Most people can tolerate laser hair removal just fine. However, those of you who have a low pain threshold or very sensitive skin, may consider applying a topical anaesthetic cream prior to treatment to eliminate any discomfort.
Finding the best numbing cream for laser hair removal can be overwhelming with so many products on the market. To take the guesswork out of choosing, we have compiled a list of the best over the counter numbing creams that you can safely use at home.
Are they effective at all? How do they work?
Every numbing cream for laser hair removal contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic that blocks sensory nerve endings, thus preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain. By numbing the treated area, it helps reduce pain and discomfort during laser hair removal treatments.
So, let’s take a closer look at those topical numbing creams and find the best one for you!
Product Comparison Table
Best Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal
| Product | Key Ingredients | Score | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ebanel Numb 520 |
|
5% liposomal lidocaine, vitamin E, aloe vera, lecithin & allantoin | 5/5 | $ | |
| Numb Master |
|
5% liposomal lidocaine, vitamin E, aloe vera, allantoin & lecithin | 4/5 | $ | |
| Uber Numb |
|
5% lidocaine, vitamin E, allantoin gel & propylene glycol | 4/5 | $ | |
| Dr. Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever |
|
5% lidocaine, soybean lecithin, vitamin E & propylene glycol | 4/5 | $ | |
| Greencaine Blast |
|
4% lidocaine, aloe vera, glycerin & jojoba oil | 4/5 | $ | |
| Royal Facial Gel |
|
Ginkgo extract, hyaluronic acid, collagen & vitamin complex | 3/5 | $ | |
| Biotechnique Avance Cooling & Coupling Gel |
|
Aloe vera & propylene glycol | 3/5 | $ | |
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IN DEPTH PRODUCT REVIEWS
Editor’s Choice: Ebanel Numb 520 is our top pick in the battle for the best numbing cream for laser hair removal. Apart from making laser hair removal treatment a walk in the park, this numbing cream soothes and protects the skin from inflammation. To top it off, it is one of the most affordable products on the market.
Ebanel Numb 520 Topical Anesthetic Cream is brought to you by Ebanel Laboratories, Inc.
Founded in 2014, this FDA registered company is located in Brea, California and offers high quality skincare, hair care and cosmeceuticals (products that have both cosmetic and therapeutic effects such as numbing creams for laser).
Ebanel Numb 520 is a fast acting cream that effectively reduces pain, itching, soreness and burning sensations within 20 minutes. Its numbing effects last approximately one hour and can make your laser hair removal treatment entirely painless.
It contains 5% lidocaine (the largest dose allowed by the FDA for a non prescription anesthetic), which stops the pain signals from reaching the brain
What’s more, this cream utilizes Liposomal Technology or in layman’s terms allows for quicker absorption into the skin and maximum numbing effect.
What makes Ebanel 520 an excellent numbing cream for sensitive skin is a well balanced blend of aloe vera, vitamin E and allantoin that help soothe and protect the skin from inflammation. The cream is also cruelty free, FDA approved and available in child proof packaging
Pros
- Fast acting and soothing
- Water based and non greasy
- Fast and painless treatments
- Unscented
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream comes from Clinical Resolution Laboratory, Inc., a California based company offering high end skincare and cosmeceutical products since 2000.
Just like Ebanel Numb 520, this numbing cream for laser hair removal comes with Liposomal Encapsulation Technology for deeper absorption into the skin and maximum efficacy. Its effects kick in after approximately 20 minutes and can last for 1-2 hours, depending on your metabolism and skin thickness.
As it is water based and non greasy, it makes the application, absorption and removal seamless. It is infused with aloe vera and contains vitamin E and allantoin for soothing effects and preventing skin irritation.
It doesn’t contain any parabens, so it is safe for all skin types. Similar to Ebanel 520, it is FDA approved, cruelty free and comes with child proof packaging.
Pros
- Fast acting and long lasting
- Lightweight, water based, non oily & non greasy formula
- Unscented and paraben free
- Doctor recommended
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- Smaller amount of product (only 1oz in a tub)
Brought to you by UberScientific, a Kentucky based company that has been offering lidocaine creams since 2016, Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream lives up to its name.
This doctor formulated numbing cream for laser hair removal comes with a water based, non oily, fast absorbing formula that offers an incredible numbing effect. Once its effects kick in after 20-25 minutes, they can last up to an hour.
It contains propylene glycol for better skin penetration, vitamin E for hydrating the skin and preventing irritation and allantoin gel for a maximum soothing effect. It doesn’t contain any fragrances or harsh chemicals so that you can use it safely on any skin type.
All ingredients of this topical anaesthetic cream for laser hair removal are 100% vegan.
Pros
- Fast absorbing formula
- Water based & non oily
- 100% vegan
- Unscented & safe for all skin types
- Prevents itchy flaking
Cons
Founded in 2008 by Shinpharma Inc., a British Columbia based Canadian pharmaceutical company, Dr. Numb is a reputable provider of topical anesthetic products.
