7 Best Hair Removal Creams, According to Testers
We paired hair removal creams with over 20 testers to find the best formulations.
Tested by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab Director
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Whether you’re removing hair from your legs, underarms, face, or bikini area, you want it to be the smoothest experience possible—pun intended. Laser hair removal can be pricey, and shaving can leave razor burn and painful nicks. Hair removal creams, a.k.a. depilatory creams, are a painless and efficient way to nix body hair. These creams temporarily remove unwanted hair through a chemical process, explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. They break down the bonds in the hair so it can be swept away, leaving smooth, long-lasting results.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Sliick Body Hair Removal Cream
- Best Value: Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Nair Sensitive Shower Cream Hair Remover
To find the best hair removal creams, experts in the GH Beauty Lab conducted a study with 129 consumer testers who used the products on one body part, observed the results, and completed a survey reporting on efficacy, scent, and other factors. We synthesized the results and curated this shopping guide with expert advice for using hair removal creams.
Best Deal
Pros
- Removed hair in dense hair areas
- Didn’t cause ingrown hairs
- Left skin smooth
Cons
- Low score for scent
Earning the highest overall score in our latest round of hair removal cream testing, this especially excelled at removing hair in dense areas and leaving skin ingrown-free. It easily removed a range of hair types and lengths: fine and coarse/thick, as well as long and short hair. Skin was left smooth after use.
“This hair removal product worked very well. I didn’t experience any irritation on my legs or underarms. The hair didn’t grow back for at least a week,” a tester said, while another shared, “I loved how well it worked on various areas!” However, its scent was a drawback, and one tester said, “The smell was unbearable and lingered like a skunk’s odor.”
Pros
- Comes with a spatula for mess-free application
- Hair comes off easily
- Versatile
Cons
- Can be irritating
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. “The product had little or no odor, spread on easily, and wiped off cleanly,” a tester shared. “It left the skin on my legs smooth and soft.”
However, some testers found it irritating, with one sharing, “It was too strong to use on the bikini area and underarms. My skin was painful and raw.”
Pros
- Spread easily over skin
- No irritation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Didn’t perform as well on coarse hair
Save yourself some shelf space with this twofer that works for both the body and face. In testing, it earned the highest score for spreading easily over skin, as well as high marks for not being irritating, ease of use, and leaving skin smooth. It comes in four unique scents that testers enjoyed: Guava Butter, Mango Magic, Milk & Honey, and Fairy Floss. However, it didn’t score as high for coarse hair removal.
“I found the Wakse Meltoway Hair Dissolving Cream to be a fast and effective product to remove hair,” a tester said. “It really does seem to dissolve hair just as the name implies. It's easy to use and left my skin hairless, smooth, and soft. It was equally effective when using on the short hairs of my upper lip and the longer hairs on my legs. While I normally use fragrance-free products due to my sensitive skin, the fragrances of the Wakse products are pleasant and subtle, and I didn't experience any strong reaction, such as the usual hives and rash.”
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Stays on legs even while in the shower
- No offensive odor
Cons
- Messy application
Wizemann doesn't typically use depilatory creams, but she decided to give Nair's formula a try after experiencing irritation from shaving. This cream lets her multitask in the shower, and she reported that eight 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 this Nair product had an offensive odor, which 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 should wash your hands immediately after applying. Wizemann had to use a washcloth to completely remove the product from her hands and reported that it was difficult to remove the cream from the cloth.
Pros
- Designed for bikini area
- Works quickly
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Scraper is a little sharp
This Amazon's Choice hair removal cream works quickly (in five to 10 minutes), applies easily, and leaves skin soft. We love that it's designed for sensitive skin, specifically the pubic area, so you don't have to worry about applying it there. 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 a 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 and hair regrowth seemed slower than with shaving."
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Exfoliates skin
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can burn if left on too long
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 instructions, as a few users have noted it can burn if left on too long.
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Pros
- Easy to apply
- Leaves skin silky
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Doesn't always remove long hair
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 using. “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.
How we test the best hair removal creams
The Good Housekeeping Beauty & Personal Care Lab has extensive experience evaluating 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 a hair removal cream 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 counteract 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 to 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 weekly, according to our beauty experts. Jodi LoGerfo, M.D., D.N.P., A.P.R.N., 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 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 carry a risk of skin reactions after application, especially for 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 except for minor nicks and bumps as well as potential razor burn and ingrown hairs. You will also need to shave more frequently because “shaving removes hair at the surface; it can grow back quicker than with depilatories,” explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.
Still, our experts report that shaving is generally less expensive than using depilatory creams when you consider the average cost of 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 may provide longer-lasting 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 up to 10 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, as they may need to leave the cream on longer or apply it multiple times.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price researched and compiled 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.
Temporary Beauty Editor Celia Shatzman most recently updated this story.
Beauty Lab Director 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.
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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