Hair Removal Creams Are Majorly Underrated

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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 percent 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.

If any of the aforementioned options sound like too much of a pain in the heinie, 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.

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, previously told us. 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.

Natural 3-In-1 Body Butter Hair Removal Cream

Hair removal creamalmond

Nair Bladeless Shave Whipped Creme

I am all for anything that involves whipped cream–even hair removal products. This lovely creamy, foam hair remover is infused with lavender oil to bring you extra bliss. What's easier than spreading some foam on your legs?!

Hair Remover Cream

With aloe vera, vitamin E, and baby oil, you'll finally be able to have that silky smooth skin of your dreams. This formula only takes five minutes to work its hair removing magic. Plus, this is available on Amazon so you can get it before the weekend.

Glides Away Nourish With Coconut Oil

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.

Aloe & Water Lily Hair Removal Body Cream

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.

Sensitive Hair Removal Cream

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.

Creme Hair Remover Kit for Face

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 moisturized.

Face Cream Hair Remover With Sweet Almond Oil

If you’re prone to dry skin, the sweet almond oil in this removal cream will add an extra layer of moisture to keep your face soft and hair-free.

Aloe Vera Legs & Body Hair Remover Gel Cream

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.

Charcoal Brighten & Smooth Leg Mask

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.

Magic Razorless Shaving Cream for Hair Removal, Normal Beard Maintenance, Depilitory Cream - 6oz

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.

Bikini Creme Hair Remover

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 four minutes. The results last longer than shaving, too.

Body Hair Removal Cream

For more precise application, this gentle hair removal cream comes with a tool to help you place the formula exactly where you want it—and nowhere else. It's safe to use just about anywhere on the body—the legs, underarms, bikini line, arms, and stomach—works in less than 10 minutes, and has a subtle scent that's surprisingly pleasing.

Prep and Smooth Face, Facial Hair Remover

One of Nair's newest products is a game-changer for women who want to slough off all of that peach fuzz on their face to reveal smoother, brighter skin. The totally mess-free applicator glides across skin and stays put until it's ready to be wiped away five minutes later. It also comes in a hydrating formula packed with watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid.

Easy Off Foaming Hair Removal Spray

If you don't want to contend with drips and messy hands, take the them out of the equation with this foaming hair removal spray. It sticks to your skin once you spritz, then has to sit for just four to six minutes. At that point, you can either wipe it all away—hair included—with a wet towel or rinse your legs in the tub. The result is hair-free, smooth legs. Oh, and did we mention it contains mineral oil, aloe, shea butter, and cocoa butter for added hydration?

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