Forget Lasers—The Best Hair Removal Creams Save Me Money and Keep My Skin Silky Smooth

Hair removal can be a tricky, and often painful, process. Using a laser hair removal device at home comes with its own slew of precautions, not to mention expenses. And if you’ve already run through all of the best razors and wax strips at the drugstore, you might be feeling a little...stuck. Like you're in a hairy situation, perhaps? So, what about one of the best hair removal creams?

When you were an impressionable tween learning to shave and first heard about Nair, I'm sure you thought it was, conceptually, too good to be true. But it's really not! In fact, today's hair removal cream technology has come a long way. You can find so many different formulas and textures on the market, and they don't even smell (that) bad.

Here's how they work: "Hair 'removal' creams are designed to break down hair's keratin so the hair can be wiped away. The cream does not impact the follicle or future hair growth," explains Kerry E Yates, a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective. "Like waxing and shaving, after a certain time the hair will grow back, but it won't be thicker or darker after using depilatories."

All you have to do is smear it on, wipe it off, and go about your day hairless. Your tween self would be pleased to know it's as easy as that—though there are a couple of negatives (namely the smell) to take into consideration. Keep reading to learn all about our favorite hair removal creams, plus expert advice on how to use them while keeping skin and hair health top of mind.

The Best Hair Removal Creams

• The Best Hair Removal Cream Overall: Nair Hair Remover Shower Cream Sensitive Formula
• The Best Luxury Hair Removal Cream: Wakse Meltoway Hair Dissolving Cream
• The Best Scented Hair Removal Cream: Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
• The Best Gentle Hair Removal Cream: Nad's Down Under Hair Removal Cream
• The Best Moisturizing Hair Removal Cream: Nair Body Cream Hair Remover

How to Use Hair Removal Creams

1. Perform a Test Strip: "I don’t necessarily recommend chemical depilatories," says board-certified dermatologist Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. "But if someone would like to use it, I usually recommend doing a test site first to be sure they can tolerate it." A day or two before your hair removal plans, apply a tiny bit of your chosen cream to a small area of your body to make sure there's no adverse reaction.
   
2. Apply The Cream To The Rest Of Your Desired Area: If the test strip doesn’t cause any irritation, it’s time to apply the cream for real. "When you are ready to treat the full area, apply the chemical depilatory to skin that is clean and dry. Do not apply anything prior to the hair removal cream as that can alter the depilatory’s effectiveness," Dr. LoGerfo explains. "Follow the directions exactly! Apply a thick layer of the cream, evenly over the desired area. Only leave on for the recommended time."
   
3. Remove The Cream: Using a microfiber towel or soft washcloth will help you gently remove the cream—and all that hair along with it. To get the best results, move the towel in the opposite direction of hair growth.
   
4. Rinse The Area and Moisturize: "Afterward, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm to cool water—make sure you wipe it off and rinse it off completely," says Dr. LoGerfo. "Apply a plain, gentle, soothing moisturizer immediately after to help the skin barrier recover. Avoid any products post-treatment that could potentially be aggravating to the area. This includes alcohol, fragrance or any acids like vitamin C, retinoids, AHAs, etc."
   
5. Wait For Next Time: Dr. Lal also says that you should wait three weeks between hair removal cream applications.

How Do Hair Removal Creams Work?

Unlike razors, epilators, or waxing kits, hair removal or depilatory creams offer a relatively painless way to remove hair in the comfort of your own bathroom. They contain chemicals that break down the tight bonds in our hair proteins, causing the hair to break off.

"Chemical depilatories are usually made as creams, or lotions, and can be used for the body, or the face. These products disturb the disulfide bonds inside the keratin of the hair and remove the hair (although it is temporary)," explains Dr. LoGerfo. "Chemical depilatories are super easy to use and there is no pain involved (except sometimes there is burning or itching—if so wash off and do not use). They tend to have slower regrowth than shaving the hair off and when the hair grows back it tends to be softer."

The downside? Most chemical depilatories have "nasty odors" thanks to the chemicals at work. They can also be less effective when the hair is very coarse.

P.S.—It’s critical to understand the differences between hair removal methods. Classic razors remove hair by cutting it off as close to the skin as possible; wax strips pull out strands by ripping them from the follicle. For more information, check out Marie Claire’s guides on how to use wax strips, as well as our guides on how to shave your legs and how to shave your bikini line.

Should I Use a Hair Removal Cream?

If shaving or waxing works well for you and for your hair removal needs, great! Dr. Lal says hair removal creams can be a good alternative to either option, though, especially if you’re someone who gets razor bumps. Creams are also good for anyone whose skin is too sensitive for waxing or if you’ve “had skin tearing or ripping” during that process.

"All products have the potential to cause irritation in those who are sensitive. You should avoid hair depilatories/hair removal creams if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients," adds Dr. LoGerfo. "You should also avoid it if you have any active acne breakouts, skin infections, psoriasis, eczema with oozing or crusting and herpes infection, as well as any other skin conditions causing your skin to be broken or irritated. When in doubt using this or any product, ask a professional."

Where Can I Use a Hair Removal Cream?

Many products will tell you right on the package where they can be used. Still, it's important to exercise caution and not go smearing your depilatory cream just anywhere.

