Do Numbing Creams Work For Laser Hair Removal?
Yes. The ingredients used in topical anesthetic creams can effectively block the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Also, they do not affect the results of laser hair removal. These creams are applied topically and absorbed into the skin quickly. They numb the surrounding area within minutes. Let’s find out the 15 best numbing creams for laser hair removal in the following section.
15 Best Numbing Creams And Sprays For Laser Hair Removal
1. Best Oil-Free Formula:Ebanel Numb520 Topical Anesthetic Cream
If you are looking for a quick-acting topical anesthetic cream, Ebanel Numb520 Topical Anesthetic Cream is the best option. It starts working in 5 minutes of application, peaks after 20 minutes, and can temporarily numb your skin for approximately 1 hour to the pain caused by skin and hair cosmetic procedures. This pain-relief cream is made of lidocaine HCL 5% that prevents transmission of pain signals to the brain. Its blend has aloe vera, vitamin E, and lecithin to soothe and protect the skin from inflammation. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the benefits of the product. Key Ingredients: Lidocaine, Aloe vera, Vitamin E, and Lecithin Pros
Hypoallergenic Oil-free Water-based Non-greasy Odor-free Cruelty-free Child-proof packaging Suitable for all skin types
Cons None
2. Best Fast-Acting Formula:Clinical Resolution Laboratory Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream
When you are in need of easy-to-use numbing products, apply this Clinical Resolution Laboratory Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream. The water-based formula makes applying it easy. It offers rapid pain relief with 5% lidocaine and is designed to be used for microdermabrasion, tattoo removal, and laser hair removal. This topical anesthetic cream is infused with botanical ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera that soothes and protects the skin from irritation. Also, it uses the liposomal encapsulation technology, which improves product absorption. It numbs the area in 2-3 minutes of application, peaks after 20-25 minutes, and lasts for one hour. Note: For enhanced numbing, repeat the application after 15 minutes. Key Ingredients: Lidocaine, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Lecithin Pros
Fast-acting formula Lightweight Doctor-recommended Long-lasting Non-oily Non-greasy Paraben-free Cruelty-free Child-proof packaging Suitable for all skin types
Cons
May cause swelling
3. Best Water-Based Formula:Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream
Give the doctor-formulated Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream a try for super-strong pain relief from laser hair removal. Its water-based formula gets absorbed quickly, shows its action in 20-25 minutes of application, and numbs sensation up to 1 hour. The maximum permitted 5% lidocaine dose in the formula blocks nerve endings to transfer pain signals to the brain. Additionally, it combines propylene glycol to enhance skin penetration. It is also infused with vitamin E that moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation. Check out this video to learn how this product works. Key Ingredients: 5% Lidocaine and Vitamin E Pros
Fast-absorbing formula Non-oily Water-based Vegan Cruelty-free
Cons None
4. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Advanced Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream
If you are looking for a doctor-formulated product, Advanced Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream is a great choice. It gets absorbed into your skin as soon as you apply it. It is developed with 5% lidocaine, a strong ingredient used as an anesthetic lubricant for temporary pain relief. The formula also has vitamin E, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that moisturize the skin and prevent itchiness. This numbing cream reaches its full numbing ability within 20-25 minutes, and its effect lasts up to 1 hour. Key Ingredients: 5% Lidocaine and Vitamin E Pros
Soothes the skin Fast-absorbing formula Water-based Non-oily Vegan Cruelty-free
Cons
Expensive
5. Best Hypoallergenic:Dr. Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever
Dr. Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever is an over-the-counter topical anesthetic cream. It contains 5% lidocaine, which induces numbness on the skin and its surrounding tissues. It can be used to reduce the pain associated with skin procedures like laser hair removal. It is completely reversible and does not have any residual effect on the nerve fibers. The rapid onset of action is nearly 10-15 minutes, and the effect lasts up to 2 to 4 hours. You can reapply it to prolong the numbness. It does not irritate the tissues and nerves. The formula contains vitamin E for quicker skin recovery. Key Ingredients: 5% Lidocaine and Vitamin E Pros
Hypoallergenic Unscented Quick-absorbing formula Long-lasting Non-greasy Suitable for all skin types
Cons
May cause a rash
6. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Lidocane Plus Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream
Licodine Plus Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream is a hypoallergenic gel that works wonders on laser hair removal pain. It starts working as soon as you apply it to the skin. This numbing cream contains 100% pure aloe vera that hydrates and soothes the inflamed skin. This numbing cream reaches its full numbing ability within 25 minutes, and its effect lasts for 1-2 hours. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine and Vitamin E Pros
Water-soluble Alcohol-free Menthol-free Petrolatum-free Camphor-free Mineral oil-free Synthetic vitamin-free Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
Not very long-lasting
7. Best Long-Lasting Effect:Numbskin Maximum Strength Pain Reliever
The non-oily Numbskin Maximum Strength Pain Reliever cream can protect the skin during laser hair removal. It offers deep pain relief and gets you ready in 15-30 minutes. This pain reliever will get you ready for the perfect fuzz-free, soft, and smooth body. It produces temporary numbness that can last up to 4 hours. This non-prescription topical numbing cream works by blocking signals to the brain. Key Ingredients: 5% Lidocaine Pros
