Everyone loves the silky smooth feeling of a fresh shave, but the actual process of maintaining it can be tedious and time-consuming. For many people, it only takes one missed shave to result in the appearance of prickles and stubble! Plus, the use of razor blades can result in painful red bumps, as well as cuts and nicks. It’s for these reasons that many people turn to longer-term hair removal solutions like waxing and hair removal creams. Just one application can result in days to weeks of silky skin, and they are both cost-effective and easy to do at home.
Article NavigationCan I Use Waxes and Hair Removal Creams as a Vegan?Which Vegan Hair Removal Product is Right For Me?Our Favorite Vegan WaxesOur Favorite Vegan Hair Removal CreamsSilky Smooth, Never Cruel
Can I Use Waxes and Hair Removal Creams as a Vegan?
Just as other items like makeup and hair care, you can absolutely incorporate at-home hair removal products into your veganized beauty regimen – you just need to know what to look for (and what to avoid).
Beeswax
While many products are made from plant-based waxes like soy or petroleum-based waxes like paraffin, some products do use beeswax in their waxing kits.
While beeswax is considered a hot topic for the veg*n community, when it comes down to it, it’s ultimately not part of a vegan lifestyle.
Taking beeswax from a hive would violate the premise of a vegan lifestyle – one that avoids exploitation and cruelty to animals. Although there are some vegans who do not consider ingredients like wax to be an animal derivative, it is an animal product, and there are plant-based alternatives available to humans.
A Note about “Synthetic” Beeswax
Some vegan products include the use of “synthetic beeswax”. This man-made product is created to be indistinguishable from real beeswax, and is, generally speaking, vegan.
However, some manufacturers use lanolin or other animal-based ingredients in their synthetic beeswax, so it can be hard to tell if a product that lists this is 100% vegan-friendly. The only way to be sure is to look for a “vegan” designation on the packaging, or to email the company directly.
Honey
Honey is frequently added to waxing kits because of its supposed benefits for health and beauty, and because it is naturally antibacterial. However, like beeswax, honey does not fit into a vegan lifestyle.
Honey is the honey bees’ single source of food, and it provides the hive with essential nutrients during cold winter months. The bees are ultimately making this substance for themselves – not for human consumption, so by taking honey for beauty products, it is not all that different from taking cow’s milk away from her calf.
Again, because there are animal-derivative-free alternatives to products that include honey, waxing kits that do contain this ingredient have no place in a vegan beauty cabinet.
Animal Cruelty Practices
While not an ingredient, you’ll want to pay special attention to a company’s stance on animal testing – especially with hair removal creams. A product can be 100% devoid of any animal ingredients, but still not be vegan due to cruel, archaic animal testing practices still opted into by certain companies.
To be sure, look for the phrase “cruelty-free” on the product packaging, or on the company’s website. You can also look for the cruelty-free logo (a white rabbit with pink ears), or the Leaping Bunny certified logo on the product packaging or website.
If you’re still unable to find out if the company tests on animals, consider leaving the item on the shelf until you can email or call to find out if the company tests on animals.
You can read more about animal testing, including countries that require animal testing, by visiting the humanesociety.org.
Which Vegan Hair Removal Product is Right For Me?
Ultimately, the best hair removal process for you is going to come down to preference and pain tolerance. If you’re tired of time-consuming razors that you have to keep dumping in the trash can, a wax kit or hair removal cream may be a good option for you.
The best of all? These methods can be done at home.
Waxes
It’s no secret – no wax, whether in a salon or at home, is fun. Waxing involves spreading a layer of wax over the hairs anywhere from the eyebrow to the bikini area and using force to remove the entire follicle. While there are a few seconds of pain, waxing does pay off – it lasts for much longer than shaving – sometimes several weeks, and eliminates painful red bumps and ingrown hairs that can come from shaving with a razor.
Waxing has come a long way, so you can get even more specific when picking out your perfect waxing kit.
1. Traditional Waxes
You can generally choose between hard and soft waxes when it comes to traditional wax. Soft wax is applied in a very thin layer and needs a piece of cloth applied to be removed.
Hard wax is applied thicker than soft wax and will harden within a few seconds. It can be removed without the use of cloth, so it’s a good option if you’re embarking on a zero-waste lifestyle.
