Top 8 Numbing Creams for Laser Hair Removal 2025

When we hear about long-term hair reduction, the first thing that comes to mind is laser hair removal. It is one of the most popular hair removal methods that provides you with years of fuzz-free skin just after a few sessions. But, with all the benefits comes some potential risks and side effects of laser hair removal. The most common is pain, followed by redness and inflammation. Topical products, soothing creams, aloe vera, etc can be used for redness and swelling but what about the pain? You can use a numbing cream for laser hair removal pain. Let’s see what it is. Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic designed to reduce pain during procedures like laser hair removal, making the experience more tolerable. Table of Contents: Part 1: Understanding Numbing Cream Part 2: Can You Use Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal? Part 3: Best Numbing Creams for Laser Hair Removal Part 4: How to Apply Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal Part 5: Where Can I Buy Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal Part 6: Safety Considerations and Precautions Safety considerations are crucial when using numbing cream, as improper use can lead to skin irritation or other adverse effects. Part 1: Understanding Numbing Cream A numbing cream is a thick paste that you can apply on your skin to numb the nerves. On application, the cream absorbs into your skin continuously and reaches the nerve endings. There, these creams block the nerves to send pain signals to your brain thus stopping the painful sensation temporarily. The most common ingredients that can reduce pain sensitivity include lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and pramoxine. Lidocaine is the most commonly used ingredient while a mixture of lidocaine, tetracaine, and benzocaine can also be used in BLT creams. Lidocaine is a widely recognized anesthetic that helps numb the skin during procedures, making it a popular choice in various numbing creams. You can use them before many painful procedures including laser hair removal. However, while making your choice, keep the quality in mind and follow the right instructions for usage. The right cream and the right dosage can help you get the required benefits and avoid any harmful effects like skin burning, pain, or allergy. Part 2: Can You Use Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal? Laser hair removal is a painful procedure and numbing creams can be a perfect idea to cope with the pain. However, you should appropriately use the cream to keep your skin safe. For instance, avoid applying too much of the cream as it can reach your bloodstream and cause seizures, or difficulty in breathing. Similarly, applying the cream at least half to an hour before laser hair removal is preferred so that it can properly absorb into the skin and show effects. How is the application helpful for you? Proper application timing allows the numbing cream to take effect, enhancing comfort during the procedure and minimizing pain sensitivity. It reduces pain and discomfort thus allowing a problem-free hair removal session Reduced pain during hair removal can significantly improve the overall experience, making the procedure more tolerable for individuals. Some numbing creams also come with soothing and healing products to soften your skin and help it heal Soothing and healing ingredients in some numbing creams can enhance skin recovery, providing added benefits beyond pain relief. The creams can be used for hair removal procedures, micro-needling, medical therapies, and tattoos Numbing creams are versatile and can be effective in various cosmetic and medical applications, ensuring a more comfortable experience across different procedures. Part 3: Best Numbing Creams for Laser Hair Removal Looking for the strongest numbing cream for laser hair removal? Check out the following: Finding the right product can make a significant difference in the comfort level during laser hair removal, as some formulations are more effective than others. 1. TKTX Numbing Cream The TKTX numbing cream is the best numbing cream for laser hair removal because it is full of natural ingredients that not only numb the painful sensation but also soothe your skin and help in healing. Vitamin E and aloe vera soothe your skin and prevent irritation. Moreover, menthol speeds up the healing process. Price: $22.9 Safety: Safe for all skin types Effectiveness: for 6-8 hours Customer Reviews “ Doubt it would have worked. But to my surprise, I actually felt a difference the very next morning so I can say this product lived up to my expectations” Customer feedback indicates that this numbing cream can significantly enhance comfort during procedures, which many users find reassuring. 