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If you choose to get rid of the hair on any part of your body, you know just how much you go through for a smooth and silky finish. And let's face it: no hair removal method is 100 percent perfect. Waxing provides a smooth finish, but it's often too painful for some to bear; laser hair removal is convenient and long-lasting but pricey; and shaving, while easy, can leave the skin irritated and littered with razor bumps if it's done incorrectly.
If any of the aforementioned options sound like too much of a pain in the heinie, hair removal creams might seem like the most convenient one. Today's formulas contain nourishing and soothing ingredients, like vitamin E, aloe vera, and cocoa butter — and they really do work. Ingredients like calcium hydroxide, calcium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide, and sodium thioglycolate break down the keratin bonds that make up the structure of your hair. Through this process—which usually takes just a few minutes—the hair weakens and starts to dissolve, making it easy to wipe away—no razor required.
If this sounds almost too good to be true, check out some of the best hair-removal creams below.
Our Top Picks
How to use a hair removal cream
Obviously, there are a few things to keep in mind before trying out a new hair removal cream. “To lower irritation risk, you can only leave it on for one to three minutes and then shave it off in a warm shower,” S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., founder of Miami Skin Institute, previously told us. She also recommends patch testing beforehand to make sure your skin doesn't have any adverse reactions to the product.
Meet Our Expert: S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., founder of Miami Skin Institute
Body hair can be a touchy subject, and understandably so. No one should have to subscribe to the societal pressures of removing it—in the end, the choice is all yours. If you do choose to go team bare, it might be time to give hair-removal creams another shot. The best hair-removal creams are completely painless, unlike waxing or laser hair removal, and remove the hairs from the root, unlike shaving, leaving you hair-free for days longer.
Pros
- Non-messy formula
- Moisturizing
Cons
- May not work as well on coarse hair
Hair removal cream but make it *natural.* This new product from Nad's is made with 80% natural ingredients, including almond oil and shea butter. Cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and the thick no-drip formula make this hair removal product extra enticing.
Pros
- Painless
- Infused with lavender oil to soften the skin
Cons
- Smell may be off-putting
I am all for anything that involves whipped cream–even hair removal products. This lovely creamy, foam hair remover is infused with lavender oil to bring you extra bliss. What's easier than spreading some foam on your legs?!
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Pros
- Includes vitamin E to moisturize hair
- Works fast
Cons
- May burn if left on too long
With aloe vera, vitamin E, and baby oil, you'll finally be able to have that silky smooth skin of your dreams. This formula only takes five minutes to work its hair removing magic. Plus, this is available on Amazon so you can get it before the weekend.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Includes moisturizing vitamin E
Cons
- Scent may be unpleasant for some
This dye- and paraben-free formula is made with skin-saving ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E—perfect for that sensitive underarm area. Bonus: Its touch-free application makes for a no-mess process.
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Pros
- Quick-working
- Easy to use
Cons
- Strong smell
Summertime means bare skin, but there isn’t always time to keep up appearances. Nair’s Hair Removal Lotion works its magic fast — smooth on a thick layer to the desired area and remove it with a damp washcloth after just three minutes. You’ll be out the door and on your way to the pool in no time.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
The key to a good hair removal cream is a solid ingredient list, and this one from Nad’s makes the cut. Melon extract, aloe vera, avocado oil, and honey all work to keep skin hydrated and calm during the hair removal process.
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Pros
- Brightening
- Hydrating
Cons
- Burns a little bit
Say goodbye to peach fuzz and hello to soft skin. The removal cream in this kit contains pumpkin seed oil, which helps brighten skin tone, while the skin conditioning lotion has vitamin E and collagen to keep your skin calm and moisturized.
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Pros
- Versatile
- Hydrating
Cons
- Sometimes requires multiple applications
The gel consistency of this cream from Veet, packed with aloe vera and vitamin E, gives the skin a boost of moisture for gentle hair removal on larger areas like your legs and arms. With something so versatile, you'll get a lot of bang for your buck—especially given the price.
Pros
- Exfoliating
- Brightening
Cons
- Instructions are hard to work through at first
This charcoal mask does double duty by exfoliating the skin while also removing unwanted hair. Natural clay and pure charcoal work to give your legs a bright look and a silky feel.
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11
Best Hair Removal Cream for Men
Magic Razorless Shaving Cream for Hair Removal, Normal Beard Maintenance, Depilitory Cream - 6oz
Pros
- Works on thick, curly hair
- Hydrating
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
If the hair on your chin is thick, coarse, or curly, this cream will get rid of it in minutes. It also features ingredients like shea butter and almond oil to keep your bare face moisturized and free of irritation.
Pros
- Long-lasting results
- Quick-working
Cons
- Works best if you trim hair first
The bikini area is one of those hard-to-reach spots that's prone to razor bumps. But thankfully this hair removal cream, which is safe for use down there, works to remove stubble or hair in as little as four minutes. The results last longer than shaving, too.
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Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Subtle scent
Cons
- May require more time than packaging suggests
For more precise application, this gentle hair removal cream comes with a tool to help you place the formula exactly where you want it—and nowhere else. It's safe to use just about anywhere on the body—the legs, underarms, bikini line, arms, and stomach—works in less than 10 minutes, and has a subtle scent that's surprisingly pleasing.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Small and portable
Cons
- May require more time than the packaging suggests
One of Nair's newest products is a game-changer for women who want to slough off all of that peach fuzz on their face to reveal smoother, brighter skin. The totally mess-free applicator glides across skin and stays put until it's ready to be wiped away five minutes later. It also comes in a hydrating formula packed with watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid.
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Pros
- Vegan
- Hydrating
Cons
- Nozzle may clog
If you don't want to contend with drips and messy hands, take the them out of the equation with this foaming hair removal spray. It sticks to your skin once you spritz, then has to sit for just four to six minutes. At that point, you can either wipe it all away—hair included—with a wet towel or rinse your legs in the tub. The result is hair-free, smooth legs. Oh, and did we mention it contains mineral oil, aloe, shea butter, and cocoa butter for added hydration?
Josey Murray
Josey Murray is the editorial fellow at Women's Health. She's passionate about storytelling, sustainable wellness, and the plant-based lifestyle. When she's not writing, she loves learning about mushrooms and discovering new wellness products.