April 29, 2024·22 min read
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No shade to razors, but the typical means of temporary hair removal—shaving, waxing, etc—can leave something to be desired. (See: ingrowns! Pain!) The best hair-removal creams, however, are here to the rescue. I know, I know: If you too tried to experiment with these formulas as a teen only to experience burning and itchiness, you might not be so gung-ho about these formula. That's exactly what happened with me, which is why I experimented with razors, bikini trimmers, at-home wax strips, and laser hair removal for years. And while they were...fine, none of them have been amazing enough for me to stick with them forevs.
That's why I finally decided to re-try depilatory creams last year and realized how far the formulas had come since I was a tween. These days, hair-removal creams are actually the quickest, easiest way to smooth, hairless skin—no trauma necessary!
Here's a quick breakdown on how these bbs work: Hair-removal creams (aka depilatory creams) chemically “break down the tight bonds in your hair proteins, making them weak enough to break off,” says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. In most cases, you’ll swipe on a layer of cream, wait anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes, then rinse or wipe it off. It’s seriously easy, but you've got to pay attention: If you use the wrong cream on the wrong body part, you could be left with burned and inflamed skin. (If there was ever a time to stop and read directions first, it's now!).
To save you the hassle, I tested out a handful of creams and chatted with Dr. Lal to compile the best hair-removal creams of 2024 for all skin and hair types, and preferences. Keep scrolling for a peek:
Our top picks for the best hair removal creams in 2024:
Now keep reading for all of the best hair removal creams, like hair removal creams for dry skin, sensitive skin, bikini lines, and more. Then, Dr. Lal and I got into all the need-to-know information, like how to apply hair removal cream, if hair removal cream is better than shaving, and if hair removal cream is supposed to hurt (hint: nope).
Body-Hair Removal Cream
When I say this hair-removal cream is the only reason I have fully stopped waxing, shaving, or trimming my swimsuit line, I mean it, y’all. The formula breaks down every single hair, leaving me super smooth for about a full week before I feel the need to spot-treat a couple of hairs or trim the edges. And it does so without even remotely irritating my skin, due to a mix of soothing urea and bisabolol. When I wipe the cream away with a washcloth after 8 to 10 minutes, I notice my skin already feels moisturized, even without any product on it (which I fully attribute to my fave, shea butter). FWIW, I also have been loving the Flamingo Facial-Hair-Removal Cream to get rid of peach fuzz because it’s equally as moisturizing.
Key ingredients: Thioglycolic acid (chemical hair remover), urea, bisabolol, shea butter
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: "Wow! After my leg hair grew out over a couple months, I was sure my options were getting hair tangled in a razor blade while trying to shave in the shower for an hour, or a product like this. But… how well does it work?? IT REMOVED EVERYTHING! All the dark, thick hair is gone, and I have no chemical burns. My legs have never been smoother!”
Hair-Removal Cream
Now that I’ve tested dozens of hair-removal creams, I realize that my faves require little-to-no finesse. Basically, I don’t have time to swipe a formula on and wait for 10 minutes, all to be left with a leg still covered in hair. But with this gentle cream, I truly only need one layer to get my legs silky smooth. And surprisingly, I find the formula petty gentle (shout out to aloe vera and allantoin, which both help soothe my skin).
Key ingredients: Thioglycolic acid (chemical hair remover), aloe vera, allantoin
Fragrance free? Yes
Glowing customer review: “This was literally the same as if I got a Brazilian wax. I left it on the whole 10 minutes, and it started to sting a tiny bit as I was scraping it off, which had me hurriedly jumping into the shower to rinse. It had almost no smell, which was nice and it took off ALL the hair!”
