Before the rise of IPL devices and epilators, as a child of the Nineties, I remember all too well the tube of hair removal cream that rests on the bathroom shelf. Usually of Veet or Nair variety, said tube belongs to my mum, and is swiftly stolen by 13 year old me, curious about hair removal and shaving, but too nervous to ask for a razor.
Accompanied by a plastic spatula, the premise of a hair-removal cream is fairly simple albeit time consuming: your apply the cream where needed, wait around 5-10 minutes, and scrape off with the tool. The cream removes hair from the surface by breaking its protein bonds, and is said to encourage slower growth.
It's a satisfying process to witness, but the pungent, sharp scent of the formula has seared itself into my brain forever. There's nothing pleasurable about hair removal creams – at least the formulas we used back then – in the slightest. It's no wonder we all collectively decided to move on to more modern alternatives, from lasers and epilating to my own preferred option, shaving.
Matteo Valle/launchmetrics.com/spotlight//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT
MSGM SS24
So what happened to hair removal creams? Not a single person in my friendship or familial circles uses them anymore. In pharmacies, these creams are relegated to a less-than-inspiring corner of the store, taken over by the brightly coloured minimalist designs of new-gen razors from Estrid and Harry's.
As it turns out, there are many reasons for the declining popularity of hair removal creams (aside from the scent). 'These creams often have chemical solid formulations that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or unpleasant odours, leading to discomfort during and after use,' says Caroline Brooks, skin expert and founder of The Glasshouse Salon and Spa.
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There is nothing wrong with chemicals per se (I don't have to remind you that water is a chemical), and EU regulations are so airtight that everything on the shelves is generally safe, as long as you use as intended. But if you are prone to sensitivity, there are far better options – such as sugaring and electrolysis. Then there is the mess factor. Old school hair removal creams can be messy to apply, and require careful handling to avoid staining clothes or surfaces.
While it is still possible to buy hair removal creams, I still prefer the ease of shaving. It's quick, mess-free, scent-free, and painless. Shaving has its downsides which mainly includes razor bumps and ingrown hair, which is why a shaving cream is a non-negotiable.
Gilette Venus 2-in-1 Cleanser + Shave Gel
£10 at Boots
Estrid The Ultimate Shave Gel
£5 at estrid.com
'It helps to soften the hair and moisturise the skin, making the shaving process smoother and reducing the risk of irritation or razor burn,' agrees Brooks. 'Shaving cream creates a protective barrier between the razor and the skin, which helps to prevent nicks, cuts, and razor bumps.'
Alessandro Zeno//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT
Blumarine SS24
Modern formulations incorporate nourishing ingredients too. Estrid The Ultimate Shave Gel transforms from a cooling gel to a foam texture and features niacinamide to take down redness and softening shea butter. Venus 2-in-1 Cleanser + Shave Gel is gentle enough for the pubic area and contains cushioning glycerin to boost hydration. Simply apply evenly on the area before shaving, and make sure to moisturise once you're out of the shower.
WooWoo Tame It Vegan In Shower Hair Removal
Now 25% Off
£10 at LookFantastic
Veet Pure Hair Removal Cream Legs & Body Sensitive
£13 at Boots
That said, if you do prefer to use a hair removal cream, there is some good news. Formulas are now much gentler and the scents have thankfully, improved. Veet offers a Sensitive Skin option that is fortified with aloe vera while WooWoo Tame It! Hair Removal Cream is vegan and works quickly in the shower. Apply evenly, wait for two minutes and massage off the hair and cream using a flannel in the shower.
Perhaps its time to give hair removal creams a second go...
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Medina Azaldin
Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
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