What to Know About Hair-Removal Creams (and Which Ones Are the Best)
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There are a ton of different hair-removal methods out there these days, but if there's one that's taken a backseat to the rest over the years, it's definitely hair-removal creams. At one point, the depilatory creams had earned less-than-stellar reputations because they were known for having strong, chemical-y scents, and also because the idea of essentially melting hair off of the body didn't quite sit well with a lot of people. Thankfully, though, these products and our knowledge of how they work have come a long way, and they've proven to be a great alternative for people who may not be able to afford laser hair removal, don't have the pain tolerance for waxing their bodies, and/or want a slightly longer-lasting (and less prickly) outcome than what you get when shaving.
"Hair-removal creams are depilatories that are applied to the skin and break down the bonds in the hair and effectively remove the hair," dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO, tells POPSUGAR. While depilatories are safe to use at home, it's still possible that you can have a reaction to chemicals in them if you have sensitive skin, so as you would with any new product, you should always test a tiny amount of it in a small area the first time you use it to see how your body reacts.
"Be careful if using it on areas where the skin is thinner, such as the face, underarms, or groin, as the skin may be more sensitive and more susceptible to a reaction," dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, says. "It may be worthwhile to apply a small amount to a certain area to first see if the skin reacts and then after waiting a day or two, proceed with treating the whole area."
If you're looking for a reliable alternative to shaving and waxing, we rounded up a few of the best hair-removal creams ahead.
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Best Lotion Hair Removal Cream
Nair Hair Aloe & Lanolin Hair Removal Lotion ($7)
If you've used a depilatory cream before, it's likely that your journey started with Nair. This lotion is safe to use on dry skin and is infused with aloe to soothe while working its magic. This hair-removal cream is also super speedy; it works within three to 10 minutes.
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Best Gel Hair Remover Cream
Veet Aloe Vera Legs & Body Hair Remover Gel Cream ($10)
The Veet Aloe Vera Legs & Body Hair Remover Gel Cream is a favorite among people with sensitive skin, and it's so good, it even got Cardi B's seal of approval. Aloe in the formula makes this hair-removal cream perfect for even the most sensitive skin, leaving you soft and smooth. It also has a violet blossom scent to it, so you don't need to worry about smelling like harsh chemicals post-cream session.
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Best Cream Hair Removal Depilatory
Magic Razorless Cream Shave Hair Removal Depilatory ($6)
This razorless cream is a good option for people with coarse hair and can even be used on beards and bald heads. It's formulated with shea butter and almond oil that helps prevent razor bumps and provides a closer shave.
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Best Smelling Hair Removal Cream
Andmetics Hair Removal Cream ($4)
If you're looking for something with a fresh fragrance, this Andmetics cream smells like watermelon and is formulated with gentle ingredients. It's also vegan and designed for all skin types.
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Best Moisturizing Hair Removal Cream
Nad's 3-in-1 Butter Body Hair Removal Cream ($8)
This hair-removal cream works triple duty to gently break down hair while exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. The lotion is made with cocoa and shea butter to keep your skin supple and smooth as it removes hair and exfoliates your skin.
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Best Hair Removal Cream Formula
Nair Blade-less Shave Cream with Lavender Oil ($12)
The a whipped crème formula from Nair is made with lavender oil to soften the skin. The natural ingredients create a silky smoothness, making this the product perfect for your legs, arms, and bikini areas to be summer ready.
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Best Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
Neomen Hair Removal Cream ($15)
Neomen's hair removal cream is a depilatory perfect for sensitive skin. It is made up of an aloe and vitamin E formula, so it keeps your sensitive skin safe while also getting rid of even the most coarse hair.
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