Best Hair Removal Creams for Sensitive Skin

​Depilatory creams contain strong chemicals which can cause allergic reaction in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

For this reason, there are a number of depilatory creams on the market nowadays which have been developed specifically for use on sensitive skin.

It can be tricky deciding which to choose, and in the end it really comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual.

To help you with this, we have rounded up ​a number of depilatories for sensitive skin to use on each area of the body, and which we found to be effective and good value for money.

Male Products

Photo of man with hairy chest

Generally, there is a lack of male depilatory creams specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

Male hair tends to be thicker and coarser than women's and therefore the cream needs to be stronger in order to work effectively, which could be why.

The one's that we have chosen are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, but in any case, it is important to carry out a skin test prior to use.

We recently published an in-depth article about how depilatory creams work and how to use them.​

If your skin is very sensitive, and your hair not too thick or coarse, it may be worth trying a product that is suitable for women, or for both, to see if it will work for you.

Head/Scalp

I have to start this section by saying that I would not recommend using depilatory creams on the scalp.

If you wish for a smooth, bald head, then shaving is most likely the best option at the moment and there are many razors and products available to help you achieve your desired look.​

Softsheen Carson Magic Razorless Smooth Shave Cream for Men

This product was formulated to help prevent and treat razor bumps in black men and is specifically designed for use on the head.

Although it was designed for black skin, there are some white males who have successfully used the product.​

​Before use, you must be sure to follow the instructions and precautions to the letter and carry out a patch test at least 24 hours prior to full application to check for allergic reactions and irritation.

It is quick-acting and the manufacturer recommends waiting 4 - 7 minutes.​

Things we Liked

  • Highly affordable - currently available at between just $3 - $4 dollars a tube
  • Quick and easy - use at home
  • Results last longer than shaving
  • Prevent razor bumps

Things we didn't Like

  • Odour
  • Can be messy

Face​

Depilatory creams have not been available for men's facial hair in the past, but there are some powders around now that could do the trick for you, if you are fed up with shaving and its associated side-effects.

Of the Magic range available, I have chosen the platinum one as it seems to be the best for beards, whilst not being as harsh as some of the other choices in the range, so better for sensitive skin.​

Softsheen Carson Magic Skin Conditioning Shaving Powder, Platinum

This is a powder, specifically created for black males, to help stop razor bumps.  It is a depilatory, manufactured in the USA and not designed for use with a razor.

The manufacturer's advice is not to use this product for at least 36 hours after your last shave.

The powder is mixed with water to form a cream.  The cream is then applied to your beard and left for 5 - 7 minutes (not allowing the cream to dry out).

The product is then removed with a spatula, together with the hair.  It is recommended to wait at least 36 hours between applications.

​The downside of the product is the rather unpleasant odour, and it can be a bit messy to use.

On a positive note, if it works for you, it costs a​ very affordable £2.69 for a 4.5 oz tin

Things we Liked

  • Low cost
  • Convenient - use at home
  • Quick results - just 5 - 7 minutes
  • Prevents razor bumps

Things we didn't Like

  • Odour - not great
  • Can be messy

Body

Please note that, although many reviews that are freely found on the internet extol the use of various depilatory creams for use on the genitals, there are none that are actually recommended for such use.

Equally, they should not be used on nipples, perianal area, nor for ear or nose hair.

Furthermore, if you wish to use any depilatory cream on the face, you should use one that is specifically designed for facial use.​

Veet for Men Hair Removal Gel Cream

This product comes in a 200ml tube and is for use on back, chest, legs, arms and underarms.

It works in just 4 - 6 minutes and is quick and easy and is specially formulated to be used in the shower.

The cream is designed to be suitable for all skin types - just be sure to carry out the patch test as instructed, prior to each application.

​Unfortunately the odour is not the best, although not overpoweringly strong it is not particularly pleasant.

Retailing currently at $13.24 for a 200ml tube, it is a reasonably priced option for covering large areas of the body.

Note - this depilatory cream is not suitable for genital areas.​

Things we Liked

  • Fast Acting
  • Covers large areas
  • Value for money
  • Works on coarse hair
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Majority of reviews favourable

Things we didn't Like

  • Odour
  • No sensitive skin specific option

Nad's for Men Hair Removal Cream for the Body

Nad's for men hair removal cream is strong, to work on coarse hair, but the new formula includes Aloe Vera to soothe and moisturize the skin.

The odour, whilst still not exactly great, has improved and the formula works quickly, in just​ 4 - 10 minutes.

​It is designed specifically for use on the arms, legs, chest and back only.

It is easy to use and can be removed by wiping away with a cloth and then rinsed, or just washed away in the shower.​

Although not specifically for sensitive skin, provided you have no adverse reactions from carrying out a patch test, you should be good to go with it.

Costing around $11 for a 200ml tube, it comes in a little cheaper than the Veet product.​

Things we Liked

  • Value for money
  • Fast acting
  • Covers large areas
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Works on coarse hair

Things we didn't Like

  • No sensitive skin option
  • Odour

Female Products

Hair is different for each part of the body - in some areas hair is thicker and coarser than others, and so a different strength of depilatory cream is required.