Traditional wax kits also tend to be more affordable than other hair removal alternatives, and since you won’t have to use them as frequently, you’ll save money in the long run.
2. Sugar Wax
Sugaring is a relatively new technique in the West that has been practiced for centuries throughout Northern Africa, Greece, and the Middle East. The process uses a gel made from sugar, lemon, and hot water to grab hair and pull it out by the roots. Because the gel sticks only to the hair and not the skin, this process is generally less painful and irritating than traditional wax.
Even better? Because the main ingredient is sugar and not wax, you’re less likely to run into a kit that uses beeswax as a component. Remember to watch for honey, though!
Hair Removal Creams
Like waxing, hair removal creams result in several days of smooth, soft skin. The creams dissolve the hair just below the surface of the skin, leaving them hairless for anywhere between four and seven days, depending on how quickly your hair grows back.
Hair removal creams can also help your hair grow back softer, finer, and less noticeable. When you shave, you’re slicing through the follicle, leaving a squared-off edge. By dissolving the hair with cream, it grows in with a tapered end.
Hair removal creams are also an excellent alternative for people with a low pain tolerance, or who have very sensitive skin that gets irritated from waxing.
However, the creams can be subject to animal testing or usually come with some strange ingredients to dissolve the hair. It’s tough to find an option that’s natural and organic, in addition to being vegan-friendly.
Our Favorite Vegan Waxes
BodyHonee - Hair Removal Waxing Kit (Men + Women)
Despite having “honey” in the name, BodyHonee is a cruelty-free waxing line that features vegan products in the lineup. The At-Home Sugar Wax Kit can be used by men or women and leaves skin smooth and hairless for up to six weeks.
The all-natural vegan hair removal wax is made from three simple ingredients: pure cane sugar, sea salt, and lemon juice, which leaves your skin smooth without subjecting your body to harsh chemicals. The ingredients are so safe that you could eat them!
To use, simply microwave the product for 30 seconds, apply a thin layer on the skin, apply the cloth on top of the wax, and remove the strip. Then enjoy your weeks of silky smooth skin!
What We Like
The worst part of at-home waxing is the mess – they can be a nightmare to clean! Thankfully, BodyHonee’s waxing kit is water-soluble, so you can simply wipe up with a damp cloth and move on with your day. You won’t be stuck in your bathroom all day scraping bits of dried wax off your skin and towels!
What We Didn’t Like
This kit is meant to be used on fine to medium hairs only, and is not recommended for any facial hair removal.
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NAD'S Ultra Smoothing Exfoliating Wax Strips
Nad’s makes home waxing even easier with its all-in-one exfoliator and body wax strips. The strips have two sides – the first is an exfoliator that helps buff away dead skin and minimizes the occurrence of ingrown hairs. This allows the premium wax to fully adhere to the hair and lift them away on the first try. You can also use the exfoliating surface weekly between waxes to keep skin soft and smooth as Day 1.
These vegan body wax strips are ideal for smaller, sensitive areas like arms and bikini line, or can be used to remove leg hair. Each box contains 20 strips that will keep skin hairless for up to four weeks.
The kit also includes four post-wax calming oil wipes to soothe skin after your waxing session and reduce redness and inflammation.
What We Like
These strips are easy to use – there’s no microwaving or stirring involved, and they have a light, citrus scent, which is a welcome surprise in the world of hair removal products.
What We Didn’t Like
These strips are best used for people with lighter, finer hairs – reviewers with thicker, darker hair, or those who had never waxed before, saw mixed results with the effectiveness of the hair removal.
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Moom Hair Remover for Men
What’s better than a vegan-friendly hair removal wax? One that’s organic and 100% natural! Moom is marketed toward men, but if you have darker, coarser, thicker hair, there’s no reason you couldn’t use this on it.
This product is effective on even thick hair but is gentle and effective. There’s no need for any after care product, and you can feel good about it since there are no weird chemicals or preservatives.
Moom is also water-soluble, so you can simply use a wetted cloth to clean up afterward. Each kit contains 6 ounces of the hair remover, 18 reusable strips, 4 wooden applicators, and an instruction booklet. The product is made in Canada.
What We Like
This product was compared to a professional, $65 salon wax, so it’s effective when used correctly. It’s also formulated for men so that you can use it on thicker, darker hair.
