While hair growth products have become even more popular, with things like vitamins for hair growth and scalp massagers making appearances, some people are more focused on hair removal. And we don’t just mean razors, although that’s a common method for removing unwanted hair.
Hair removal creams, which may sound like relics from the ‘80s, are surprisingly effective options that can typically be used on multiple body parts. We wanted to know if they worked, but also how they felt when applied—did they burn or itch, for example? Daring members of our testing team tried these products, sharing their thoughts on scent, smoothness, and things that shocked them.
This may sound surprising, but we were left feeling like this might be the perfect product for a busy professional—read on to find out why.
Best Hair Removal Creams of 2026
- Best Overall: Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
- Best Hair Removal Cream for Those Sensitive to Scent: Veet Gel Cream Sensitive Hair Remover
- Best Dermatologist-Tested Hair Removal Cream: Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Cocoa Butter
Best Hair Removal Creams Comparison Table
Best Overall: Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Flamingo
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved everything about this cream, from the easy application and subtle scent to how thoroughly and efficiently it removed hair
- Who it’s for: Busy professionals who want something more efficient than traditional shaving
- What makes it different: The ideal combination of attributes, including the just-right scent level, easy application and removal, and excellent effectiveness
Pros
- Easy application and removal
- Minimal time required
- No skin irritation or discomfort
Cons
- May only get a couple of uses per bottle depending on how much is used
- Some people may not prefer a scented product
Our Thoughts on Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream
Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream, which is safe for sensitive skin, claims to remove hair “quickly and easily,” according to the company website. The product can be used on a person’s legs, arms, stomach, underarms, and bikini area, and the cream comes with a spatula to help with application. This hair removal cream is dermatologist-tested, and it has a “subtle iris and suede scent.”
Meredith, a member of our testing team, tested this hair removal cream on her legs and armpits. “The cream is very easy to apply,” she said, adding, “It has a nice floral smell and a thick, smooth, rich texture. It spreads very easily and evenly.” Meredith said she tried using the included spatula for application but eventually used her hands because it was faster. She rated the application process a 5 out of 5, and the smell a 4.5 out of 5.
The removal process was straightforward and pretty easy, said Meredith, explaining, “I really liked using the spatula to help with the removal of the cream. As I was scraping off the cream, it felt like it was helping to remove the hair, so I didn’t have to rub it off with my washcloth.”
One other thing worth noting, said Meredith, was the number of uses per bottle. “I probably used more than is necessary, but given the amount I used, I’d probably only get two full uses out of the bottle. Next time I may try and use less to see if the outcome remains the same,” she said.
Our tester rated this hair removal cream a 5 out of 5 for its overall effectiveness, saying, “The Flamingo hair removal cream worked great and removed all the hair in both areas where I used it. I left it on for just over five minutes, which is less than the 10-minute maximum amount of time listed but just over the minimum recommended time of five minutes.”
Meredith continued on to say she didn’t experience any skin irritation, and the product didn’t cause any burning, itching, or other uncomfortable sensations. She concluded, “As someone who hates spending large amounts of time on personal grooming or getting ready, this is a perfect product.”
Our tester also noted that compared to shaving, this hair removal cream cut down on grooming time and was more cost-efficient, in addition to offering greater convenience because “it eliminates the acrobatics required to reach those harder-to-reach places.” We appreciate that this product can help us look and feel polished, but only requires a minimal time commitment.
Specs
- Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, urea, isopropyl myristate, potassium thioglycolate, calcium hydroxide, fragrance/parfum, bisabolol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, glycerin, sodium cetearyl sulfate, hydroxycitronellal
- For use on: Legs, arms, underarms, stomach, bikini line
- Suitable for sensitive skin: Yes
Best Hair Removal Cream for Those Sensitive to Scent: Veet Gel Cream Sensitive Hair Remover
Veet Gel Cream Sensitive Hair Remover
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Veet
- Our thoughts: Our tester raved about her dolphin-like smooth skin after using this product, and she appreciated that it had no noticeable scent
- Who it’s for: Professionals looking for a faster way to remove hair, without any strong scents
- What makes it different: No noticeable scent, despite the ingredient list showing it does include fragrance
Pros
- Resulted in smooth, silky skin
- Very convenient
- No noticeable scent
Cons
- Technically does contain fragrance, even though our tester didn’t notice any smell
- Thinner consistency made it difficult to create a thick layer
Our Thoughts on Veet Gel Cream Sensitive Hair Remover
Veet Sensitive Gel Cream is designed for sensitive skin, and the company website says using this hair removal cream helps keep your skin smooth for up to twice as long as shaving. The minimum recommended treatment time is five minutes, but the product can be left for up to 10 minutes if necessary. This hair remover also comes with a spatula to help with application and removal.
