The 10 Best Hair Removal Creams for a Smooth Finish
When shaving or waxing isn't in the cards.
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you've always been cautious—yet curious—about hair removal creams, you should know they have come a long way. All you have to do is rub it into your skin, let it sit for a few minutes (fair warning: some have an odor), and then watch as you wipe away unwanted body hair.
“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."
Whether you're interested in a formula for the face (hey, we've all got that rogue chin hair, right?) bikini line, legs, or anywhere else, there's a formula worth checking out. Ahead, find out the 10 best hair removal creams for every need.
Pros
- Easy no-touch applicator
Cons
- Has a strong chemical smell
Made especially for facial hair, this roll-on easily wipes away peach fuzz in just a few minutes. The addition of collagen and coconut oil also help soothe skin, as hair removal can be on the harsh side.
Can Be Used On: Face
Size: 1.76 oz.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Tried it last night and it definitely removed the hair after 5 minutes. After I wiped it off it my skin stung a little and I was worried to have some sort of reaction but by the next day it was gone and my skin looked just fine. I'd definitely recommend not to exceed the five minutes or to put any facial products on skin after the removal." —zeniae
Pros
- Sustained results
Cons
- Prescription isn't guaranteed
This hair removal cream is available by prescription and made with with eflornithine to block an enzyme that leads to facial hair growth. It doesn't remove hair in one fell swoop, but rather it slows growth over time so you'll forget it ever existed in the first place.
Can Be Used On: Face
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"At first I wasn't sure if was doing anything but after using this cream for 7 weeks, I can honestly see a huge difference in my facial hair growth!! Patience is definitely key and do not give up if you have some irritation, because that almost made me stop." —Angela R
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.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs
Size: 6.76 oz.
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
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.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarm, Arms, Bikini, Legs
Size: 50 ml, 100 ml, or 200 ml
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."
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.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarm, Arms, Bikini, Legs
Size: 9 oz.
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
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.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs
Size: 3.7 oz.
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
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.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs
Size: 13.5 oz.
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!"
Pros
- Works quickly
Cons
For those with sensitive skin, this coveted removal cream uses a gentle formula to minimize potential irritation.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs
Size: 5.1 oz.
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
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.
Can Be Used On: Body, Underarms, Arms, Bikini, Legs, Upper Lip
Size: 1 oz.
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."
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.
Can Be Used On: Bikini / Intimate area, Face, Underarms, Legs
Size: 4.1 oz.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hair removal creams safe to use?
According to Sarah Akram, master esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare, hair removal creams 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.
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
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.
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