What is a depilatory cream?
Hair removal creams are usually quite thick and are spread on the skin in the area where you want to remove hair. After applying the cream, you should leave it on for a few minutes to weaken each hair follicle. After that time—it will be more or less depending on the cream—you can wipe off the cream and gently remove the hair, leaving your skin smooth and soft.
The main active ingredient in hair removal creams is thioglycolic acid . This acid is usually added in the form of various salts, such as potassium and calcium thioglycolates, although it can sometimes be found as pure thioglycolic acid. Along with other ingredients, these acids break down keratin , a protein naturally found in hair, weakening it and causing it to fall out.
The best depilatory creams
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Veet hair removal cream with dispenser
One of the most convenient options on the market is Veet's hair removal cream with a pump dispenser. This way, you won't waste any product and you can apply it more easily. It comes in a 400ml bottle and is perfect for sensitive skin, as it will keep it moisturized for 24 hours.
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In just three steps—applying the cream to the area to be treated , waiting 4 to 6 minutes, and then rinsing with water—you can enjoy hair-free skin. Keep in mind that it will also remove shorter hairs, which can sometimes be a bit more difficult to remove. You can use it on your arms, bikini line, legs, and underarms.
Veet for men
In this case, Veet hair removal cream also has a version for men. Again, we have another great option for removing hair painlessly . This makes it perfect for more sensitive areas, such as the chest, underarms, or legs. It can also be used on both normal and sensitive skin.
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Apply to the entire treatment area, ensuring the hair is well covered, and leave on for no more than six minutes. Then remove with a spatula. If the hair falls out easily, it's time to remove all the cream and rinse with water. It keeps your skin moisturized for longer than you think. Each product contains 200 ml.
Veet cream for sensitive skin
Another option among hair removal creams is the one designed for sensitive skin. Because no matter how quick the process is, sensitive skin is always the most sensitive. In this case, Veet cream contains aloe vera and vitamin E among its ingredients. You'll see how incredibly smooth and redness-free your skin becomes.
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Like all creams from this brand, it remains on the skin for the same amount of time: a maximum of 8 minutes is sufficient. Each product contains 200 ml of cream, and you'll need a spatula to spread and remove it. It's highly effective on even the shortest hairs.
Nair Hair Remover
Another highly recommended cream is Nair. It also allows for painless hair removal from various parts of the body . As with other hair removal creams, a generous amount should be applied to thoroughly cover the area to be treated.
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In this case, we're talking about a cream made with natural ingredients. It will care for every inch of your skin. It contains argan oil , which will hydrate your skin and prevent redness. It comes in a 93-gram jar with a screw-top pump that dispenses the cream in just the right amount, preventing waste.
Nair Hair Men
Nair is also introducing a line of hair removal creams for men. It comes in two 368-gram jars, each with a pump dispenser to ensure maximum product usage. This cream is designed for thicker hair , so apply enough to cover it completely.
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In just a few minutes, you can rinse it off with water, leaving your skin hair-free and well-hydrated. It's not recommended for facial use , but it can be used on other parts of the body such as arms, chest, underarms, and groin. Remember that it contains natural ingredients, so your skin will be protected at all times.
How to use hair removal cream
If it is the first time you use a cream of this type, it doesn't hurt to test it on a small area. Although it is true that the vast majority are very soft and with natural ingredients, it does not hurt to avoid small scares. That said, its use is very simple:
- If the cream has a spatula, you can apply it with the curved part of it, otherwise, you just have to spread the cream on the body part that you want to shave. You should do it on dry, clean skin.
- Remember that you must apply a generous layer to cover the hair and do so in the opposite direction to its growth.
- Now is the time let her act. Always follow the recommendations on the product packaging. The waiting time should never exceed 9 or 10 minutes. Since there are 5 or 6 it will be more than enough.
- After 5 minutes, remove a small part to check that the hair comes out easily. If not, wait a couple more minutes.
- If the hair comes out, it is time to remove all the cream with the help of the spatula.
- Finally, We will wash the area well with water and dry it with a towel, patting it lightly and without squeezing too much.
In which areas of the body can it be used?
Hair removal creams can be used on different parts of the body. Among the most common we have the following:
- The upper lip area
- The arms
- The chest
- The legs
- Underarms
- Bikini line.
Always avoid the intimate area or wait if you have any wounds in those areas, as it could cause further irritation. But as we can see, broadly speaking, this type of hair removal method is commonly used on most parts of the body.
Benefits of using a depilatory cream
Hair removal creams and shaving are good options for hair removal if you don't want to experience pain. Both methods remove hair from the surface of the skin. This means that it grows back in just a few days.
However, compared to shaving, hair removal creams don't irritate the skin and leave fewer skin lesions or bumps. This doesn't mean that hair removal creams can't irritate the skin, but they do so less frequently, and any irritation quickly subsides. Furthermore, shaving carries the risk of cuts from the razor blade.
- Pain-free hair removal: One of the great advantages of hair removal cream is that you will not feel any pain when removing hair. Since it doesn't uproot it.