Hair Removal Treatment Kit
I’m convinced that a Brazilian swimsuit wax is the closest pain to childbirth (preface: I have no kids, so pls don’t tell me otherwise). Which is why I always opt for this sensitive hair-removal cream when I want to go hairless. It’s filled with soothers like green tea, aloe, and chamomile, which help soothe my bb swimsuit line skin as I remove hair. I just follow the instructions (smooth a thin layer over your skin, wait 4 to 10 minutes, then wipe off with a warm, wet washcloth), and I have a silky, soft swimsuit line in usually less than five minutes.
Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), aloe vera, green tea, chamomile
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I used this on my underarms and swimsuit area. I left it on for 10 minutes, and everything wiped right off. I showered afterward and had no issues! Will continue to purchase!”
Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
Your swimsuit area is prone to irritation (as you already know from being a living, breathing human), so if you’re going to use a depilatory on sensitive skin, it has to be packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients, like this Nad’s formula. It’s made with moisturizing shea butter and avocado oil, as well as soothing aloe vera and honey to help prevent the sensitive skin on your swimsuit line from freaking out and becoming irritated.
Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), shea butter, aloe vera, avocado oil, honey
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I always get razor burns or cuts from shaving, and I always seem to miss spots. I layered this cream on very thick and didn’t rub it in. I let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, I went in the shower with a loofah and rubbed it away in circular motions. All the hair came off without any effort!! I was shocked. No razor burn. No missed spots.”
Magic Razorless Shaving Cream
So, this cult-favorite hair-removal cream (waddup 7,000 positive reviews) is actually geared toward removing thick facial hair, which is why it’s ideal for anyone looking to remove coarse or curly hair from their body. Just slather on a thick layer of this shea butter-spiked cream wherever you want to get rid of hair, leave it on for 4-7 minutes depending on the thickness of your hair, and wipe the hair away with a damp washcloth.
Key ingredients: Thioglycolic acid (chemical hair remover), shea butter
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I get bad razor burn on my swimsuit area and have been waxing instead to prevent that. However, I used this stuff the other day, and I was pleasantly surprised that it removed most of my unwanted hair and left me with no irritation.”
Facial Hair Removal Cream
Need a gentle facial hair remover? Skip the irritating razors and wax and try this gentle hair-removal cream instead from Nad’s. It leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, thanks to moisturizing calendula and almond oils, without having to worry about patchy skin or nicks. If you’re prone to sensitivity, definitely layer on a hydrating serum and barrier-repair cream afterward to limit inflammation and dryness.
Key ingredients: Thioglycolic acid (chemical hair remover), sweet-almond oil, calendula oil
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I was using this to remove both thick and thin dark hairs on my upper lip and my chin. It worked like a charm! I ended up leaving it on for a total of eight minutes. Honestly, I didn’t think it would work as well as it did.”
Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit
Even though the hair on your face is NBD, you might still want to get rid of yours, and that’s where this gentle hair-removal cream comes in. Just smooth it on, wait five minutes, and gently wipe it off with a damp cloth to instantly remove even the finest facial hair like peach fuzz. It also comes with a moisturizing face lotion that's filled with plumping collagen and moisturizing vitamin E to keep your delicate facial skin looking glowy.
Key ingredients: Calcium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), vitamin E, aloe vera, bisabolol
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “This is a quick, easy product to remove upper lip hair. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and use prescription retinoids. This product does not irritate my skin. I can use it, and my skin won't be red, irritated, break out, or peel unlike a lot of other hair removal methods.”
Easy-Off Foaming Hair-Removal Spray
If you hate slathering on runny hair-removal creams, switch to this whipped, spray-foam formula that sticks to your legs as soon as you spray it on (just make sure to hop in the shower first to avoid spraying your floor or walls). Let it sit for four to six minutes, then wipe away with a wet towel or rinse it off with water. And, thanks to its added mix of moisturizers (hi, urea, aloe, shea butter, and cocoa butter), your skin will be left feeling softer and smoother, too.
Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), urea, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I've been looking for different ways to get rid of body hair, and this is by far the easiest fastest one yet. Being a mom, you never have time anymore, but this has been the best one by far—10/10 recommend.”
