If you’re tired of shaving and find waxing too painful, you might want to check out a depilatory (or hair removal) cream. First, a quick primer on how they work: Hair removal creams use active ingredients like calcium hydroxide and sodium thioglycolate to break down the keratin proteins that make up your body hair, thereby dissolving them for easy removal with a washcloth.
Though they’ve been around for years (and were particularly popular in the ’90s), the formulas have received some major upgrades so they’re less likely to cause irritation. That said, not all hair removal creams are created equal. Some are better suited for your limbs, while others are safe to use on your face. Not sure what to use or where? We’ve broken down the best ones for every part of your body.