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Today’s hair removal creams are unlike anything you might remember from your youth. Pungent, harsh creams have given way to better, gentler formulas that leave skin silky-smooth. So what are the benefits of reaching for a hair removal cream versus wax or a razor?
“The advantages of this kind of hair removal are that it’s painless, easy, fast, and relatively inexpensive,” says
Hadley King, a New York City-based dermatologist. "And compared to shaving, there is a decreased risk of cutting the skin."
Shop The Best Hair Removal Creams
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
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BEST IN-SHOWER CREAM
WooWoo Tame It! Vegan In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
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BEST SOFTENING CREAM
Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Softening Baby Oil
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BEST FOR MINIMIZING INGROWNS
Veet Legs & Body 3-in-1 Gel Cream Hair Remover
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BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN ON FACE
Nair Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
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Face, legs, bikini area—you can find a hair removal cream for anywhere on your body. So if you’re ready to move on from your razor, we scoured the internet and asked the experts to round up the highest-rated hair removal creams. Read on below to see what everyone is loving.
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
Pros
- Soft floral scent
- Comes with an applicator
Cons
Derm-tested and safe to use on sensitive skin, this new hair removal cream from Flamingo can be used on underarms, legs, and more.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I have pretty sensitive skin and this worked great for me! No super overpowering scent and I do feel like it helped a lot with getting a good shave. Skin definitely felt softer when using this." —sofi09
| Can Be Used On | Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs |
|---|
BEST IN-SHOWER CREAM
WooWoo Tame It! Vegan In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
BEST IN-SHOWER CREAM
WooWoo Tame It! Vegan In-Shower Hair Removal Cream
Pros
- Made with soothing aloe and jojoba oil
Cons
You apply this cream first to dry skin, then step into the shower to rinse it off—and your unwanted body hair along with it.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"First time user. Applied for 6 mins before heading to the shower. Was a couple of missed patches swiped with a razor after but no pain or rashes. Easy to apply and the smoothest she has been! No more stubble or razor rash for that smooth feeling."
| Can Be Used On | Body, Underarm, Arms, Bikini, Legs |
|---|
BEST SOFTENING CREAM
Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Softening Baby Oil
Pros
- Works on coarse hair
Cons
Nair is a classic for a reason: This softening body hair removal cream features a baby oil blend that reveals smooth, moisturized, and hairless skin in just three minutes.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I don't use razors on my leg hair only this remover. Hair regrowth is soft and not prickly. Regrowth seems slower." —Chris
| Can Be Used On | Body, Underarm, Arms, Bikini, Legs |
|---|
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BEST FOR QUICK REMOVAL
Neomen Hair Removal Cream
Pros
- Has nourishing ingredients
Cons
Thousands of Amazon reviewers agree: This depilatory cream is one of the very best. Not only is it infused with aloe vera and vitamin E to calm redness and irritation, but it takes only five minutes to remove hair from your legs, arms, and more.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Make sure that you wait the 5 minutes. Get a warm wash cloth to remove the hair. So far I love it." —OSurfergirl
| Can Be Used On | Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs |
|---|
BEST FOR MINIMIZING INGROWNS
Veet Legs & Body 3-in-1 Gel Cream Hair Remover
BEST FOR MINIMIZING INGROWNS
Veet Legs & Body 3-in-1 Gel Cream Hair Remover
Pros
- Large size
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
If the threat of ingrown hairs has caused you to take a break from shaving, consider reaching for Veet's gel-cream remover instead, which aims to reduce them overtime.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I have sensitive skin and have been using this product for over five years. It always removes all the have and never gives me a reaction. Great product!"