2. Mad Rabbit Numbing Cream The Mad Rabbit numbing cream contains 5% lidocaine and numbs the area within 5 minutes. It also provides relief from visible inflammation and redness quickly. Moreover, the cream is lightweight, fragrance-free, and grease-free which makes it suitable for most people. Price: $24.99 Safety: Highly safe doctor-formulated cream This cream is doctor-formulated, which may provide additional confidence regarding its safety and effectiveness. Effectiveness: for 1 hour While its duration may be shorter, this cream is designed for quick applications, making it a convenient option for those in need of rapid relief. Customer Reviews “ This numbing cream worked great! I needed to buy a second one because it is recommended to use a thick layer so you have to use a lot. It applied white and dried off-white, it was easy to put on, and it was non-fragrant. Good buy” 3. Zensa Numbing Cream The Zensa numbing cream is a scent-free cream that works for as long as 4 hours without changing the texture of your skin or constricting your blood vessels. The numbing cream is available to use for all skin types and even on sensitive skin areas like your face. It starts working within 20 minutes and provides relief not only during laser but also during microneedling, electrolysis, and botox. This cream is versatile, as it effectively alleviates discomfort during various procedures, making it a popular choice among beauty professionals. Price: $43.99 Safety: Hypoallergenic and for all skin types Zensa Numbing Cream is designed to be safe for all skin types, making it a versatile choice for many users. Effectiveness: 2-4 hours This cream provides effective numbing for 2-4 hours, which can significantly enhance comfort during laser hair removal sessions. Customer Reviews “ Works exactly how I thought it would! I put a thick layer on my spine about an hour and a half before my appointment, I wiped the area clean before going in and I didn’t feel much, I could feel her touching me but no pain, highly recommend.” 4. Dr. Numb Numbing Cream The Dr. Numb pain-reducing cream is a multipurpose semi-solid product that you can apply to combat the pain and help your body heal quickly. It has 5% lidocaine along with vitamin E for numbing your skin within 15 minutes and soothe it. Additionally, it absorbs quickly into your skin to prevent any greasiness. Price: $49.99 Safety: Hypoallergenic cream with child-resistant cap With its child-resistant cap, Dr. Numb Numbing Cream emphasizes safety, ensuring that it is less accessible to children. Effectiveness: 2-4 hours This numbing cream maintains effectiveness for 2-4 hours, allowing users to undergo treatments with reduced discomfort. Customer Reviews “This Dr. Numb really did work. it really did its job. I wish it was a little cheaper but for it to work the way it did, it’s working!” Many users appreciate the effectiveness of Dr. Numb, often noting that it provides great relief, though some might find it on the pricier side. 5. Samnyte Numbing Cream The Samnyte topical cream is infused with vitamin E, aloe vera, mint, and menthol. All these products calm down your itchy skin aid the recovery process, and help you go through the laser hair removal session nearly painlessly. Vitamin E, aloe vera, mint, and menthol work together to provide a soothing effect, making the experience of laser hair removal more bearable. You will find an applicator inside so don’t worry about finding gloves and the waste they create every time you dispose of the gloves. This convenient applicator allows for easy use, eliminating the hassle of gloves and reducing environmental waste. Price: $12.99 Effectiveness: 6-8 hours Customer Reviews: Nichole wrote “It worked extremely well. Kept my arm numb for at least 4hrs.It works extremely well” and another user commented “ So far so good easy to apply and doesn’t have a bad smell” Many users appreciate the long-lasting effects, noting that it can significantly improve the comfort level during procedures. 6. Mithra Numbing Cream The Mithra numbing cream is a non-greasy and powerful skin-numbing agent you can apply before your laser hair removal session. It contains prilocaine and lidocaine to block the nerve ending on the target area and provide you relief for hours. Price: $8.09 Effectiveness: 3-5 hours Customer Reviews “Works for about two hours when you follow the directions. After that, it starts to wear out but that first two hours you feel nothing.” Users have shared that while the initial numbing effect is strong, it’s important to follow the instructions closely for optimal results. 7. Emla Numbing Cream Emla numbing cream is famous internationally for the powerful effect it provides against pain from needles, hair removal procedures, or other medical treatments. It mainly contains lidocaine and prilocaine to anesthetize the skin. Emla numbing cream is a popular choice due to its effectiveness in reducing discomfort during various procedures. However, it can be a bit difficult to find the cream in the US, and is more commonly available in the UK. While Emla cream is highly regarded, its availability may be limited in the US, making it essential to check local pharmacies. Price: $5.35 Safety: Safe for everyone above 3 months of age Effectiveness: 2 hours Customer Reviews “ I love this product! I’m a massive needle-phobic, I would literally not get anything checked and live in pain until I almost died of pneumonia. They tried freeze sprays, no good, my veins would collapse with the stress. I have to have regular blood done since, and there is no way I could do it without Emla.” Related reading Top 10 Numbing Cream for Waxing 2025 Does Shaving Cream Expire? 