What We Didn’t Like
Some purchasers found the learning curve a little steep with Moom – if they didn’t pull the cloth just so, it was a little painful and not as effective at removing hair. This product was also a little hard to clean up, so make sure you put a cloth or something down.
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Parissa Organic Sugar Wax
Parissa’s Sugar Wax hits all the plusses when it comes to hair removal systems. Organic? Check. No heating required? Check. Washable? Check check check!
The Parissa Waxing Kit is based on organic sugar and organic chamomile extract. Even the aftercare is all natural, feature soothing azulene oil. The kit is suggested for fine to medium hair types and is gentle on skin. It’s best used on legs, body, and face.
The kit comes with wax, spatulas, fabric strips, and the aftercare Azulene oil. It’s completely water-soluble, so you can remove any excess wax with soap and water.
What We Like
Make a lighter footprint! Parissa wax kits include washable, reusable spatulas, so you don’t have to create extra garbage every time you wax. Reviewers who heated the wax also said it did not cool quickly, allowing them to take their time during the wax rather than racing against it hardening in the jar.
What We Didn’t Like
It can take a few attempts to get into a groove when using this product. Some reviewers said it took a few tries before they could get the technique right, and found that some strips did not remove hair. It may take you a bit to get the technique just right, and it can definitely be frustrating to waste product.
Check Price on AmazonOur Favorite Vegan Hair Removal Creams
At this time, there are only two hair removal creams available that fit into a vegan lifestyle – both are created by the cruelty-free company Nad’s.
Nad's For Men Hair Removal Cream
Not into waxing strips? Nad’s hair removal cream is a pain-free way to get long-lasting smoothness and requires no need to torture yourself. The formula is fast-acting and will dissolve hair in just four minutes – you could use this before you go to work or the beach!
This hair removal cream is formulated with aloe vera to soothe skin and protect it after using the product. Because there’s no pulling or ripping, this product also tends to cause less redness, so it’s a good last-minute solution.
This removal cream is formulated for men, especially on coarse, dark hair, but women could also use it if they have coarse dark hair and want an effective formula for hair removal.
What We Like
While powerful and effective enough to completely remove even coarse, dark hair, many reviewers found this cream gentle enough to use anywhere on the body. Because every body is different, however, you’ll want to test on small areas before applying to bikini line, etc., but you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to this product.
What We Didn’t Like
A few purchasers noted that this product has a very strong smell, so be sure to use this in a well-ventilated bathroom or bedroom.
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Nad's Facial Hair Removal Crème
Waxing can be effective for facial hair like eyebrows, upper lip, and chin, but it can cause a lot of puffy redness that cuts into your day. Nad’s Facial Hair Removal Crème gives you the same smooth skin without that shiny red face, so you can apply it and move on with your day.
This cream is formulated with almond oil and calendula, which sooth delicate skin and effectively remove hair. The single-tip applicator allows you to apply just the amount of product you need to small or awkward areas, without having to smear it on skin that is already smooth. The cream is easy to clean up, and being able to apply it so precisely cuts down on the amount of wasted product.
Nad’s Facial Hair Removal Crème comes ready-to-use out of the box, and is suitable for men and women of all hair and skin types.
What We Like
It can be tough to find a hair removal cream that’s gentle enough for the sensitive areas of the face. However, you can feel good about using this product on your eyebrows, upper lip, and chin – it is super gentle while leaving skin completely smooth.
What We Didn’t Like
Some reviewers had mixed experiences with the effectiveness of this product. Some said this left their skin completely smooth, while others noted it barely removed any hairs. Make sure you follow the directions exactly, and be sure to test on smaller patches of skin.
Check Price on AmazonSilky Smooth, Never Cruel
Waxes and hair removal creams can save you a lot of time, effort, and irritation when compared to daily shaving. They are affordable, easy-to-use products that are straightforward enough to use in the comfort of your own home. Beauty doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or cruel to animals!
Just as you would with any makeup or haircare product, be sure to opt for a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free wax or hair removal cream when you’re getting your legs, beach-ready.
Carefully read the list of ingredients for beeswax and honey, and be sure the company you’re buying from is cruelty-free. When you send a message with your dollars, you’re telling companies that you want effective, natural options that don’t involve harm to animals.