Fast-acting formula Long-lasting Non-irritating Water-based Non-oily Child-proof packaging Cruelty-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons
May cause itchiness
8. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Greencaine Blast Topical Anesthetic Gel
Greencaine Blast Topical Anesthetic Gel is the most preferred numbing cream by licensed beauty aestheticians. It is used to numb the pain caused by various procedures, including laser hair removal. It uses 4% lidocaine to numb the area immediately. It reduces the pain and anxiety associated with such procedures by numbing the area for up to 1 hour. This non-greasy numbing cream is also infused with aloe vera and jojoba oil that hydrate the skin and leave it smooth. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine, Aloe vera, and Jojoba oil Pros
Non-greasy Easy to apply Soothes the skin Child-proof packaging
Cons
Expensive
9. Best Anti-Inflammatory:Everyday Medical Numbing Cream
The deep-penetrating Everyday Medical Numbing Cream lasts up to 4 hours. It contains 4% lidocaine and natural ingredients with skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that numb your skin within 15-30 minutes. Its formula contains active ingredients like licorice to fight free radical damage and soothe sore skin. Its other soothing ingredients include aloe vera, tea tree oil, clove oil, and jojoba oil that provide hydration and calm down inflammation. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine, Aloe vera, Clove oil, Tree tea oil, and Jojoba oil Pros
Fast-acting formula Long-lasting Paraben-free Cruelty-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Strong fragrance
10. Best Moisturizing:Maxocaine Pain Relieving Roll-On
The clinically-proven Maxocaine Pain-Relieving Roll-On is an instant numbing liquid cream. Its non-greasy formula gets absorbed quickly and provides quick relief from pain. This multipurpose pain reliever is formulated with 4% lidocaine that targets pain-causing receptors, 1% menthol for a cooling effect, and moisturizing aloe vera. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of this roll-on target the problem areas to alleviate pain and discomfort during laser hair removal. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine, 1% Menthol, and Aloe vera Pros
Quick-drying formula Fast-acting formula Penetrates deep into the skin Non-greasy Easy to use Odor-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons None
11. Best Fuzz-Free Application:Ultra Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream
Want to get relief from pain during laser hair removal? You can achieve the smoothest body free of unwanted hair through laser hair removal with the UltraNumb Topical Anesthetic Cream that provides long-long pain relief up to 3-4 hours. It gets absorbed quickly and reduces unnecessary pain. The water-based formula is non-oily and easy to apply. Key Ingredients: 5% Lidocaine Pros
Non-oily Water-based formula Long-lasting
Cons
Insufficient quantity for the price
12. Best Soothing Texture:Deeveeant Pain Relief Numbing Cream
Deeveeant Pain Relief Numbing Cream is great for laser hair removal procedures. It is formulated with 4% lidocaine and a triple botanical combination of aloe vera, tea tree extract, and jojoba. This rich blend moisturizes and soothes your skin, creating a refreshing feel. Its numbing action can last for up to 2 hours. The non-oily formula gets absorbed into the skin quickly and does not behind leave any residue. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine, Aloe vera, Jojoba, and Tea-tree extract Pros
Non-sticky Non-oily Non-irritating Easy to use Child-proof packaging Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Not long-lasting
13. Best Deep-Penetrating Formula:Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic Cream
The deep-penetrating Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic Cream works like a charm for laser hair removal. It contains 5% lidocaine, the highest amount allowed without a prescription. Apply a thick layer of this numbing cream and wrap the area in plastic. Its deep-penetrating formula works effectively for up to 2 hours. It numbs the skin within 30 minutes. Key Ingredients: 5% Lidocaine Pros
Fast-acting formula Penetrates the skin deeply Easy to apply Non-greasy Child-proof packaging
Cons None
14. Best For Skin Desensitizing:GiGi Anesthetic Numbing Spray
GiGi Anesthetic Numbing Spray can temporarily numb the area by desensitizing the skin. The 4% lidocaine in the formulation blocks the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. It is also infused with soothing ingredients that reduce skin irritation. Spray it on the target area for a pain-free laser hair removal experience. It penetrates into the skin quickly and numbs the desired area within 2-3 minutes. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine Pros
Easy to use Cruelty-free Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May irritate the skin
15. Best Non-Sticky:Topicaine Topical Anesthetic Gel
Topicaine Topical Anesthetic Gel contains 4% lidocaine that is useful in preventing pain caused during laser hair removal. It offers excellent results without letting you feel the pain. It numbs the skin with a rapid onset time of 30 minutes and lasts for up to 1 hour. Its formula also contains aloe vera and jojoba oil that leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, and moisturized after the procedure. Key Ingredients: 4% Lidocaine, Aloe vera, and Jojoba oil Pros
Fast-acting formula Non-oily Easy to apply Long-lasting Suitable for all skin types
Cons None If you want to avoid the pain caused by laser hair removal, these numbing creams are your best bet! Check out how to apply them in the next section. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “A numbing topical anesthetic may be given to the skin 20 minutes to half-an-hour before the surgery. The numbing topical anesthetic aids in reducing any pain or stinging caused by the laser pulses during therapy. The laser device will be adjusted by your skin technician based on the color of the skin, the thickness of the hair, and the region of the hair getting cured.”