8 Best Hair Removal Creams for Face 2025 8. Lidocaine Numbing Cream Lastly, we have the lidocaine numbing cream by Ebanel. It contains 5% lidocaine in combination with allantoin and relieves your skin from burning, itching, and painful sensations. It shows a quick effect within 5 minutes and reaches its peak within 30 minutes. Additionally, it is free of any harsh chemicals, hypoallergenic, and odor-free. Price: $16.89 Safety: FSA-HSA cleared This product is approved for use with FSA and HSA accounts, making it a convenient option for those with flexible spending accounts. Effectiveness: 1-2 hours The numbing effect lasts for 1-2 hours, providing temporary relief during laser hair removal sessions. Customer Reviews “Used this before laser hair removal session… I didn’t have high hopes because I couldn’t tell if it actually numbed or not but it made a huge difference in pain! The pain wasn’t 100% gone but it definitely filled the pain by at least 50-75%! I applied about 30 mins before and put plastic wrap over it to avoid drying out” Related reading 10 Best Upper Lip Hair Removal Creams for Women (2025) Laser Hair Removal and Pregnancy (Ultimate Guide) If you are someone who prefers waxing, read Numbing Creams for Waxing. Part 4: How to Apply Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal The application is very easy. All you need is to follow these simple instructions: Make sure the area on which you are applying the numbing cream is dry and clean Ensuring the area is dry and clean helps maximize the effectiveness of the numbing cream during application. Then squeeze out the cream and apply it using an application or with the fingers of your hand with gloves on (do not spread the cream much) Applying the cream correctly is crucial for effective numbing, so take your time to ensure an even layer. Cover the area with a plastic wrap to maximize the effect of numbing cream Using plastic wrap can help enhance absorption of the numbing cream, leading to better results during your procedure. Then you can wipe off the cream at the time of your session and clean the area It's important to thoroughly clean the area after wiping off the cream to remove any residue before your session starts. Each numbing cream has a given time for application and a given amount. So, read instructions carefully not to go over that time or amount. Part 5: Where Can I Buy Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal Using numbing cream before laser seems like a good idea, right? Let’s discuss some sources where you can get these topical pain reducers: Knowing where to purchase numbing cream can save you time and ensure you have the right product for your needs. Online Retailers: The most convenient way to get your hands on them is to find reputable online retailers and contact them so that the creams can get delivered to your doorstep Online shopping offers convenience and variety, allowing you to compare products and read reviews before making a decision. Local Pharmacies: Over-the-counter numbing creams are easily available in most local pharmacies Local pharmacies often carry trusted brands, making it easy to find numbing creams that are effective and safe to use. Speciality Stores: There are also specialty stores located in different areas where you find a variety of options for numbing creams Specialty stores may offer unique formulations or specific brands that are not available in standard pharmacies, providing more options. Cosmetic Stores: Numbing creams are easily available in cosmetic stores as well. So, if you cannot find a cream anywhere, a cosmetic store can be your last resort to overcome the laser hair removal pain Part 6: Safety Considerations and Precautions No one would like to damage their skin just before their laser hair removal session because laser hair removal cannot be performed on burnt or damaged skin. So, here are some instructions you can follow to avoid any problems: It is best to wear gloves on your hands before applying the numbing cream as the direct contact can numb your hands as well Wearing gloves is a simple yet effective way to protect your skin while applying numbing cream, ensuring that your hands remain unaffected by the cream's numbing effects. BLT numbing creams are quick and show a stronger effect but you cannot use them without a proper prescription BLT numbing creams are known for their rapid onset of action, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before use to ensure safety and effectiveness. Every numbing cream has different instructions provided with them. Sticking to these instructions is necessary to avoid burning your skin, swelling, or redness on the skin. Always follow the specific instructions provided with each numbing cream, as this helps to minimize the risk of adverse effects such as burning or swelling. Conduct a patch test before spreading the cream on the whole area. There are times when a person is allergic to numbing agents and is unaware. So, a patch test can help you rule out any allergies or irritation on the skin Conclusion Numbing creams can help reduce the pain and discomfort felt during laser hair removal. Some of them also soothe your skin and speed up its healing. To enjoy all these benefits, it is necessary to use a high-quality product from a trusted brand. You can find a suitable option for your skin from online retailers, pharmacies, or nearby stores as long as you know your needs. Also, as long as you are using them the right way, they will not harm your skin. So, trying them for laser hair removal is surely going to be a good decision. Also read: Preparation and Recovery Tips for Clinic Laser Hair Removal Ulike Welcome to Ulike! We hope our expertise can bring value to you.