3-in-1 Hair Removal Body Butter
Most hair-removal creams tend to be runny and lightweight, which is totally fine, unless you've already got dry, scaly skin that could use some extra TLC. Enter: This rich formula from Nad’s, which uses urea, glycerin, sweet almond oil, and shea butter to help lightly moisturize and coddle your skin while the formula does its thing to your hair. Leave it on for four to six minutes and either wash it away in the shower or remove with a washcloth.
Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), urea, glycerin, sweet almond oil, shea butter
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “This literally goes on like butter and leaves skin feeling like it also. It doesn’t burn or take a long time for hair to be removed. Will purchase again.”
Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
This in-shower hair-removal cream looks like a creamy body wash but works like a depilatory, so you can one-and-done your hair removal before getting in the shower. Smooth the cream on your dry skin, wait just a few minutes (that's about how long it takes for the water to warm up anyway), then hop in and rinse away the cream, your unwanted hair, and you know, the rest of the day’s grime.
Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), urea, aloe vera
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “This product is extremely easy to use. The cream is not thick, and it’s actually like a lotion, so it feels good too. The product is one that I needed in my life for so long, and I am so glad I don’t have to deal with using razors any longer because I will be using this instead.”
Tame It! In-Shower Natural Hair Removal Depilatory Cream
Your precious lil skin deserves a hair-removal cream filled with ingredients to soothe as it removes hair. That's why I'm a fan of this one, which contains aloe vera and jojoba oil to help calm down any irritation as the cream breaks down the hair on your swimsuit line and legs. Bonus: It comes with a spatula for hands-free application.
Key ingredients: Thioglycolic acid (chemical hair remover), jojoba oil, aloe vera
Fragrance free? Yes
Glowing customer review: “Great product - did its job well! I have very sensitive skin and this did not irritate my skin at all."
Shower Cream Hair Remover Sensitive Formula
This mask kinda checks all the boxes: It's super-gentle (aka won't burn), removes hair below the surface of skin (!), and actually smells good—think warm and cozy, thanks to notes of coconut, amber, and musk. It's powerful enough for coarse hair, though, which is why you can only use it below the neck.
Key ingredients: Calcium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), coconut oil, vitamin
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: "I absolutely fell in love. As someone with sensitive skin this is so easy and nice to use! I don’t have to worry about cutting myself or getting a rash from the razors! It left my skin so soft and smelt amazing as well. I definitely recommend to anyone young starting out or anyone that has issues while shaving! Will be using this from now on"
In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
More than 47,000 reviewers rave about this hair-removal cream on Amazon, especially its gel-cream formula that sticks to skin without sliding off. Testers also noted again and again how their skin was left feeling smooth for over a week (!), as well as immediately after wiping off, thanks to the formula’s aloe vera, urea, and vitamin E.
Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), urea, aloe vera, vitamin E
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I shaved previously the night before, but I went ahead and applied this on both pits and waited the allotted amount of time. The hair was very very small, but this product got it done! Using the included plastic scraper, I was able to remove all the teeny tiny hairs that were left over from the shave the night before.”
Clay & Seaweed Exfoliate & Smooth Leg Mask
Hi, meet my holy-grail hair-removal cream. Why? Because it gently exfoliates my skin with kaolin clay, which is a godsend for my ingrown-prone legs. I slather a thick layer all over my skin, wait about five minutes, and then wipe it off and hop in the shower to rinse off any residue. It quickly gets rid of any stubble and leaves my skin feeling smoother, especially when I follow it up with a rich moisturizer.
Key ingredients: Calcium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), kaolin clay (exfoliator), seaweed extract (moisturizer)
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “This is absolutely one of the best purchases I've made. I use this on my arms because they've always grown lots of hair, and I never liked shaving them because of the razor burns. This product couldn't be easier to use! Just lather a good amount on, wait 10 minutes, and wipe off with a wet rag.”
