8 Best Hair Removals Creams for Super Smooth Skin
We paired hair removal creams with over 20 testers to find the best formulations.
Reviewed by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab Director
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Removing hair from your legs, underarms, face or bikini area can be a tedious task that is sometimes even painful due to small nicks and bumps from a disposable or electric razor. Hair removal creams, aka depilatory creams, are a painless and efficient way to nix body hair. These creams "temporarily remove unwanted hair through a chemical degradation process of keratin, a protein that occurs naturally in hair," explains Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. They break down the bonds in the hair so it can be swept away and leave smooth, long-lasting results.
To find the best hair removal creams, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab conducted a study with 129 consumer testers who used the products on one body part, observed the results and completed a survey to report back on efficacy, scent and other factors. We synthesized the results and curated this shopping guide with expert advice on how to use hair removal creams.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Not irritating
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May not remove all hair after one use
Size: 8 oz | Key Ingredients: Shea butter
Made for removing leg hair, this depilatory cream in body “mask” form was best almost across the board in our testing for easy application, having a nice scent, effectively removing hair, not irritating and making skin smooth. Reviewers commented that they love the "pleasant scent" and the "thick, creamy texture" as it made it super easy to apply. While most thought it was extremely effective, one user noted that it didn't remove all of her hair in one use.
Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
Pros
- Comes with a spatula for mess-free application
- Hair comes off easily
- Veresatile
Cons
- May be irritating, according to online reviews
Size: 6.76 oz | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin
Flamingo's budget-friendly hair removal cream is designed for many different body parts, including legs, underarms, stomach and bikini line. It comes with a spatula applicator, making it mess-free and easy to use. "My hair comes off like butter and I have *zero* irritation," shared one five-star reviewer. Another satisfied shopper calls the product "amazing," adding, "I'm startled by how well this works, even on thick, dark, bikini hair."
Some Amazon reviewers experienced a burning sensation after use and reported it didn't remove hair after one pass. The cream also has an iris and suede scent that did not please all users.
Nair Sensitive Shower Cream Hair Remover
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Stays on legs even while in the shower
- No offensive odor
Cons
- Messy application
Size: 12 oz | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, silica
Wizemann doesn't typically use depilatory creams, but she decided to give this formula from Nair a go after experiencing irritation from shaving. This cream lets her multitask in the shower and she reported that 8 minutes is an adequate amount of time to remove hair (out of the 10-minute max). After applying a generous amount of cream, she "was pleasantly surprised to see that the cream stayed on my legs, even with the continuous water flow" from the shower.
She didn't find that it had an offensive odor that is common with many depilatory creams. Wizemann also didn't experience irritation or redness; "it just left my legs feeling very smooth." Note that you need to wash your hands immediately after application. Wizemann had to use a washcloth to completely remove the product from her hands and reported it was difficult to then remove the cream from the washcloth.
Uttse Intimate/Private Hair Removal Cream for Women
Pros
- Designed for bikini area
- Works quickly
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Scraper is a little sharp
Size: 4.1 oz | Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, allantion
This Amazon's Choice hair removal cream works quickly (in 5 to 10 minutes), applies easily and leaves skin soft. We love that it's created for sensitive skin, specifically the pubic area, so you don't have to be nervous about applying on those parts. Just be mindful when using the included tool: one reviewer noted that the edge was a little sharp.
"There was no strong scent, burning or pain," shared one satisfied user. Another five-star reviewer reported around 85% of their hair was removed after using this cream once. After two weeks post second application they "had no angry red bumps & hair regrowth seemed slower than with shaving.
Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Exfoliates skin
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can burn if left on too long
Size: 2 oz | Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil
When it comes to your face and hair removal, you have to be extra picky when choosing a product. This Amazon's Choice depilatory cream is dermatologist-tested, gently exfoliates skin and "reduces hair regrowth," according to the brand. Plus, it's formulated with sweet almond oil to help nourish skin. Make sure to follow the timing directions, as a few users noted that it can burn if you leave on too long.
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Pros
- Easy to apply
- Leaves skin silky
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Doesn't always remove long hair
Size: 13.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Glycerin
Another winner in our test, this gel cream from Veet was loved by reviewers for its easy application, light scent (both during and after application) and the way it left their skin feeling after. "It softens my legs and doesn’t leave them dry," said one, while another shared that she "loved how smooth it left my legs and there were absolutely no ingrown hairs."
If your hair is on the longer side, this might not be the right cream for you: two reviewers noted it didn't work well on long or extremely coarse hair.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Didn't irritate or cause ingrown hairs
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Strong odor
Size: 5.1 oz | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, aloe leaf extract
Veet's spray version makes application easy as pie: just spray, swipe and go. In addition to leaving skin silky smooth, it received high scores in efficacy, lack of ingrown hair and irritation and having a long-lasting effect. Plus, it's gentle enough for those with ultra-sensitive skin.
One reviewer commented that her skin wasn't irritated after the application, while another said, "it was easy to use and didn't cause me to break out in a rash," which often happens. This one has a strong odor so you may want to smell it before you spray.
