![15 Hair Removal Creams That Won’t Burn Your Skin Off (1) 15 Hair Removal Creams That Won’t Burn Your Skin Off (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hairremovalcream-1649345524.png?crop=0.505xw:1.00xh;0.292xw,0&resize=640:*)
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At the ripe age of 11, I decided to use the old, crusty, hair-removal cream that had sat abandoned in my mom’s cabinet since before I was born. Unsurprisingly, it severely burned, itched, and peeled my skin off (it didn’t help that I was also using it entirely incorrectly). After that, I swore off hair-removal creams in favor of using razors, bikini trimmers, at-home wax strips, and laser hair removal; none of which really “wowed” me. Until I finally decided to re-try depilatory creams last year and realized how far the formulas had come since I was a pre-teen. Now, in 2023, hair-removal creams are actually the quickest, easiest way to smooth, hairless skin—without the physical/emotional trauma.
Lemme give you a quick rundown: 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. Generally, 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 if you use the wrong cream on the wrong body part, you could be left with burned and inflamed skin. Which is why I tested out a handful of creams and chatted with Dr. Lal to compile the best hair-removal creams of 2023 for all skin and hair types, and preferences. Keep scrolling for a peek:
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in June 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on hair-removal creams, including two tried-and-tested our editor is obsessed with, a dermatologist’s take on hair-removal creams, and how to choose the best hair-removal cream for yourself.
Our top picks for the best hair removal creams in 2024:
1
2
3
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Bikini Line
Bikini Zone Hair Removal Treatment Kit
Read more
4
Best Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Bikini Lines
Nad’s Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
Read more
5
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Coarse Hair
SoftSheen-Carson Magic Razorless Shaving Cream
Read more
6
7
Best Facial Hair-Removal Cream
Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit
Read more
8
Best Hair-Removal Spray
Completely Bare Easy-Off Foaming Hair-Removal Spray
Read more
9
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Dry Skin
Nad's 3-in-1 Hair Removal Body Butter
Read more
10
Best In-Shower Hair-Removal Cream
Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
Read more
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).
1
Best Hair-Removal Cream Overall
Flamingo Body-Hair Removal Cream
1
Best Hair-Removal Cream Overall
Flamingo Body-Hair Removal Cream
Pros
Offsets irritation and soothes skin with urea and bisabolol
I love how smooth and moisturized it leaves my skin (thanks to shea butter)
Cons
Some testers said it left them with a little stubble
When I say this hair-removal cream is the only reason I have fully stopped waxing, shaving, or trimming my bikini 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
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “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!”
2
Best One-and-Done Hair-Removal Cream
Neomen Hair-Removal Cream
2
Best One-and-Done Hair-Removal Cream
Neomen 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
THE REVIEWS: “This was literally the same as if I got a Brazilian wax,” writes one tester. “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!”
3
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Bikini Line
Bikini Zone Hair Removal Treatment Kit
3
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Bikini Line
Bikini Zone Hair Removal Treatment Kit
Pros
Formula is gentle enough for your sensitive bikini line
Comes with a soothing serum for after hair removal
Cons
Might not remove all hair, said some reviewers
I’m convinced that a Brazilian bikini 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 bikini 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 bikini line in usually less than five minutes.
- Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), aloe vera, green tea, chamomile
- Fragrance free? No
THE REVIEWS: “I used this on my underarms and bikini area,” writes one reviewer. “I left it on for 10 minutes, and everything wiped right off. I showered afterward and had no issues! Will continue to purchase!”
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4
Best Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Bikini Lines
Nad’s Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
4
Best Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Bikini Lines
Nad’s Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
Pros
Doesn’t leave your skin inflamed or dry, says testers
Cons
Very strong scent that lingers after rinsing, per testers’ experience
Your bikini 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 bikini line from freaking out and becoming irritated.
- Key ingredients: Potassium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), shea butter, aloe vera, avocado oil, honey
- Fragrance free? No
THE REVIEWS: “I always get razor burns or cuts from shaving, and I always seem to miss spots,” one tester writes. “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.”
5
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Coarse Hair
SoftSheen-Carson Magic Razorless Shaving Cream
5
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Coarse Hair
SoftSheen-Carson Magic Razorless Shaving Cream
Now 25% Off
Pros
Removes thick, curly hair in one use, according to testers
Cons
Might be irritating for sensitive skin
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
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “I get bad razor burn on my bikini 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.”
6
Best Facial Hair-Removal Cream
Nad's Facial Hair Removal Cream
6
Best Facial Hair-Removal Cream
Nad's Facial Hair Removal Cream
Pros
Testers say it removes fine and thick hairs
Cons
Might be too harsh for very sensitive skin
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
THE REVIEWS: “I was using this to remove both thick and thin dark hairs on my upper lip and my chin,” writes one tester in a review. “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.”