Maximum Strength Pain Reliever cream is a doctor recommended numbing cream that has become quite popular for at home laser hair removal as it efficiently relieves pain and soreness.
In addition, it is unscented, non greasy, hypoallergenic and contains no harsh chemicals. It’s an excellent numbing cream for sensitive skin, although it works wonders for all skin types.
Apart from lidocaine and soybean lecithin, it contains propylene glycol that allows for deep skin penetration and quick absorption. It takes about 25 minutes for the effects to kick in, but you should wait 30-45 minutes for maximum effect. The best part? The numbing effect can last 2-4 hours!
Pros
- Fast absorbing & long lasting
- Non oily & non greasy
- No scents or harsh chemicals
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- A bit expensive
- May cause a tingling sensation
Greencaine Blast Topical Anesthetic Gel is produced by Alma Laboratories, a Florida based manufacturer of skin care, sun care, hair care, oral care and over the counter topical products.
Greencaine Blast Topical Anesthetic Gel has proven to be one of the most effective topical anestethics preferred by licensed beauticians. It is used to numb the pain caused by various procedures, such as microblading, microneedling, tattoo or laser tattoo removal, brazilian waxing, electrolysis and of course laser hair removal. The product comes in a gel form which is non greasy and really easy to apply. With 4% lidocaine, the gel numbs the upper lip area within 30 min, whereas the legs and bikini area can take up to 45-60 min.
This over the counter numbing cream for laser hair removal is also infused with glycerin, aloe vera and jojoba oil that hydrate and soothe the skin.
Pros
- Non greasy
- Easy to apply gel formula
- Precise application unlike sprays
- Soothing and hydrating
Cons
- Takes longer to kick in
Royal Facial Gel is not a numbing cream for laser removal but rather a cooling gel. We thought it deserved a spot on this list because many people buy it with various laser hair removal devices.
It is an anti inflammatory ultrasonic gel that cools, soothes and moisturises the skin while tightening it and improving its elasticity. It can even stimulate collagen production, promote skin cell metabolism and replenish your skin.
That is all thanks to its ginkgo extract, hyaluronic acid, collagen and vitamin complex.
It is mild, non greasy, non irritating and takes effect in about 20 minutes. Remember though that this is a cooling gel, not a numbing cream so it may not be a perfect choice for users with a low pain threshold or very sensitive skin.
Pros
- Cooling and soothing gel
- Moisturising and replenishing
- Non greasy
- Restores damaged skin cells
- No skin irritation
Cons
- Does NOT numb the skin
This is another cooling gel for laser hair removal offered by Biotechnique Avance. Founded in 1994, this company offers IPL and laser hair removal devices, electrolysis equipment, cooling gels and many other beauty products.
The Cooling and Coupling Gel is perfect for laser and ipl hair removal, as long as you are not looking for entirely painless treatments since it only cools the skin.
It contains propylene glycol for better penetration and absorption (taking about 20 minutes) and aloe vera for soothing the skin.
Pros
- Water based formula
- Cooling and soothing
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- Does NOT numb the skin
How to Choose The Best Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal: The Ultimate Buying Guide
There are a few things you will need to consider before choosing your best numbing cream for laser hair removal:
Check the ingredients
Look for a skin numbing cream with 5% lidocaine for maximum numbing and soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. If you have sensitive skin, make sure there are no parabens or harsh chemicals. Also, please check carefully you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Look for a water based formula
It will ensure quick application and absorption without leaving a sticky residue.
Check the pH value
Anything above 7 is good.
How to apply numbing cream before laser hair removal
There are a few things you need to do before you embark on laser hair removal:
Cleanse the treatment area with mild soap and warm water before pat drying it with a soft cloth.
Put on protective gloves to prevent numbing your hands.
Read the instructions and lather the required layer of the cream onto the treatment area.
(optional) If you want to enhance the numbing effects, reapply the cream before covering the skin
Cover the area with a plastic wrap and wait at least 20-45 minutes. The plastic wrap not only keeps the cream from drying , but also uses the body heat to activate the numbing effect quicker
Remove the wrap, wipe off the residue and cleanse the area with alcohol pads.
We recommend doing a patch test before using any product to see first how your skin will react. Avoid contact with the eyes and consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Make sure you learn how to prepare for laser hair removal at home to enjoy safe and effective treatments.
Conclusion
Numbing creams are fantastic for minimising discomfort and calming the skin before laser hair removal at home. Your choice will depend on your needs, pain tolerance and skin sensitivity. However, you can’t go wrong with any of the products above.
Ebanel Numb 520 and Numb Master may seem identical, but the former is our top pick. For a similar price, Ebanel Numb offers more product (1,35oz) and it actually delivers on the promise for a painless treatment better than any other of the above products we tried. No wonder it is a #1 Best Seller on Amazon in the Pain Relief Category.