7 Best Hair Removal Creams for Super-Smooth Skin

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.

✔️ 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 counter interact any irritation." You can also look for soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, especially if you have easily irritated skin.

"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.

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.

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.

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 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 because you may need to let the cream sit for longer or do multiple applications.

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.