11 Hair Removal Creams That Hurt a Lot Less Than Everything Else (2024)

Allow us to be candid—the options for hair removal aren't great. Many of the solutions to get rid of unwanted hair (waxing, shaving, laser ) are either painful, high-maintenance, or both. If you're looking for a pain-free alternative to waxing or can't stand shaving your legs every day, consider using a hair removal cream.

If the thought of using a depilatory cream is giving flashbacks to irritation, rashes, and the smell of a fire burning, rest assured the formulas available nowadays are way better than you might remember. You also have a good amount of options to choose. There are now a wide variety of over-the-counter options for every part of the body, including the legs, face, and yes, even the bikini area. Not to mention, you can also shop formulas made specifically for sensitive-skin types or those with coarse hair.

What to consider

First off, decide how you want to remove the hair. "It’s best to choose a trimmer or shave if you have sensitive skin because these don’t cause a lot of irritation," says Rachel Lozina, Master Esthetician, Laser Technician, Oncology Esthetician and Founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay and Southampton, NY. She adds, "If your skin is more resilient, try an epilator or a cream hair dissolver. Choose a facial hair remover to remove superficial hair on the face such as hair on cheeks, chin and side burns."

How we chose

When it comes to figuring out the best formula for you, "Stay away from overly fragrant formulas and products with alcohol, which is pore clogging and harsh on the skin," says California-based celebrity esthetician Camaille Victoria. "Instead, look for ingredients such as calcium thioglycolate or potassium hydroxide. These work to break down the keratin proteins in the hair, which is essential for dissolving the shaft and melting it," explains Lozina.

Here, keep reading for the best hair removal creams for the job.

Neomen's product gets rave reviews on Amazon for its ability to eradicate thick and coarse hair—without irritating sensitive skin. The popular cream also acts as a great moisturizing agent, thanks to aloe vera, vitamin E, and baby oil.

Whether you have sensitive skin or are removing hair from traditionally sensitive areas, like the underarm and bikini line, you need a gentle—but hardworking—formula to minimize the burning sensations often associated with hair removal creams and any resulting irritation. This dye- and paraben-free stick does the trick. It's just as effective as Nair's traditional formula but contains 100 percent natural coconut oil and vitamin E to nourish and soothe skin at the same time.

This hair removal cream comes in a convenient spray bottle (similar to an aerosol sunscreen) for easy application. Simply spray on, let sit for four minutes, then step in the shower to rinse the formula—and your hair—right down the drain.

Though hair removal creams aren't permanent, this moisturizer is a great long-term option for those seeking lasting results. It's not quite a hair removal cream, but it does contain a special blend of ingredients that work to reduce hair density and length, as well as inhibit growth over time.

A gentle formula is necessary for sensitive skin types, says Rina M. Allawh, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania. This formula by Veet is a great choice, because it contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera that create a buffer against irritating hair “dissolving” ingredients. Just don't leave the formula on for longer than 10 minutes, and consider applying refrigerated Vaseline to the area afterward to soothe, she says.

Forget wax—this hair removal cream is just as fast and lasts just as long but doesn't hurt at all. And because it's specially formulated for the upper lip, chin, and face, it contains extra-gentle and nourishing ingredients, like sweet almond oil, to minimize inflammation.

Remove hair, exfoliate, and smooth skin in just four minutes with this creamy formula. It's safe to use on the arms, legs, and bikini area.

Keep your upper lip and chin free of unwanted hair with this fast-acting, pain-free depilatory kit that comes with the hair removal cream and a moisturizing lotion made with collagen and soothing vitamin E.

Dermatologically tested for all skin types, this facial hair growth inhibitor cream contains natural, plant-based ingredients such as palmetto, pumpkin seed and willowherb to eliminate peach fuzz, upper lip hair, chin hair and unwanted eyebrow hairs.

This simple, three-step system is gentle on skin and includes a prepping powder and soothing mist to apply after removing hair. The natural sugar formula sticks to the hair, no skin, and is water soluble for quick and easy cleanup.

Victoria is a fan of this sugaring kit for ridding coarse hairs in hard-to-reach spots. "It's got clean ingredients and removes hair at the root," she says. For the best results she advises to not apply heavy oils or creams on the skin beforehand.