"Hair removal creams should not be used on the perianal area, breasts, face (unless specifically for the face), and genital area because these areas potentially increase the risk of irritation, chemical burns, and subsequent infections as a result," Dr. LoGerfo explains.

What Are the Risks of Using Hair Removal Cream?

Like many hair removal processes, using a cream comes with its own set of risks. "While the process can seem easier, there are some negatives to using hair removal creams," says Yates. Some examples: "The smell, the physical product can be irritating to the skin, and there are limitations to where/how you should apply the product."

As far as hair health is concerned, Yates says it can be negatively impacted if the follicle is damaged, repeatedly stressed, or inflamed. Still, "if hair removal creams are used correctly, they should not cause long-term effects on hair regrowth."

As for the skin, Dr. LoGerfo warns that they can cause an irritant contact dermatitis—this shows up as redness, burning, stinging, itching, and dryness—and damage the surface of the skin. "This is the most common reaction to chemical depilatories—especially when used under the arms," she says. "The irritant contact dermatitis can range from a mild skin reaction to a more severe chemical burn, depending on the patient’s skin and their level of sensitivity. This can also be contingent on the concentration of the chemical depilatory."

Allergic reactions are also possible, which is why why you should always perform that test strip. It's also important to make sure you don’t have an active rash or any irritation before diving in.

How Do I Prepare to Use Hair Removal Cream?

Dr. LoGerfo says the best way to prep your skin for a hair removal cream is to wash it with a gentle cleanser and dry it completely, making sure it's clean with no residual products. When cleansing, she recommends using lukewarm to cool water, as hot water can make you more sensitive, and a gentle, non-exfoliating, plain cleanser without any fancy ingredients.

"Dry the skin thoroughly—don’t rub, because again, we don’t want the skin to be inflamed or irritated," she adds. Also: "Do not apply chemical depilatories to areas that have been shaved recently. Do not use any exfoliating products before or after treatment."

If you have sensitive skin, it is helpful to use a chemical depilatory that is specifically labeled for sensitive skin. As a rule, chemical depilatories formulated for the face are usually gentler than those used on the body.

What Do I Do After Using Hair Removal Cream?

Dr. LoGerfo says that you should gently cleanse the skin with lukewarm to cool water (never hot!) and pat it dry (no rubbing!) after using your hair removal cream. Then, apply a gentle moisturizer.

"This will help soothe the skin after the hair removal and repair the skin’s barrier. The moisturizer should be extra gentle, fragrance-free, etc. If your skin is irritated, over-the-counter hydrocortisone one percent will help," she explains. "Barrier creams containing humectants are also helpful. You should avoid sun exposure and any creams containing perfumes or alcohol."

How We Tested

The hair removal cream testing process included both long-time editor favorites and new discoveries. Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky and Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla tapped the larger Marie Claire team to share which creams they use in their daily lives, then spoke to professionals to learn about their favorites and product use tips. The MC team used the creams on their own body hair, evaluating each product on ease of use, comfort, smell (eek), and overall performance. They also assessed packaging, accessibility, and safety. The resulting pool includes 9 of the best hair removal creams on the market across various categories. For a more personalized recommendation or if you have any concerns, check with your board-certified dermatologist.

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet The Experts

Kerry E Yates

Kerry E. Yates is a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective, an incubator for new beauty concepts, products, and trends.

Dr. Jodi LoGerfo

Dr. Jodi LoGerfo is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Family Nurse Practitioner certified in Family Medicine and Dermatology. She studied Pharmacy at St. John’s University and Nursing at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY, graduating magna cum laude with both her Baccalaureate and Master of Science degrees in Nursing. Dr. LoGerfo received her Nurse Practitioner Certification in Family Medicine in 2002 and Dermatology in 2015. She graduated summa cum laude with her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Molloy College in May of 2020.

Dr. LoGerfo has been at the Orentreich Medical Group, LLP since 1997 and became a Nurse Practitioner practicing alongside her mentors, Drs. Norman, Catherine and David Orentreich in 2002. She has over two decades of experience in treating a vast array of skin disorders, using the full modern arsenals of lasers and light devices, platelet rich plasma treatment, injectables and skin care products. She is considered a master injector.

Dr. Karan Lal

Originally from New York City, he grew up in Queens and attended Hunter Science High School in Manhattan. He graduated summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology, where he completed a rigorous seven-year accelerated combined medical program. He was selected to be an academic medical scholar, during which he received a Master of Science in neuroscience and a scholarship for three years of medical school and graduate training. He was elected to the Sigma Sigma Phi and Psi Sigma Alpha medical honor societies. He completed his internal medicine internship at the University of Connecticut Medical Center where he was elected intern of the year. He completed a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Massachusetts, where he was elected chief resident. He continued at the University of Massachusetts to complete a pediatric dermatology fellowship, where he gained an interest in vascular anomalies, pediatric laser, and dermatologic surgery of pediatric patients. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, soft tissue filler augmentation, body sculpting, melanocyte keratinocyte transplant surgery for vitiligo and hypopigmentation, pigmentary abnormalities of the skin and enjoys treating patients from birth onwards. He is an expert in atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, melasma, psoriasis, and hidradenitis and has worked in specialty clinics among experts. He is the only board-certified pediatric and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist in the country.