| Can Be Used On | Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs |
|---|
BEST BUDGET CREAM
Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
BEST BUDGET CREAM
Nad's Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
Pros
- Works quickly
Cons
For those with sensitive skin, this coveted removal cream uses a gentle formula to minimize potential irritation.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Ok so honestly this product is amazing!! Used if for the first time today on my bikini area and I am one pleased customer! Apart from the smell everything is a 5/5. Also I needed to leave it on for the full 10 min, 4 min did not work for me but that’s ok bc this beats waxing any day! You will not be disappointed, follow the instructions and it should work for you too." —Shantel
| Can Be Used On | Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs |
|---|
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BEST CREAM FOR FACE & BODY
Sally Hansen Hair Remover Kit
Pros
- Comes with aftercare lotion
Cons
Get rid of unwanted hair from the top of your lip downward with this easy-to-use removal kit from the pros at Sally Hansen, which also comes with a nourishing after cream.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I've been using this stuff for almost 20 years. Takes all of the hair off, easy to apply, and easy to remove with damp cotton rounds. Will continue to purchase."
| Size | 1 oz. |
|---|---|
| Can Be Used On | Works for areas large & small, from the upper lip to the lower legs. |
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN ON FACE
Nair Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN ON FACE
Nair Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
Now 34% Off
Pros
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Pleasing scent
Cons
- May cause irritation if you're allergic to nuts
King says this is the hair removal cream to turn to if you're wanting to tend to your face. It gently removes hair from your upper lip, chin, etc. and contains sweet almond oil to moisturize the skin. Plus, it has a lovely scent.
Customer Review:
"This is my go-to facial hair removal product. It works quickly and efficiently. It has a pleasant scent. It is easy to use. The results last. I purchase again and again!" — Alicia
| Can Be Used On: | Face |
|---|
BEST FOR BIKINI AREA
Uttse Intimate Area
Pros
- Gentle for intimate / sensitive skin
- Fast working
- Leaves skin feeling super smooth
Cons
- Reviewers say that the scraping tool can be sharp
Made specifically for the more intimate parts of the body, this hair removal cream effectively and quickly (it boasts a 5-10 minute wait time) removes hair without causing irritation. It's also strong enough to use for the rest of your body, which is always a nice added bonus.
Customer Review:
"I loved this product. I’m a private person so no wax shops for me. This product worked perfectly to remove underarm and intimate area hair. There is a mild scent to this product but no where near overbearing. I applied as instructed, which was applying a thick cover over hair, do nut rub into skin. Make sure to wash hand after application, so you don’t spread in places you don’t want. Left on for 10 minutes, used damp towel and gently wiped away and like magic hair was removed leaving smooth skin in both areas. No irritation or burning. You will not be disappointed with this hair remover. I 100% recommend." — M. Wilkins
| Can Be Used On: | Bikini / Intimate area, Face, Underarms, Legs |
|---|
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are hair removal creams safe to use?
According to Sarah Akram, master esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare, they are generally safe when used properly on the right candidate. However, "You’re essentially using a cream that will cause a chemical reaction to melt the hair off of the designated area," she explains, adding that she does prefer clients wax or shave over using depilatory creams.
On what areas should you use a hair removal cream?
"Stick to applying depilatory creams to legs, arms, and underarms—areas with thicker skin," recommends Akram. In other words, while there are products designed for the face and private areas, the pro does not recommend them.
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What prep and after-care should you do when using hair removal cream?
When applying the product, Akram recommends wearing gloves. "Remember: harsh chemicals," she says. For after-care, she says, "Make sure you steer clear of direct sunlight, meaning don’t use a depilatory cream directly before laying in the sun all day." She also has this word of advice: "Avoid combining the use of depilatory cream and shaving. This will not lead to anything good for your skin."
Is there any time you should not use a hair removal cream?
"Avoid applying on sunburnt skin, or skin that has any cut or wound," says Akram. The esthetician also does not recommend depilatory creams for those who are sensitive. "Remember these creams are packed with chemicals which will lead to irritation," she says, adding that "darker skin tones may notice post usage pigmentation, just as they would from shaving. This is normal and should be avoided if this is a concern for you."
Meet the Experts
- Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Sarah Akram, master esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare
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Why trust Harper’s BAZAAR?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Audrey Noble
Beauty Contributor
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
