Frequently asked questions
How to use hair-removal creams
If you’ve never used a depilatory cream, the best way to try one out is to do a patch test first on the area you’re hoping to remove the hair. “Test on a small part of your skin and wait 24 hours to get an idea of how you can handle the product,” Dr. Spearman says.
After the waiting period, make sure you’re applying an even layer if you want to remove all hair. Then set a timer for the amount of time listed in the product’s instructions, and make sure to rinse or wipe off the cream as soon as the wait time is over to avoid irritation.
“You should avoid using in the face or bikini area unless the product states it’s safe for that zone,” Dr. Spearman says. “For aftercare, you should apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera.”
Additionally, she says you should avoid showering at superhot temperatures or using any skin care products with harsh chemicals and ingredients—think actives like retinol and exfoliating acids—for at least 24 hours after use.
When should you not use a hair-removal cream?
“If you have sensitive skin, depilatory creams could cause a reaction,” Dr. Spearman says. “Make sure to follow the instructions to ensure you aren’t leaving the cream on for too long and start with a small area to understand how your skin will react.” If you perform a patch test and find that your skin becomes irritated during or after the waiting period, it may be best to avoid using the depilatory cream altogether.
Can you use hair removal cream on moles?
Because hair removal creams work by dissolving hair with strong chemicals, applying them over a mole is not a great idea. “The chemicals can irritate or burn the mole, and any resulting inflammation or color changes could make it harder for a doctor to spot warning signs of skin cancer down the road,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. That being said, if you have a mole that grows hair that you want to remove, it’s best to check with your doctor on the best way to do so.
What to do if a hair removal cream irritates you
If a hair removal cream irritates you, the first thing to do is to stop it immediately. Treat the area with a soothing moisturizer and use other hair removal methods instead. Don’t use depilatory creams on already irritated, sunburned, or skin that’s been recently treated (such as laser). “I also recommend avoiding potentially irritating products such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide for a day or two before and after treatment if your skin is prone to sensitivity,” says Dr. Rambhia. While hair removal creams can be a convenient option, individuals with very sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea may be more likely to experience irritation and should proceed with caution.
We tested hair removal creams by evaluating ingredients, consistency, smell, and effectiveness in removing hair. We tested them on our face, underarms, and legs. The ones that stood out featured moisturizing ingredients like almond oil and shea butter to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin post-removal. We also found that the best ones had minimal smells and did a good job of keeping the skin calm and non-irritated. Ones that made the cut were highly effective, and actually removed hair in under five to ten minutes. The hair remover creams we picked made us swap out our razors, which is huge for our at-home hair removal routine.