- Speed: Without a doubt, the speed of hair removal is something quite remarkable. Applying the product, waiting and removing it won't even take 10 minutes.
- You can use it on different parts of the body: As we have seen, it can be applied just as easily to the vast majority of parts of the body.
- Ideal for all skin types: If it's sensitive skin you're worried about, you don't have to anymore. Because we can find special products on the market for this type of skin, with natural ingredients that will care for and hydrate it.
- You can use it with short hair: This is another problem we usually encounter. There is no need to wait longer for the hair to grow, since short hair will also be effective.
- Moisturize and care for your skin: As we have seen, thanks to natural ingredients, they will take care of the skin and leave it softer and more hydrated.
- Longer lasting hair removal: This method of hair removal is always compared to shaving. Well, the cream is a little longer lasting, although it is worth knowing that both do not remove hair from the roots and it will grow back quickly.
Can hair removal cream be used if I have sensitive skin?
It's true that if you have very sensitive skin, you should be careful when using these types of creams. Although we're increasingly seeing natural ingredients take center stage in skincare, if you have any doubts, it's always best to do a patch test a few days beforehand. For people with very sensitive skin, it's not recommended, because irritation and itching can last longer and become a real nuisance.
Safe use of depilatory creams
Do a patch test. It's important to make sure your skin doesn't react badly to a hair removal cream before using it. Always test it on a small area of ​​your skin before using any cream of this type on a large part of your body.
It's important to remember that everyone's skin is different, so if you experience a burning sensation while the cream is on, rinse it off immediately with cold water. Remove all the cream to prevent further irritation, and if you have aloe vera on hand, use it to quickly soothe the irritation and burning.
Make sure it is the right cream for the area to be applied
Use a cream that indicates it's safe for the area where you'll be applying it. Some formulas are stronger than others and may be too harsh for sensitive areas like the face or bikini line. Also, never apply hair removal cream to irritated or broken skin.
Time the time
Most hair removal creams should be left on for 3 to 10 minutes , but it's important to carefully read the instructions for the specific cream you're using beforehand. This way, you'll know exactly how long to leave it on.
rinse it well
After the time indicated in the instructions, you should remove the cream and rinse your skin with cold water . It is normal for your skin to feel sensitive at first. This sensation should disappear within a few hours.
Care after depilatory cream
You can use a soothing cream afterward to relieve any irritation or discomfort on your skin. If you have dry skin, use a fragrance-free moisturizer. It's important not to use perfumed products.
Disadvantages of depilatory creams
Chemical burns
Hair removal creams use chemicals to remove hair. This means there is a possibility of suffering a chemical burn.
First-, second-, or third-degree burns can occur when hair removal cream is left on for longer than recommended. This is more likely to happen in the groin or facial area because the skin in these areas is more sensitive.
Chemical burns are painful and require medical attention. To avoid them, be sure to leave the cream on for the recommended time and use it only on the areas indicated in the instructions .
If you feel any discomfort or burning when using the hair removal cream, immediately rinse your skin with cold water and remove any remaining cream.
Characteristic odor of depilatory cream
Hair removal creams have a specific odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs . This is due to the chemical reaction between the cream and the hair.
In any case, try not to use perfumed products after applying the cream. The smell will disappear after a short time.
The hair comes out relatively quickly:
As we just mentioned, it is true that it is a more durable method than the blade but still, not as long as others that we know. The hair will come back in a few days.
Sometimes it can irritate the skin
As we see, it is something that happens infrequently, but it can happen and it must be taken into account. Itching or redness will be the usual symptoms.
It is not recommended for use in the pubic area.
How long does the effect of hair removal cream last?
As a general rule, hair won't grow back for about 6 or 7 days , but it really depends on the individual. Some people have less hair or less dense hair, and for them, it can take up to 7 days for it to grow back. But if you have a lot of hair or thicker hair, then you'll notice it starting to grow back in three or four days.
Hair removal cream or blade?
The truth is that neither hair removal method removes hair from the root. However, they do have differences. On the one hand, depilatory cream is gentler because it dissolves the protein in the hair , making the ends less coarse. Hair removal with this method lasts longer, and the skin is left smoother and more moisturized. On the other hand, shaving is more harsh; the hair grows back faster, and the skin isn't completely smooth, but rather rough, and may even cause cuts or redness. Therefore, when comparing the two, we would opt for depilatory cream.
Best hair removal cream brands
- Veet: It is one of the best-known brands in this field. It also has different formats such as the one intended for sensitive skin, normal skin or for men. But without forgetting the different containers such as the spray or dispenser. Very easy to use, with new fragrances and maximum hydration.
- Mercadona: The Deliplus hair removal creams They have also been very well received. Economical prices and good results are what this other type of product gives us. It contains moisturizing ingredients and is also very easy to use and at a really affordable price.
- Nair: It is always another great option, especially for skin that has greater sensitivity. It has ingredients such as aloe vera or cocoa butter, without forgetting vitamin E. So in addition to hair removal it also softens and hydrates the skin a lot.