Generally female facial hair is lighter and finer than that on other parts such as legs or bikini, which is why there are depilatory creams specifically formulated for use just on the face.

It is not a good idea to use general depilatory creams for body on the face, as the skin tends to be more sensitive and you could end up regretting it.​

Face

Do bear in mind that facial depilatory creams are not suitable for use on eyebrows or anywhere near the eye area.

Nor should they be used for nose or ear hair, or on moles or warts.

Surgi Cream Facial Hair Removal Cream

Manufactured in the USA, Surgi Cream is a well-known Brand.

This product is an extra gentle formula specifically for use on sensitive, facial skin and is suitable for cheeks, jaws, upper lips and chin.

What you get for your money is a 28g tube (1oz) of hair removal cream, a 14g tube of after-cream and a spatula for applying and removing the product.​

The cream has relatively little odour, which is a good thing, and is quick working - from 4 - 8 minutes.  The optimum time for me was bang in the middle at 6 minutes!

​I liked the addition of the after cream, which I found to be pleasantly scented and left the skin feeling soft and cool.  It has another advantage in that it is designed to inhibit re-growth.

There is sufficient in the tube for several treatments - overall great value for money at just under $7.​

Things we Liked

  • Good value for money - Sufficient product for several applications
  • After Cream - a great bonus to soothe and moisturise and increase time between treatments
  • Odour - not strong or unpleasant
  • Works well quickly - in 4 - 8 minutes

Things we didn't Like

  • Spatula - Felt it was a bit large and unwieldy for the face

Veet 2-Step Facial Hair Cream Kit

From one of the best known Brands in the sector, this facial hair cream kit is just one in a large range of Veet Hair Removal Products.

Specifically for sensitive skin the kit consists of a 1.69 fl oz (49.9 ml) tube of depilatory cream with the same sized tube of after cream and a spatula.

The ​hair removal cream is lightly scented, reminiscent of a hand cream and the finishing cream is soothing, with caramides to help soothe and restore moisture to the skin post-depilation.

What you Get

The spatula provided is there if you wish to use it, but I prefer to just use fingertips for facial areas, which I find easier and more accurate.

The cream takes between 5 - 10 minutes maximum, again for me I was bang in the middle at 8 minutes.​

This product retails at around $16, so is not the cheapest.  However, the tubes are a fairly generous size and so should last for quite a few applications.

Things we Liked

  • Relatively Cost Effective - A fairly generous amount of product for the price
  • Odour - pleasant and not too strong
  • Finishing Cream - pleasant to use
  • Quick - works in 5 - 10 minutes

Things we didn't Like

  • Spatula - Find fingertips easier (personal preference)
  • No Information Leaflet - instructions on box and on tube, a leaflet is easier to read/keep

Body

Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream, Sensitive Formula 13.5oz

Another Veet product, this gel cream comes in an easy to use pump dispenser bottle with a generous 13.5 oz (400ml) capacity.

Designed to be used on legs, arms, underarms and bikini line for those with sensitive skin, it is quick-acting, taking just 5 minutes.​

​Amongst its ingredients are Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to leave the skin feeling moisturized and soft.

​There is a spatula included with this cream and, unlike the facial depilatories, it is useful for even application and removing the product easily.

My colleague used this product on her legs and underarms and found it to be easy to apply and remove and, most importantly, did the job well.

The odour was not overwhelming, although not particularly pleasant, and the hair did not start to grow back until 4 days later.​

Currently retailing at around $8.50 it is relatively good value for money for what you get​

Things we Liked

  • Efficient
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use pump
  • Fast acting - max 6 minutes

Things we didn't Like

  • Odour - Not particularly pleasant

Nair Shower Power Sensitive Formula, 12.6oz

The Nair Shower Power Sensitive formula comes in a pump dispenser, designed specially for ease of use in the shower.

Also included is a sponge applicator​, which you use to apply to dry skin before you go into the shower.

When you shower, you can follow your usual routine but try to avoid the creamed area being directly in the stream of water.

The bumpy side of the applicator sponge is used to remove the hair by massaging in a circular motion.

The following video illustrates exactly how easy it is to use.​

The product is suitable for use on arms, underarms, legs and bikini line, however there is also a Nair Bikini Cream with Green Tea Sensitive Formula, 1.7oz available specifically for "down below".

I have to say that, by the time you have applied the cream and then waited the​ requisite minute before entering the shower, you must be careful to keep your eye on the time - and make sure you do not exceed the recommended 10 minutes.

The scent is not too strong, albeit not my favourite, and the cream does work well for me - already being in the shower ready to remove it is great.​

At the current price of around $14, although there should be sufficient cream for a few applications, depending on area covered, it is rather more expensive than some.

Things we Liked

  • Convenient - works while you shower
  • Works well and quickly
  • Sponge Applicator included
  • Easy to use pump

Things we didn't Like

  • Cost - More expensive than some depilatories
  • Odour - not strong but not particularly pleasant
Sue
 

For the past 12 months, I have been testing and playing with all sorts of hair removal products for Hair Free Life. My goal is to provide the most accurate and up-to-date hair removal consumer information on the internet. When I'm not photographing, reviewing and researching hair removal products I play the drums in a samba band and am a volunteer for the Swindon Lions! Got any questions? Write to us below:

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