Meredith, who tested our best overall hair removal cream, tried this one as well. “It does go on smoothly; however, it’s a bit thinner in consistency than some of the other hair removers I’ve used, so I found it slightly more challenging to get the thick layer that I wanted,” she explained.
Similar to her experience using Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream, she found the included Veet spatula easy to hold but ultimately not as efficient as simply using her hand to apply the hair removal cream. She said the product was overall easy to work with, rating the application process a 4 out of 5.
“This hair removal cream doesn’t really have any strong smells or fragrance at all,” Meredith said, adding, “There was no chemical smell when using the product either.” For those reasons, she rated the smell a 5 out of 5.
Veet Gel Cream Sensitive Hair Remover did an excellent job actually removing hair, according to Meredith, who said, “I left it on for the minimum recommended amount of time, five minutes, and it worked perfectly. I did not need to leave it on for longer nor did I have to do a second round in either area—legs and underarms.” She rated the overall effectiveness a 5 out of 5.
Meredith said she didn’t experience any skin irritation or discomfort while using this product, and she said that after using it, “My skin felt super smooth and silky like a dolphin.” One thing she particularly liked about using this hair removal cream was that she didn’t experience any skin irritation in the days afterward, unlike when she’d use a razor to shave.
Our tester found this product to be both effective and convenient overall, saying she’d even “habit stack” and do a face mask while waiting to remove the hair removal cream. She also noted that using a hair removal cream like this saved her money as well, because she didn’t need to buy razors, shaving creams, or treatments for irritated post-shave skin. For people used to juggling busy calendars, this hair removal cream offers the opportunity to multitask and maximize efficiency.
Specs
- Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, potassium thioglycolate, calcium hydroxide, steareth-21, mineral oil, glycerin, steareth-2, fragrance, kaolin, potassium hydroxide, sodium gluconate, hexyl cinnamal, linalool, cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, aloe vera leaf juice, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, hydrated silica, disodium phosphate, silica dimethyl silylate, sodium phosphate, citric acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate
- For use on: Bikini line, body, leg, underarms, chest
- Suitable for sensitive skin: Yes
Best Dermatologist-Tested Hair Removal Cream: Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Cocoa Butter
Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Cocoa Butter
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Nair
- Our thoughts: Our tester was shocked that this product worked so well without irritating her skin
- Who it’s for: Professionals who have sensitive skin and want a quick, effective way to remove hair
- What makes it different: Formulated with cocoa butter to help soothe skin, in addition to being dermatologist-tested
Pros
- No skin irritation or discomfort
- Effectively removed hair
- Lowest cost per ounce in the lineup
Cons
- Noticeable scent, which some may not prefer
- No application tool included
Our Thoughts on Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Cocoa Butter
Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Cocoa Butter has a “new and improved scent-sational formula,” according to the company website, which also notes that the new formula contains only essential ingredients and no dyes, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. Nair’s hair removal cream is also designed to remove hair below the skin’s surface and is dermatologist-tested.
A member of our testing team, Gwen, tried Nair Hair Removal Body Cream with Cocoa Butter and reported on her experience. “This cream is definitely easy to apply, and it spreads smoothly across my skin,” she said, adding that there was no spatula or other kind of application tool included. However, she said she didn’t mind because the lotion was easy to use. She rated the application a 4.5 out of 5.
As for the scent, Gwen noted, “It doesn’t have a super strong chemical scent, but it’s noticeable while applying.” She said it’s tolerable and didn’t linger after she removed the cream, rating the smell a 4 out of 5.
Gwen said she left the hair removal cream on her arms for four minutes, explaining, “Nair suggests leaving the cream on for three minutes, then checking a small area. Four minutes was plenty for my arms.” And after removing the cream, Gwen said, “I was shocked that there was absolutely zero irritation. My skin was incredibly smooth and soft; the cream completely removed all my hair with few to no patches left behind.”
She rated the effectiveness a 5 out of 5, adding, “My skin felt so smooth and soft afterward. This is definitely going to become a staple in my routine for my arms.” We think it’s ideal for professionals who want to spend money on a product that performs as intended right out of the box, without requiring extensive trial and error.
