Soft, Hairless Skin Is a Swipe Away, Thanks to These 12 Derm-Approved Hair Removal Creams

If you’re tired of shaving all the time, won’t go anywhere near a wax, and don’t want to spend money on an epilator, it might be time to try a hair removal cream. Also known as depilatory creams, these formulations break down the protein bonds in hair, allowing you to wipe it away after five to ten minutes. The advantages of using a hair removal cream are plentiful: they’re usually painless, fast, easy, and relatively inexpensive. The disadvantages (though few) can be pretty serious if not used correctly. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., misusing a hair removal cream can hurt your skin, especially if you leave the product on too long. “The FDA reports side effects like burns, blisters, stinging, itchy rashes, and skin peeling associated with hair removal creams that haven’t been removed properly, so be careful and follow the instructions,” she warns. To mitigate irritation during hair removal, Dr. King recommends formulas loaded with nourishing, calming...