It's no secret that removing unwanted hair can be a painful and tricky experience for many women. If you're fed up of shaving, waxing or lasering, then you might be better off with a hair removal cream.

These creamy formulas work by breaking down the keratin proteins in your hair to effectively dissolve them. Simply wipe off the cream and voilà - your unwanted hair will be gone.

Many hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, are a lot more gentle than the burning and harsh formulas we remember from the past. Today's options are packed with nourishing ingredients that give you beautifully smooth skin and don't have a pungent smell.

One of the many advantages of using hair removal cream instead of shaving - aside from no nicks or cuts - is that it takes longer for your hair to grow back. When it does, it is much softer than shaved hairs. This is because razors slice off the ends of hairs at an angle, leaving sharp edges which are in line with the skin and become exposed within hours, causing that prickly feeling.

Creams, on the other hand, dissolve the proteins that make up the hair, leaving smooth rounded hairs just below the skin, which take longer to come back through, and feel softer rather than stubbly when they do.

Whether you're looking to rid your body or face of unwanted fuzz, we've rounded up the best hair removal creams for your needs. Say goodbye to prickly stubble, and hello to smooth, soft skin.

Here are some of our top options you can buy right now:

Best hair removal creams of 2021

1. Nair Tough Hair Removal Cream

Best for bikini line
Stubborn hairs don't stand a chance with this one

Tackling tough, thick hair? Don't worry, there's a cream specifically designed for that. Coarser hair needs a strong no-nonsense product so there's no strays left behind. Cue Nair Tough Hair Removal Cream.

It gently gets rid of stubborn strands and is infused with lily flower extract and cotton seed oil to leave skin moisturised and nourished.

Perfect for all body areas, including legs, bikini and underarms.

2. Veet Spray On Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin

Best for sensitive skin
It's super hydrating

Go from furry to fuzz-free in under five minutes with this easy-to-use spray-on hair removal cream for body.

The nourishing formula gets close to the root and even works on short hair for sumptuously smooth skin for up to a week.

Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, it won't leave you with unsightly rashes, lumps and bumps like a razor-shave, and will leave you with cashmere-soft - and hair-free - skin.

3. Nair Upper Lip Kit

Best for upper lip
Get fuzz-free in little to no time

Stubborn little hairs around your top lip can hit your confidence - and can also be difficult to banish.

Thankfully, Nair has created a hair removal kit specifically for use on that hard-to-defuzz lip area.

The kit comes with a nifty precision tube for easy application to the precise point you need to target.

It also contains calming Argan oil, which means its suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

4. Boots Smooth Care Hair Removal Cream for Bikini & Underarm

Best for underarms
Get smooth underarms without pain

Target those more sensitive areas with a smoothing hair removal cream that's specially designed for their needs.

Not only will you be de-haired in a few easy steps, your skin will also get a hydration hit thanks to nourishing sweet almond and cotton seed oils.

What's more, floral scents help to mask that slightly unpleasant odour, creating a more enjoyable experience.

5. Veet Face Hair Removal Kit Sensitive Skin

Best for facial hair
It comes with a gentle finishing cream

There's a number of reasons why women might get facial hair, and we can face different types of strands, too. You may just dislike that soft fuzz that many of us experience, or you may have thicker hair to tackle if you suffer with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

A hair removal cream for face is a kinder and gentler way to get rid of hair, and won't leave you with any rashes, nicks or cuts.

Suitable for even the most sensitive skin, the hair removal cream in this kit is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E to send those strands packing seamlessly. The bundle also includes a gentle finishing cream to pamper your skin after removing hair.

6. Woo Woo Intimate Hair Removal Cream

Best for bikini line
Need a hair-free intimate area?

Formulated with and Aloe Vera and softening oils, this vegan hair removal cream is designed for intimate use.

The gently scented product leaves you with super smooth skin and can be used for your undercarriage, bum and bikini line. It also comes with a spatula for easy application.

Patch testing 24 hours prior to use is advised.

7. Avon Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Facial Hair Cream Removal

Best moisturising option
The formula is super nourishing

Peach fuzz on your face? Pesky upper lip hairs? Furry hairline? Supersized side burns? Zap those undesirable strands with this gentle but effective facial hair removal cream.

Contains meadow foam oil and shea butter for a soothing, smoothing fuzz-free finish.

Did we mention that it also works in under two minutes? It's totally tash-tastic.

8. Veet Men Hair Removal Cream Chest & Body

Best for men
It gives you long-lasting results

Designed for men, this cream can be used to remove hair on the chest and body - it even works on short hairs.

The hydrating formula is suitable for sensitive skin and leaves skin smooth for up to seven days.