Specs
- Ingredients: Water, mineral oil, potassium thioglycolate, calcium hydroxide, cetearyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, ceteareth-20, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tocopherol, fragrance
- For use on: Legs, arms, underarms, and bikini area
- Suitable for sensitive skin: Yes
Why Hair Removal Creams Matter to Professionals
The right products don’t just help you look or feel your best; they’re ideally also easy and efficient to use—freeing you up to focus on more important matters. Hair removal creams fall into the category of “products you didn’t know you needed,” as they can replace a somewhat unpleasant task—shaving—and make it a more comfortable, more efficient experience. Here’s what we mean:
If your mornings leave little room for extra steps: Sometimes you don’t realize you forgot to shave until you’re halfway out the door. But hopping in the shower, applying shaving cream, and finding a razor can be a time-consuming process, not to mention that shaving in a hurry is generally not a good idea. Applying a hair removal cream is much simpler, oftentimes faster, and it can even be a more comfortable overall experience—making it an easy addition to even the busiest morning routine.
If you travel frequently: Even though most types of standard razors, like disposable razors or cartridge razors, are generally allowed in carry-on luggage, it’s not always ideal to have to pack those, plus shaving cream, plus a post-shave lotion. Hair removal creams are a one-and-done option that can be easier to pack, though you still need to pay attention to bottle size and ensure it meets guidelines for air travel.
If you are building a routine on a budget: Hair removal creams often lead to longer-lasting hair removal compared to a standard shave with a razor. And because you may not need to use a hair removal cream very often, that can benefit your budget. It’s ideal for professionals looking for maximum value without sacrificing effectiveness.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Hair Removal Creams
Here’s how we chose our lineup.
Application Process
We asked testers to walk us through the application process for each product, including how easy it was to apply the hair removal cream, whether an application tool was included, and whether the product consistency was sufficient.
Smell
Another important attribute: scent. The products we selected ultimately all contained added fragrance, but we asked testers to report on how noticeable the scent was.
Timing Accuracy
Each product’s instructions noted how long to leave the cream on after application, and some instructions included both maximum and minimum recommendations. We asked testers to follow the manufacturer instructions and tell us how accurate the recommended application times seemed to be.
Effectiveness
One of the most, if not the most important things we paid attention to: how well each product actually worked. We asked testers to share whether these hair removal creams actually worked, whether they fully or only partially removed hair, and whether the creams felt irritating in any way.
Value
People may have different priorities when shopping for a hair removal cream, but we find that cost is often an important factor. Here’s what each hair removal cream costs, as well as the per-ounce price for easy comparison.
How to Find the Best Hair Removal Creams for You
Here’s how you can select the best hair removal cream.
Your Skin Type
The great thing about this product lineup is that every product is deemed safe for sensitive skin. That said, if you have other skin concerns, be sure to choose a product well-suited for your particular skin type.
Which Area on the Body
Not all hair removal creams are intended for use on all body parts, so make sure the product information says the hair removal cream can be used on the areas you’re looking to address.
Hair Texture and Length
Some instructions may note that hair should be a certain length for best results, so pay attention to details like that when shopping for a hair removal cream.
Cost
Consider how much you’re willing to spend, and look for a hair removal cream that falls into that range. Keep in mind that you may need to try a product a few times to figure out how much cream to apply and to determine how many uses you can get per bottle, which will then help you get a better sense of the overall product value.
Hair Removal Cream Tips
If you’re new to using a hair removal cream, or even if you’re a seasoned pro, these are important things to keep in mind.
- Follow the manufacturer instructions. These products don’t always work the same way, so even if you’ve used a hair removal cream in the past, make sure to read all instructions before you apply the cream.
- Consider doing a patch test if you have extremely sensitive or reactive skin. While many hair removal creams are formulated for use on sensitive skin, some individuals could potentially still experience some kind of reaction. If you’re concerned that your skin may react, consider doing a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the hair removal cream to a broader area. Of course, we also recommend consulting a healthcare professional prior to using a new skincare product if you have any concerns.
- Use a timer. Most people have a timer function on their phone, and we recommend using that or some other timer to ensure you adhere to timing guidelines. If the instructions say to leave the hair removal cream on for only a certain number of minutes, you don’t want to simply guess when it’s time to remove the product.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
While all the hair removal creams we tested were overall highly rated, Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream was the real standout. It worked remarkably well, with zero skin irritation or discomfort, and we appreciated the subtle scent. We think it’s an excellent alternative to shaving because of how quick and easy it is to use, plus you don’t have to worry about a dull blade leading to nicks or cuts. You can even multitask while waiting for the cream to do its work, which is perfect for those running around in the morning before work—just make sure to set your timer so you don’t forget.
Frequently asked questions
How do hair removal creams work?
These types of creams generally work because they contain chemicals that weaken a protein in hair called keratin. Once the hair is weakened and softer, it can be wiped off.
Should I do a patch test before using a hair removal cream?
We recommend consulting a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist, if you have any concerns about trying a hair removal cream. For individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, a patch test might be a useful first step before fully applying the product.
What is depilatory cream?
That’s another name for these kinds of hair removal creams. They can be called hair removal creams or depilatory creams.