Hair Removal Cream vs. IPL: Which Should You Choose? 

Unwanted body hairs are worrisome for everyone and we just keep struggling with removing them again and again, especially at times when there is a get-together with your family or friends. Moreover, the hair on pubic areas and underarms are so irritating that we cannot help but get rid of them.  Most people either start by shaving, waxing, sugaring, or using depilatory creams for removing those hairs but now different places are also offering you laser or IPL hair removal that are far better than those conventional hair removal methods.  So, are you also stuck on whether you should keep using the depilatory creams or should you try laser or IPL? Well, among Laser and IPL, IPL can be a better choice as it is nearly painless and you can get at-home treatment with at-home IPL devices. But, what about Depilatory creams vs. IPL? This article discusses the details about these two so that you can get your answer.  Hair Removal By Hair Removal Creams Hair Removal Creams also known as depilatory creams are popular for their nearly painless hair removal. The word depilation means the removal of your hair by mechanical or chemical means. Since hair removal creams contain certain chemicals, therefore, they are called depilatory creams.  These creams can remove your hair below the surface of the skin unlike shaving and shaving also needs the use of a razor for hair removal while you only need a spatula or a cloth to wipe off the cream and your unwanted hairs as well. These creams not only remove your hair but also exfoliates your skin to make it soft and smooth. Let’s discuss the full mechanism in the next section.  How do Hair Removal Creams Work? Hair removal creams have a unique mechanism of working. They do not cut or pull your hair from your skin. They denature your hair proteins and make them soft enough that when you wipe the cream, your hairs become weak enough to get wiped off with the cream. How does it happen? Your hair is made of 95% of keratin, a protein responsible for repairing and strengthening your hair. Depilatory creams have thioglycolic acid as their main ingredient and this acid has the capability to break down the protein structure of your hair. As a result, your hairs turn into a jelly-like soft and easily come off on removing the cream.  So, all you need to do is to apply the cream, wait for some time, and wipe it off.  Related reading How Does Hair Removal Cream Work? (& FAQs) Does Face Hair Removal Cream Work? Is It Safe? Advantages of Using Hair Removal Creams These creams do not involve the removal of hair by force, so they are completely nearly painless Nearly painless methods like these can be a great alternative for those who find traditional hair removal painful. You are just required to apply the cream and remove it after a given time. So, they do not require any expertise to use them, therefore, they are convenient for everyone The ease of use makes hair removal creams particularly suitable for individuals with busy lifestyles who appreciate convenience. Most hair removal creams come with extra ingredients for moisturizing and exfoliating your skin These added ingredients can enhance your skincare routine, providing additional benefits while removing unwanted hair. They are quick as you only need to apply the cream for only 5-10 minutes  In contrast to other methods, the speed of application makes hair removal creams appealing for quick touch-ups. As they dissolve hair instead of cutting them, so the new hair that comes is finer and softer  This property may lead to a smoother feel when compared to hair that is cut or pulled out by other techniques. Shaving also does not make your hair thick, but cutting the hair above the skin’s surface makes the edges of the cut hair brittle and they might irritate you.  Also Read: Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Thicker and Faster?  Disadvantages of Using Hair Removal Creams The harsh chemicals can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions, particularly in those with sensitive skin types Harsh chemicals in hair removal creams can lead to skin irritations, making patch testing essential for those with sensitive skin. Leaving the cream on the skin for an extended period can cause skin burns up to third-degree burn Extended application of hair removal creams can be dangerous, potentially resulting in severe skin burns if not monitored closely. The hair starts growing back quickly in less than three days Quick regrowth is a common drawback, as hair can start to reappear in less than three days after using hair removal creams. Intense Pulsating Light Hair Removal With the advent of technology, hair removal has not only become easier but also more efficient at giving long-lasting outputs. For example, laser hair removal and IPL can give you semi-long-lasting results by destroying your hair follicles and eventually stopping hair regrowth for months to years. Moreover, there are also handheld IPL devices for use at home so you can also get a hair-free body without having to go outdoors.  Related reading Hair Removal Cream vs Shaving: Which is Better for You? 8 Best Hair Removal Creams for Face 2025 Can I Use Nair or Veet Hair Removal Cream While Pregnant? How Does IPL Work?  IPL hair removal devices have broad-spectrum impulse pulsating light that targets the melanin pigment in your hairs to heat them. This heat is strong enough to damage your hair follicles and make the already-grown hair fall off.  As the mechanism of IPL hair removal is based on the concentration of melanin in your body, so most IPL devices work well for skin tones up to 4. Tanned, sunburnt, or dark skin has more melanin so these devices can cause burns and scarring in these cases.  Moreover, as the devices need to target your hair throughout the hair growth cycle, so can expect a few sessions before getting long-lasting smooth skin.  