The best hair removal creams offer a quick, low-effort alternative to shaving, helping to dissolve hair just below the skin’s surface for longer-lasting smoothness without the need for razors, waxing or salon appointments. While it’s a product category that has been around for a while, formulas have come a long way from the strong-smelling creams you might remember. However, as has always been the case, choosing the right option still depends on where you’re using it – from legs and underarms to more delicate areas such as the face or bikini line. So to find the formulas worth adding to your routine, I tested a mix of targeted treatments, from high street classics and newer options, and paid close attention to comfort, scent, ease of use and how smooth skin felt afterwards. And because traditional depilatory creams don’t suit everyone, particularly those with sensitive skin or fragrance intolerance, I also tested a clever reusable exfoliating hair removal tool as an alternative. Whether you’re looking for a fast leg solution, something suitable for facial hair or a gentler formula designed for delicate areas, these are the options that delivered the most reliable results during testing.Read more: Best at-home IPL devices I tested formulas designed for legs, underarms and intimate areas (Lucy Partington/The Independent)The best hair removal creams for 2026 are:Best overall – Veet spray on hair removal cream: £8.50, Superdrug.com Best budget buy – Superdrug limited edition hair removal cream legs and body: £4, Superdrug.comBest for removing upper lip hair – Jolen facial hair remover kit: £3.99, Savers.co.ukBest for bikini line and underarms – Nair smoothing cream bikini & underarm: £1.99, Superdrug.comBest for legs – B. by Superdrug hair removal cream legs and body: £6, Superdrug.comRead more: Best women’s razors