong compared to other Nair products
  • Removes even very coarse and thick hair
  • Easy application is facilitated by the sponge and the bottle’s nozzle
Cons
  • Sponge is flimsy and may break before the hair removal cream runs out
  • Rinsing off the product leads to the bathroom floor being dangerously slippery
  • Adverse reactions can be very extreme, including split skin and bleeding

Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream is meant to be gentler than your typical depilatory product, but it is not recommended for use on your face and other tender areas—like near your genital area or on your chest. Use this cream on your arms, bikini line, legs and underarms instead.

Along with melon, honey, avocado, and aloe vera, the Nad’s formula for sensitive skin includes chamomile and shea butter. These natural ingredients the understandably strong chemical components that work to painlessly dissolve unwanted hair to reveal soft and silky skin. And that's why it's one of the best hair removal creams right now.

The brand makes a big deal out of using Odor Elimination Technology on Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream. Although it doesn’t smell unbearable, it is definitely not scent-free. Of course, it doesn’t help that product directions note that it’s ideal to use this cream right before showering. Odors will seem stronger and take longer to dissipate in damp, small and closed-off locations.

As Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream doesn’t come with an applicator spatula or sponge, you will need to use your hands to spread the cream smoothly over the target area. Make sure you achieve complete and even coverage. Apply smoothly and don’t rub the product into your skin. Let it do its work and keep it on for 10 minutes or less.

Remember to wash your hands right after applying the depilatory product to avoid accidental adverse reactions. When removing Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream, use a soft washcloth and rinse the area thoroughly with water before patting dry.

Key Features
  • Contains aloe vera, avocado oil, honey, and melon extracts
  • Formulated with Nad’s Odor Elimination Technology
  • Nad’s recommends using the product right before showering
Specifications
  • Package Size: 2 x 3 x 6.3 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 24 hours between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 4 to 10 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 1 week
Pros
  • Smells strong but not as unpleasant as other depilatory creams
  • Cruelty-free and 100 percent not tested on animals
  • Leaves no burning sensation during or after use
Cons
  • May not be as effective if used on coarse, thick hair
  • Typically needs more than the minimum 4 minutes for best results
  • Does not come with a spatula or applicator

Avon Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Sensitive Skin Body Hair Removal Cream is an affordable choice for those that need to use depilatory products consistently. However, it is worth noting that there is a considerable amount of customers that have reported allergic or adverse reactions to the cream.

To be safe, always do a patch test first. Use a tiny amount of Avon Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Sensitive Skin Body Hair Removal Cream on a quarter-sized skin area near your unwanted hairs and wait for at least one full day to give your body enough time to react to the product. If no irritation or abnormal reaction occurs, you may proceed to ordinary use.

As with any chemical-based hair removal cream, apply Avon Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Sensitive Skin Body Hair Removal Cream evenly on your skin. You may use your bare hands to ensure thick and comprehensive coverage, but don’t forget to wash your hands right after so as not to overexpose your palms and fingers to the chemicals.

Do not rub in the product, and instead let it sit on the skin undisturbed for two to eight minutes. Check if your hairs are ready to be easily wiped off at the two-minute mark. If not, keep checking every few minutes. The goal is to have the hair removal cream on your skin only as long as absolutely necessary.

Although Avon specifically markets this depilatory cream by focusing on moisture-locking meadowfoam seed oil in the formula, it is far from the only notable ingredient. The hair removal product also contains hydrating aloe vera and anti-inflammatory extracts of both witch hazel and willow bark. The latter is also typically used in skincare products that focus on dermal rejuvenation.