Multiple sessions are essential to effectively target hair in different growth phases, ensuring optimal results. How to Use At-Home IPL Devices? Using IPL devices at home is very easy and all the Devices almost work the same way. Let’s see how: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results, as specific devices may have unique settings or requirements. First, remove your hair by shaving, waxing, or any other method 24 hours before starting your IPL session After waiting for a day, you can now use the IPL device. All you need to do is to turn on the device and select the suitable intensity level or mode according to your skin type Selecting the right intensity level is important to ensure comfort and effectiveness based on your skin's sensitivity. Do a patch test to make sure it does not hurt your skin Patch testing is crucial for identifying any potential skin reactions before full use of the device. Now, slowly glide the device on your body for the time instructed by the brand and you are done  You can do the next session after a week or two in most cases Consistency in treatment is key for achieving the best possible long-term results with IPL hair removal. Apply a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and smooth throughout your IPL sessions Applying moisturizer before your IPL sessions can enhance your skin's comfort and ensure better results. With Ulike Sapphire Air3 handset, you only have to use the device for 7 minutes and you can notice visible results in less than a month of use.  Using the Ulike Sapphire Air3 can save you time while still providing effective hair removal results. Also Read: Top 10 Best Moisturizers After IPL Treatment of 2023 Benefits of IPL Hair Removal IPL is a mess-free method of hair removal as all you need is the device for your hair removal session Mess-free hair removal means you can enjoy a more convenient and efficient hair removal process without the mess associated with traditional methods. IPL hair removal also gets rid of ingrown hair and minimizes the chance of occurrence Minimizing ingrown hairs is a significant benefit of IPL, making it a preferred choice for many users seeking smoother skin. Most IPL devices work quickly and take less than 15 minutes for treating your area. Devices like Ulike Sapphire Air3 handset only need 7 minutes for whole body hair removal Quick treatment times make IPL devices like the Ulike Sapphire Air3 especially appealing for busy individuals. These devices give you smooth and hairless skin for more than six months and this skin lasts the same for up to years in some cases Long-lasting smoothness is one of the key advantages of IPL, allowing for extended periods without the need for frequent hair removal. IPL hair removal is slightly painful but a few devices are incorporated with pain-relieving technologies, so you do not need to worry about the pain at all Incorporating pain-relieving technologies in some devices means you can experience a more comfortable hair removal process. Demerits of IPL Hair Removal They are not effective for dark skin and light hair colors like ginger, grey, and blonde IPL hair removal is less effective on individuals with certain skin tones and hair colors, which limits its accessibility. IPL devices are expensive so paying up to $400 at once can be quite burdensome  Cost considerations are important; some users may find the initial investment in IPL devices to be a significant financial commitment. They can cause skin burns if you use them on tattoos or tanned skin  Skin safety is crucial when using IPL devices, as improper use can lead to burns, especially on sensitive or altered skin. Hair Removal Creams vs. IPL: Which is Better? Parameters Hair Removal Creams IPL  Cost Less than $20  $200-400 Output  Lasts for a month Lasts for 6 months to one year Time to get output Instant hair removal Require 3-4 sessions Painful No Slightly Painful Time to complete one Session Less than 10 minutes 5-15 minutes Verdict Now you must be well aware of the differences, benefits, and demerits of both devices. Although they have tough competition, IPL hair removal takes the lead as it gives you long-lasting results. Moreover, IPL devices can work for years, so it is not so expensive in the long run.  Which IPL Device Should You Buy? Several brands offer IPL devices that are safe and work effectively but FDA-cleared devices are better. Also, if you have sensitive skin, go for those that offer nearly painless hair removal.  A device that is not only FDA-cleared but is also nearly painless and quickies the Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL device. It is a user-friendly, easy-to-use, and highly efficient hair removal device you will not regret buying.  Choosing the right device is essential for achieving effective results, particularly for those with specific skin sensitivities. Benefits of Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL Hair Removal Device The device is FDA and dermatologists so you don’t need to worry about the safety and quality of the device Safety and quality assurance from FDA and dermatologists ensures users can trust the device's effectiveness and reliability. It offers a quick 7-minute full-body hair removal Efficiency in hair removal can save time, making the Ulike Sapphire Air3 a convenient option for busy individuals. The device is lightweight and small so that you can easily hold it  Portability is a significant advantage, allowing for easy handling and use in various settings. It provides you with visible results in less than a month Visible results in less than a month can be a significant advantage for those seeking quick solutions for hair removal. It has one million flashes that are enough for the device to last for more than 10 years or even your whole lifetime With one million flashes, this device is designed for long-term use, making it a cost-effective choice over time. Incorporated with ice-cooling technology, the device keeps the temperature in control and makes sure that you do not feel any pain throughout the procedure The incorporation of ice-cooling technology not only enhances comfort but also helps in minimizing skin irritation during the process. It comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty in case you don’t like the device or it stops working suddenly  A 90-day money-back guarantee provides peace of mind, ensuring customer satisfaction with the product. Bottom Line Hair removal creams are good for quick hair removal but IPL hair removal can be as quick, and nearly painless as these creams. What makes IPL better is the Long-lasting results it gives and the fact that it minimizes the risk of any allergic reactions or ingrown hair.  Laura