How To Use Numbing Cream Before Laser Hair Removal?
- Wash The Area: Wash the area where you will be getting laser hair removal and scrub it clean to remove all dirt or oil. This makes the numbing more effective as your skin will be able to absorb the cream fully.
- Wear Waterproof Gloves: Put on latex gloves that can block the cream from seeping in as this can cause your hands and fingertips to go numb.
- Apply The Cream: Read the instructions provided and use only the recommended amount of cream.
- Cover The Area With Plastic Wrap: Not all numbing creams ask for the area to be covered. However, a plastic wrap is used because the heat that is generated activates the cream and speeds up the numbing process.
- Remove The Wrap: Leave the plastic wrap on for 30-40 minutes until the area is fully numb. These are the steps to apply a numbing cream to your skin. But, before buying a numbing cream for laser hair removal, you should consider some important points. Scroll down to learn about them in detail.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Numbing Cream For Laser Hair Removal – Buying Guide
Ingredients
Lidocaine is the active ingredient you commonly find in numbing creams. 5% of lidocaine is the best quantity for a numbing cream, which is very effective and provides fast results. Benzocaine and tetracaine are other commonly used ingredients in numbing creams.
Water-based Formula
This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a numbing cream for laser hair removal. Water-based formulas never feel greasy and are easy to remove. Also, check if the product is hypoallergenic. The cream you buy should not cause any irritation after application.
Read The Label
Before buying a numbing cream for laser hair removal, read all the instructions carefully on the product label. It will give you a brief idea about how to use the product effectively. Follow the instructions as directed by the manufacturer to avoid side effects. Don’t let your fear of laser hair removal stop you from getting the unwanted hair-free body that you are dreaming of! Numbing creams can effectively block pain signals to reach the brain, thereby making you feel comfortable during the process. Pick one of your favorite numbing creams from the list and try it out at your next laser hair removal appointment for a pain-free session!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The writer of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who covers skin care products. Given her knowledge and experience in the topic, she delivers articles that comprise quality products. She did extensive research to compile this list of the best numbing creams for laser hair removal for you. An essential factor in these creams is the ingredients that help fulfill the purpose. Hence she has included details about each product’s formulation and other key specifications. She has also included a buying guide to help you with your choice. Can I use numbing cream before laser hair removal? Yes. Use numbing cream to remove the sensations from your skin shortly to help you get through painful laser hair removal sessions. How do you make a laser less painful? Tips to make your laser hair removal less painful: • Stay hydrated to flush out the substances that aggravate your pain. Avoid drinking caffeine-rich beverages as they can cause discomfort. • Consult a dermatologist and take medicines to reduce pain during the session. • Shave beforehand to decrease the pain and reduce the risk of side effects. • Apply numbing cream to eliminate any sense of pain. • Do not scratch your skin to avoid inflammation. Does laser hair removal get less painful over sessions? The pain intensity depends on where you are getting the laser treatment. For example, if you are removing your leg hairs, you will feel less pain as the skin is thicker on the legs, but if you are removing hairs on your face or the bikini line, you may experience moderate to severe pain. Can you use numbing cream before Brazilian wax? Yes. Apply numbing cream to your treatment area before 30 to 60 minutes of Brazilian waxing to reduce the pain and discomfort. Does a laser hurt more if you don’t shave? Yes. If you do not shave, the laser will singe your hair and develop skin burns. Even the laser may create temporary grazes on the epidermal layer.
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