Key Features
  • Contains aloe vera, meadowfoam oil, witch hazel, and willow bark
  • Formulated especially for sensitive skin
  • Gentle and fragrance-free
Specifications
  • Package Size: 5 x 1.4 x 0.9 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 24 hours between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 2 to 8 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 1 week
Pros
  • Package contains more product at a lower cost compared to others
  • Formula leaves the skin very smooth and soft after treatment
  • Works on even on thick, coarse or otherwise stubborn hair
Cons
  • Fragrance-free but not scentless, with the odor actually being pungent
  • Allergic reactions or results of improper use include redness and rashes
  • Not suitable for facial use or application on other sensitive areas

Customer experiences with Gigi Hair Removal Cream For the Face with Calming Balm are curiously split. Some find it perfectly gentle and mild, while others have suffered from alarming adverse reactions. Patch testing on a small area of your skin is recommended before ordinary use. If you can, wait a full day to see how your body reacts to the product.

Travel-sized Gigi Hair Removal Cream For the Face with Calming Balm is actually two different products: a depilatory cream and an aftercare balm. For those trying to avoid them, it’s worth noting that the former contains sulfates and the latter contains parabens. Both contain cucumber and aloe vera extract.

The cucumber is included as a cooling and calming agent, while the aloe vera is meant to hydrate and moisturize the skin. The formulation and its directions for use are also marketed as a pH-balancing set of products.

Like most hair removal creams, the Gigi product should not stay on the skin longer than a few minutes and must be used sparingly. Redness, swelling and other types of irritation may be due to improper use of the product. Customers have also mentioned that applying the calming balm after noticing bad reactions to the depilatory cream may make the pain worse.

For best results, use only on the face and only to remove fine hairs. Do not exceed the maximum amount of time listed on the packaging. Do not apply on damaged or tender skin, such as skin that’s been recently sunburnt or recovering from razor burn.

Key Features
  • Separate hair removal cream and calming balm for aftercare
  • Formulated particularly for the face
  • Contains natural cooling cucumber and soothing aloe vera
Specifications
  • Package Size: 3 x 2 x 5 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 48 hours in between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 5 to 8 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 1 to 2 weeks
Pros
  • Odor is not mild but much more pleasant than other depilatory creams
  • Excellent results when used on fine facial hair or “peach fuzz”
  • Two-part product better moisturizes and balances skin’s natural pH
Cons
  • The calming balm is in a much tinier bottle than the hair removal cream
  • Very sensitive skin may experience redness, swelling, and burning
  • Small amount of products in the package may not last many applications

Sally Hansen is an established beauty and hygiene brand with more than 50 years of professional experience. Their Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit for the face recently went through a slight reformulation, which was meant to improve its scent. Tested by salons and dermatologists, both depilator and lotion components have moisturizing properties.

Because the Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit is formulated for a particular area of the body, it may not be as effective elsewhere. Despite this, consider doing a small patch test somewhere relatively easy to cover up—like the neck or inner arm—before full application. There are enough customer accounts of redness and irritation to merit this extra step.

Willowherb, pumpkin seed and saw palmetto extracts are found in both the hair removal cream and the aftercare lotion. These three natural ingredients are known as dermal conditioners that help heal irritated or dry skin and encourage suppleness. Curiously, the saw palmetto extract is also used to treat hair loss.

This is one of our choices for the best hair removal creams because it also contains vitamin E, components of both German and Roman chamomile, an anti-inflammatory salt derived from licorice, and aloe vera juice. These provide additional hydration and calming properties to balance out the chemicals that are included to dissolve hair.

Sally Hansen recommends smoothing the depilatory cream over the target area using your fingertips. Do not rub the product into your skin. Complete coverage is a must, with the cream layer needing to be about one-sixteenth of an inch. Remove with a cotton ball or tissue after a few minutes, rinse using lukewarm water, pat dry and apply the aftercare lotion liberally.

Key Features
  • Includes separate hair removal cream and moisturizing lotion
  • Salon and dermatologist tested formulation
  • Specifically indicated for use on the chin and above the upper lip
Specifications
  • Package Size: 3 x 2 x 4 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 24 hours between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 3 to 5 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 1 week
Pros
  • Formulated and recommended for facial use
  • Separate depilator and lotion makes aftercare easier
  • Strong but not unpleasant smell
Cons
  • Amount of lotion provided is not enough for regular use
  • Depilator may cause a burning sensation and other skin irritations
  • Does not come with an applicator

It was more difficult than usual to research on Veet Botanic Inspirations Gel Cream Hair Remover. The formulation has been around for a while, but its current packaging is new. A spatula was sometimes included in the purchase, but that does not seem to be the case for this particular iteration of Veet’s hair removal cream. Nonetheless, it is easily one of the best hair removal creams available today.