Hair-Removal Cream
Yeah, I get it: Most hair-removal creams smell like a chemical nightmare. But this one by Epify has a fresh, surprisingly pleasant scent that helps mask the thioglycolic acid (i.e., the ingredient that breaks down your hair). No, it's not going to smell as good as your grapefruit-vanilla-sugar body lotion, but it'll still be easier on your nose than traditional formulas. And you only have to use it for a few minutes, according to testers, before it dissolves your hair.
Key ingredients: Thioglycolate hydroxide (chemical hair remover), urea, sweet-almond oil
Fragrance free? No
Glowing customer review: “I was hoping to avoid that god-awful smell that appears unavoidable with depilatory creams. I'll say that this one, while it does still have a bit of that same ‘depilatory cream smell,’ is moderately masked by a more pleasant scent. So it is, indeed, far less pungent and overpowering than every similar product I've tried through the years.”
How to choose the best hair-removal cream:
Determine where you’ll use it
Whether you’re using a hair-removal cream on your legs, swimsuit line, underarms, or arms will depend on what kind of cream you go for. Creams for your face and swimsuit line (like Nad’s Facial Hair-Removal Cream and Sally Hansen Creme Hair-Remover Duo Kit) tend to be a bit gentler and contain oils and ingredients that can help offset irritation on sensitive skin. Creams for your legs or underarms (hi, Nair Clay & Seaweed Exfoliate & Smooth Leg Mask and Epify Hair-Removal Cream), however, are a bit stronger for removing thicker hair, but will likely be too intense for other areas of your body.
Consider your skin type
If you have sensitive, reactive skin, look for formulas without potentially irritating ingredients, like essential oils and heavy fragrance, and instead pick formulas specifically created for sensitive skin, which tend to be filled with protective ingredients like aloe vera, butters, and oils. Those butters and oils (like shea butter and almond oil) will also come in handy if you have dry skin. Neomen Hair-Removal Cream is a great fragrance-free option, fyi.
On the other hand, if your skin is super "tough," opt for a formula that'll remove your hair in the shortest amount of time—less time spent on your skin = less risk of irritation or having to apply a second layer. Often, these formulas will have labels reading “max strength,” so you know which to choose. Our testers loved the SoftSheen Carson Magic Razorless Cream Shave for their coarse, curly hair.
Decide your ideal formula
You’ve got a few options when it comes to depilatories, like spray-on foams, wash-off creams, and gel-based formulas. If you hate spreading a thick, goopy cream all over your skin (sticky hands aren’t exactly conducive to TikToking), go for a spray-on foam like Completely Bare Easy-Off Foaming Hair-Removal Spray. Or, if you hate doing laundry, try a formula that can be washed off in the shower rather than be removed with a washcloth, such as Veet In-Shower Hair-Removal Cream.
How do you apply hair-removal cream?
When you’re ready to apply hair-removal cream, follow the directions, especially the length of time recommended to leave the cream on your skin. Every cream has different levels of thioglycolic acid (the chemical that removes your hair), so some creams can be used for ten minutes, while others will start irritating your skin after four minutes. You should always do a patch test on your upper thigh or arm 24 hours prior to confirm your skin can tolerate the formula before slathering it all over, says Dr. Lal.
Once you’ve confirmed the cream is suitable for your skin, smooth a thin layer of cream (or foam or gel) on the hair you want to remove and leave it on for the suggested amount of time, always erring on the side of caution the first time (i.e.; If they suggest 5-10 minutes, wash it off at minute five). Then, use a warm, wet washcloth (or just water itself, depending on the formula) to remove the cream. Rinse your skin with a moisturizing, fragrance-free body wash, and always slather on a gentle moisturizer or occlusive ointment.
Can I use hair-removal cream on my private area?
