We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
When it comes to hair removal methods, you can take your pick. Waxing, shaving, epilating — the list goes on and on. While they all do the job (for the most part), there are often unpleasant side effects (bumps, burns and the like) that you'd like to avoid. Enter hair removals cream, aka depilatory creams, that are painless, efficient and have long-lasting results.
How do these creams magically get rid of hair? "Hair removal creams temporarily remove unwanted hair through a chemical degradation process of keratin, a protein that occurs naturally in hair," explains Sabina Wizemann, senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab. Meaning, they break down the bonds in the hair so it can be swept away. The GH Beauty Lab has a history of testing all kinds of hair removal products, from bikini trimmers and epilators to at-home waxing kits and at-home laser hair removal devices. For hair removal creams, we did a consumer study with 22 testers, who used the products on one body part, observed the results and completed a survey on efficacy, scent and other factors. Below, we rounded up the best Lab-tested creams plus highly vetted top sellers at some of our favorite retailers.
Our top picks:
Once you've de-fuzzed, it's key to keep skin soft and smooth. One trick: exfoliate regularly with a body scrub — check out our favorites here. After our picks, learn what to look for when shopping for a hair removal cream, plus how to use it.
Pros
- Good scent
- Not irritating
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May not remove all hair
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. Multiple 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.
Pros
- Comes with a spatula for easy application
- Leaves skin soft and smooth
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't like the smell
A top seller at Walmart, 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 easy to use and mess-free. "The cream has a great consistency that is easy to spread and wipe off with the spatula," says one Walmart reviewer. "My legs feel so soft afterwards — I'm ready for warmer weather with this product!" If you are scent sensitive, proceed with caution. The reviews are mixed about the product's smell.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best Hair Removal Cream for Bikini Line
Uttse Intimate/Private Hair Removal Cream for Women
Now 16% Off
Pros
- Designed for bikini area
- Works quickly
- Leaves skin soft
Cons
- Scraper is a little sharp
This top seller on Amazon works quickly (in 5 to 10 minutes), applies easily and leaves skin soft. While we didn't test this in the Lab, we love that it's created for sensitive skin, and specifically the pubic area, so you don't have to be nervous about applying on those parts. "I was really skeptical and a bit worried about putting a cream remover on my intimate areas because of the risk of something going wrong," shares one Amazon reviewer. "I'm so glad I gave this a try — I've been using it for about four months now regularly and have had no issues." Just be mindful when using the included tool: one reviewer noted that the edge was a little sharp.
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 choosing a product. While this Amazon top seller (over 13,000 ratings!) hasn't been formally tested in the Lab, we love that it is dermatologist-tested, gently exfoliates skin and "reduces hair regrowth," according to the brand. Plus, the sweet almond oil nourishes skin. "This hair remover is gentle and removes fine facial hair," shares one Amazon reviewer. Make sure to follow the timing directions, as a few users noted that it can burn if you leave on too long.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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. "It softens my legs and doesn’t leave them dry," says one, while another shares 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
- No mess
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Strong odor
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 says, "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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Great scent
- Easy to use and follow directions
- Rinses off easily
Cons
- The product tends to drips off
Another winning spray formula, the GH testers love that the formula "smells great," that it is "easy to use with one hand" and "it rinses off easier than other formulas." It contains Moroccan argan oil, which nourishes skin as you get rid of hair. In our testing, the cream received high scores for ease of use and lack of irritation during and after application. One tip before you apply: put towels down to catch any falling product, as a few reviewers noted that it does tend to drip down.
Pros
- Exfoliates skin
- Hydrating ingredients
- Works quickly
Cons
- Strong fragrance
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. While we haven't tested this in the Lab, we love that the thicker formula contains cocoa and shea butter, making it super nourishing and great for those with drier skin types. "This hair removal body butter cream works well," shares one Ulta reviewer. "It removed all the hair, I didn't have any patches and it left my legs feeling super smooth." Like some of the other formulas, a few users did comment on the strong and chemical-y scent, so take note.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
How we test the best hair removal creams
The Good Housekeeping Institute regularly tests all kinds of skincare and hair removal products. This test included eight products, which were assigned to 22 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
What to look for when shopping for a hair removal cream
There are a few key factors to consider:
✔️ 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.
Is it better to wax or use hair removal cream?
"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."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
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 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price researched and pulled together all of 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 is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.
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 almost a decade. She carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, eye creams, makeup cleansers and more. She also lends a hand when it comes to explaining skincare ingredients, like occlusives, and verifies product claims.
Dori Price
Contributing Beauty Editor
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.
Reviewed bySabina Wizemann
Beauty Lab Director
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.