Nads Natural 3-In-1 Body Butter Hair Removal Cream
Pros
- Exfoliates skin
- Hydrating ingredients
- Works quickly
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Size: 5.1 oz | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea and cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, vitamin E
Talk about a multitasker! This speedy hair removal cream from Nads removes hair, exfoliates and smooths skin in just four minutes, according to the brand. We love that the thicker formula contains cocoa and shea butter, making it super nourishing and great for those with drier skin types. "It removed all the hair, I didn't have any patches and it left my legs feeling super smooth," shared one Ulta reviewer. Like some of the other formulas, a few users did comment on the strong and chemical-y scent, so take note.
How we test the best hair removal creams
The GH Beauty Lab has a history of testing all kinds of hair removal products, including disposable razors, at-home laser hair removal devices and epilators.
Our test for the best hair removal creams included eight products, which were assigned to 129 testers, most of whom used depilatory creams regularly in their hair removal routine. Testers used the blinded products at home at least once on at least one area of their choice and observed regrowth for a week. They then completed surveys, rating the products on a variety of factors including ease of use, performance, scent and more.
What to look for when shopping for a hair removal cream
✔️ Body part: "Make sure that you look at the claims and choose one specifically for the part of the body it is created for," says Wizemann.
✔️ Fragrance: Hair removal creams are notorious for having strong scents. If you are sensitive to scent, check the reviews or see if you can smell a tester.
✔️ Sensitive skin claims: Some creams can cause irritation and/or burning. If your skin is on the sensitive side, look for a product labeled as such.
✔️ Hydrating and soothing ingredients: "These creams utilize keratin-reducing agents, which attack the bonds in hair to weaken it so the hair can be removed by gentle scraping and/or wiping," explains Wizemann. "The most common keratin reducing agents are thioglycolates which are typically formulated at high pH. To reduce irritation, these types of products usually incorporate moisturizing and/or emulsifying ingredients to counter interact any irritation." You can also look for soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, especially if you have easily irritated skin.
How do you use a hair removal cream?
"It's very important to follow the directions on the packaging, as they can vary among different products," says Wizemann. "Never leave the cream on longer than what is directed." The general rule of thumb is to apply cream onto dry skin, wait a period of time (usually no more than 10 minutes) and remove the cream with a damp cloth or spatula if included. Wizemann also suggests doing a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before you start using the product to check for sensitivity.
How often should you use hair removal creams?
Typically, you can use your depilatory cream of choice on a weekly basis, explain our beauty experts. Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP adds that the frequency can depend on your skin type, hair type, hair growth rate and skin sensitivity.
"Most hair removal creams dissolve hair just below the skin’s surface, resulting in hair regrowth within a few days to weeks," explains LoGerfo. However, individuals with thicker hair may need to use a depilatory cream more frequently while those with sensitive skin who experience irritation, redness or dryness, may need to wait longer in between uses. Sensitive areas on your body like the face and bikini line also tend to require longer intervals between applications.
It's best practice to check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the appropriate frequency. For instance, some brands advise users to wait at least 72 hours before reapplying the product, says LoGerfo.
Do hair removal creams hurt?
The good news: these creams are known to be a pain-free hair removal technique. However, the chemicals in depilatories can give off a pungent odor and do carry a risk of causing skin reactions after application, especially on those with sensitive skin.
Is it better to shave or use hair removal cream?
The best method for you will be based on "your skin’s sensitivity, the desired duration of hairlessness and convenience," explains LoGerfo. We broke down the pros and cons of the two most popular options, but you can also experiment with both.
✔️ Shaving: When you're in a rush, shaving is the most common hair removal method because it's fast and convenient. "It’s quick, requires minimal effort, and can be done almost anywhere, anytime, without any fancy prep," says LoGerfo. There is no odor (unless you don't like your shaving cream) and it's relatively pain-free with the exception of minor nicks and bumps as well as potential razor burn and ingrown hairs. You will also need to shave more frequently because since "shaving removes hair at the surface, it can grow back quicker than with depilatories," explains Senior Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek.
Still, our experts report that shaving tends to be less expensive than using depilatory creams when you look at the average cost of buying a razor and shaving cream over a year.
✔️ Depilatory creams: "Unlike waxes that remove hair from its root (which can be painful), depilatory creams are painless and create a smooth surface without the irritation and redness that often accompany waxing," says Wizemann. "They also do not cause razor burn, nicks or bumps on your skin, which shaving tends to do." These creams are easy to use and you may also experience longer results, but they often have an odor and can be irritating. Still, hair removal creams are easier to apply and use when targeting hard-to-reach areas.
Depending on the brand, the wait time can be 10 to 15 minutes which isn't as speedy as shaving. Although your hair tends to grow back softer than before, LoGerfo notes that individuals with coarser hair may find depilatory creams less effective because you may need to let the cream sit for longer or do multiple applications.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price researched and pulled together the picks above, based on Lab testing and top-rated products. Dori has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals, including dermatologists and aestheticians. She has previously reported on IPL hair removal devices and the best dermaplaning tools.
Sabina Wizemann contributed her expertise to the story, including how to use and shop for hair removal creams and explaining how they work. Since joining Good Housekeeping, Sabina has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for over a decade.
Updates Editor Elizabeth Berry most recently touched this story, replacing out-of-stock creams and adding expert advice from Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
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