Yes, you can use hair-removal cream on your “private area” (aka your pubic region). But keep in mind that the skin around your genitals is extremely sensitive, so you might have to take some precautions. Hair-removal cream should never go inside your genitals, which can result in burning, itching, and potentially even an infection. I always check the packaging on my hair-removal cream to make sure it’s safe for my swimsuit line (and my favorites for this area are the swimsuit Zone Hair-Removal Treatment Kit and the Nad’s Sensitive Hair-Removal Cream).
To make sure your skin can tolerate the cream—whether you’re using it on your swimsuit line or any other area of your body—start with a tiny patch test 24 hours before you plan to use the cream by dabbing it on your skin, then wiping it off after four minutes to see if you have any irritation.If you start to experience burning, redness, itching, or discomfort, immediately wipe off the cream with a warm washcloth, wash your skin with gentle soap and water, then dry off and smooth on a soothing, fragrance-free lotion.
How often can you use hair-removal cream?
You can use hair-removal cream as often as every three days, but you might prefer to wait five to seven to avoid irritation, or based on how quickly your hair grows back. How often you decide to use hair-removal cream will fully depend on your hair and skin type. Some hair types grow back quicker than others, while some might only need to use hair-removal cream once a week or so. Luckily, hair-removal creams tend to keep you hairless a bit longer than shaving, since your hair is dissolved from the follicle, rather than just trimmed at the surface.
Does hair-removal cream hurt?
Hair-removal cream can sting a little bit, like when you use a chemical exfoliant, though it should ideally feel like nothing at all. And if it does, that’s a red flag that the formula isn’t agreeing with your skin and you should remove it immediately. “If your skin feels like it’s on fire, wash the cream off asap and liberally layer on a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to help calm down some inflammation and itch,” says Dr. Lal.
Again, this is also whyit’s so important to not only patch-test 24 hours ahead of time, but to also follow the directions on the cream’s package, as leaving a hair-removal cream on too long can cause burning, peeling, dryness, and irritation. And if you have naturally sensitive skin, you should avoid using hair-removal creams on even-more sensitive areas, like your face and swimsuit line.
Is hair-removal cream better than shaving?
Whether you prefer hair-removal cream or shaving depends on your personal preference and skin type. If you get painful, irritated razor burn or ingrown hairs whenever you shave, you might prefer a hair-removal cream, which can be gentler. But hair-removal creams can also be too strong and cause burning and stinging for those with very sensitive skin (especially if you have eczema or keratosis pilaris), so you’ll need to experiment a bit before making a decision.
Does hair grow back thicker after hair-removal cream?
No, your hair won’t grow back thicker or faster after using hair-removal cream. Any hair-removal technique that dissolves, shaves, or trims your hair without fully pulling it from its root will leave the tip feeling a bit more stubbly as it grows back. But hair-removal cream is not actually causing your hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster—nothing but your genetics and hormones can alter your hair growth.
Does hair-removal cream leave stubble?
No, hair-removal cream doesn’t generally leave stubble, because it dissolves the hair from the root rather than slicing it off on a jagged edge at the surface. But depilatory creams sometimes don’t pick up all of the hairs, which won’t necessarily leave behind stubble, but rather sparse patches. In this case, you can pluck those individual hairs or trim them with a swimsuit trimmer, or wait three days to go over the area with your hair-removal cream again (any sooner than that, and you can potentially experience dryness and irritation). As your hair starts to grow back, however, you might notice a little stubble, depending on how quickly your hair grows.
Meet the expert:
Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and treating skin of color.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from electrolysis hair removal to ingrown-hair treatments. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to hair-removal creams after conducting interviews with dermatologists. She regularly tests and analyzes hair-removal creams for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists.
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan, and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including makeup removers and eyebrow razors. She chose the best hair-removal creams by trying the products herself and researching ratings and product reviews.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan with more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles, including stretch mark creams and face breakouts. Her hair-removal cream picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.
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