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7
Best Facial Hair-Removal Cream
Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit
7
Best Facial Hair-Removal Cream
Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Duo Kit
Now 30% Off
Pros
Comes with a hydrating moisturizer to use afterward
Cons
Not great at removing coarse hairs, according to reviewers
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
THE REVIEWS: “This is a quick, easy product to remove upper lip hair,” one reviewer writes. “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.”
8
Best Hair-Removal Spray
Completely Bare Easy-Off Foaming Hair-Removal Spray
8
Best Hair-Removal Spray
Completely Bare Easy-Off Foaming Hair-Removal Spray
Pros
Easy to use while traveling
Cons
Spray nozzle can get clogged
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
THE REVIEWS: “I've been looking for different ways to get rid of body hair, and this is by far the easiest fastest one yet,” writes one reviewer. “Being a mom, you never have time anymore, but this has been the best one by far—10/10 recommend.”
9
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Dry Skin
Nad's 3-in-1 Hair Removal Body Butter
9
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Dry Skin
Nad's 3-in-1 Hair Removal Body Butter
Now 33% Off
Pros
Leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, per reviews
Wasn’t irritating on testers with sensitive skin
Cons
Requires a thick layer to work
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
THE REVIEWS: “This literally goes on like butter and leaves skin feeling like it also,” writes one reviewer. “It doesn’t burn or take a long time for hair to be removed. Will purchase again.”
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10
Best In-Shower Hair-Removal Cream
Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
10
Best In-Shower Hair-Removal Cream
Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
Pros
Rinses away in the shower without a washcloth
Cons
Reviewers say the strong chemical scent lingers in their bathroom
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
THE REVIEWS: “This product is extremely easy to use,” reads one review. “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.”
11
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
GiGi Hair-Removal Cream
11
Best Hair-Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
GiGi Hair-Removal Cream
Pros
Great for sensitive skin, according to reviews
Comes with a soothing moisturizer
Cons
Testers wished bottle were bigger
Your precious lil skin deserves a hair-removal cream filled with ingredients to soothe as it removes hair. Which is why I recommend this one to all my friends, because it contains aloe vera and bisabolol to help calm down any irritation as the cream breaks down the hair on your bikini line and legs. Bonus: It comes with a hydrating balm to use after you remove hair, which will leave you with majorly silky skin.
- Key ingredients: Thioglycolic acid (chemical hair remover), bisabolol, aloe vera
- Fragrance free? No
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer writes, “I've been using depilatory cream for many years, and this is the only brand that hasn't caused discomfort. I had a small tingling feeling when removing it, but within a half hour, my skin was back to normal. No sting, tingle or itch.”
Pros
Leaves skin feeling super smooth, IMO
Cons
Have to use a v-thick layer, which can be messy
If you love how baby-soft your face feels after a clay mask, you’ve gotta try this hair-removal version that’s formulated with kaolin clay and charcoal powder. Reviewers swear by it for lightly exfoliating and softening their skin before shaving, which helps them get rid of legit any stubble whatsoever. But this formula is also a depilatory, meaning it’ll remove some hair from your legs, bikini line, etc. as you wipe it away too.
- Key ingredients: Calcium thioglycolate (chemical hair remover), kaolin clay, charcoal powder (exfoliators)
- Fragrance free? No
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “I can't say how much I love this product enough. It's sensitive enough for my skin (only used once a week and a max of 10 mins to leave the mask on). I've always used this pre-shaving, and it has really helped with any coarseness, diminishing razor burn, saving time shaving, etc. I love this product and will continue to purchase it over and over!”
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13
Best Hair-Removal Cream on Amazon
Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
13
Best Hair-Removal Cream on Amazon
Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
Pros
Large bottle comes with a lot of product
Cons
Some testers had to go over an area more than once
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
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “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.”
14
Best Exfoliating Hair-Removal Cream
Nair Clay & Seaweed Exfoliate & Smooth Leg Mask
14
Best Exfoliating Hair-Removal Cream
Nair Clay & Seaweed Exfoliate & Smooth Leg Mask
Pros
Reviewers love it for reducing ingrown hairs and razor burn
Cons
Didn’t remove all hair for some testers
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
THE REVIEWS: “This is absolutely one of the best purchases I've made,” reads one review. “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.”
15
Best-Smelling Hair-Removal Cream
Epify by Bubbly Hair-Removal Cream
15
Best-Smelling Hair-Removal Cream
Epify by Bubbly Hair-Removal Cream
Pros
Testers swear it smells better than most depilatories
Cons
Some reviewers had to use a very thick layer to get results
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
THE REVIEWS: “I was hoping to avoid that god-awful smell that appears unavoidable with depilatory creams,” writes one tester in a review. “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.”
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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 board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD.
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.
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.
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 bikini line (and my favorites for this area are the Bikini 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 bikini 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.
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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 bikini 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.
Beth Gillette
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute co*cktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.