Although Veet markets this depilatory cream as botanical, the ingredient list does not seem to contain any other natural extract apart from aloe vera. Similarly, its touted three-step process is par for the course when it comes to hair removal creams.

How do you use Veet Botanic Inspirations Gel Cream Hair Remover? Apply evenly on the target area, making sure that you start with dry and undamaged skin. Leave on the skin for five to ten minutes, testing a small area for removal at the five-minute mark and keeping a close watch so as not to overexpose your skin to the chemicals. Once you’re satisfied with the results, remove the cream completely with a wet cloth before rinsing thoroughly with water.

Some tips to keep in mind: Do not rub in the product during application, as this may affect the evenness of its effect on your skin. Wash your hands after applying the cream and after taking it off. Apart from the area with unwanted hair, your hands are also exposed to and may also be irritated by the ingredients.

Veet Botanic Inspirations Gel Cream is the ideal consistency for depilatory creams. It can stay on the skin and dissolve hair proteins far beneath the skin, giving you a much longer time period in between treatments.

Key Features
  • Contains hydrating aloe vera and skin conditioning vitamin E
  • Dermatologist-tested formula from a trusted hair removal brand
  • Quickly removes hair in three easy steps
Specifications
  • Package Size: 3.1 x 7.1 x 2 inches
  • Recommended Usage Frequency: At least 72 hours in between applications
  • Recommended Application Time: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Effectiveness Time: 2 to 4 weeks
Pros
  • Leaves skin very soft after hair removal
  • Strong smell but not as sharp or unpleasant as other formulations
  • Works on both fine and coarse hair
Cons
  • Current tube packaging does not come with an applicator or spatula
  • Various packaging variations of the same formula can be confusing
  • Not recommended for sensitive areas, including the face

We’re not going to lie: It can be difficult to find a hair removal cream that works, especially if you have sensitive skin or coarse hair. However, if you’re willing to try several depilatory creams to find the one that fits you, the benefits far outweigh the risks. The good news is that there are so many different products to choose from.

Compared to shaving and tweezing, using a depilatory cream can result in smoother and softer skin with little to no irritation or ingrown hairs. Many hair removal creams include a moisturizing element. Wiping off the depilatory product along with the removed hairs may also exfoliate your skin.

You must follow directions, particularly if you’re using chemical-based depilatory products. Consider doing a patch test on a spot that’s easily covered up a day before trying a new hair removal cream all over your legs or on a visible area like your face. Apply a thin layer and assess the product’s effectiveness after the recommended waiting time.

Remember: The ingredients should be strong enough to dissolve your hairs from below the surface and get under your skin. Watch your clock because leaving the cream on your skin too long can burn or irritate your skin. If you think you need a second application to remove stray hairs, don’t do it immediately after the first one.

Avoid areas near the eyes—including the eyebrows, unless the product instructions allow it—and check for cuts and scrapes before application. Small razor nicks can be almost invisible to the naked eye, but if you get hair removal cream on these open wounds, it will feel painful. This step is important because you may assume that you’re having a bad reaction to the product.

Using a hair removal cream on your own is meant to be fast and painless. If this isn’t your experience, you should stop using the product and switch to a different brand or formulation. Even if you follow instructions, there is still a chance of an allergic reaction.

Don’t let the worst-case scenarios dissuade you from trying out hair removal creams! The search for a depilatory product your skin will love can be exhausting, but thankfully these products are rarely expensive. Some are also returnable.

Start with our 10 recommended best hair removal creams. Hopefully, one of these will be the one that fits your skin type, specific need, and skin type.

Resources— Byrdie, HowStuffWorks, Women’s Health

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