Numbing creams have always been a part of our lives and have helped us go through pain easily. They are used before procedures like lasers, minor surgeries, microneedling, vaccinations, and injections.
Moreover, you can use a numbing cream for waxing to minimize the discomfort you feel when you pull off the wax. They do not completely take away pain but are highly effective if used properly. So, let’s see what is the right way to use a numbing cream and which numbing cream you can use for nearly painless waxing.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What is Numbing Cream?
- Part 2: Does Number Cream Work For Waxing?
- Part 3: How to Use Numbing Cream for Waxing?
- Part 4: Where to Buy Different Numbing Creams for Waxing?
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Part 5: Best Numbing Creams for Waxing
Part 1: What is Numbing Cream?
A number cream is a type of medication that absorbs into your skin, reaches the nerve endings at the sight of pain, and makes them numb to minimize the sensation of pain before any procedure.
These creams mainly contain lidocaine as their active ingredient. Lidocaine seeps deep into your skin and blocks your nerves from sending signals of any sensation to your brain. As a result, it can stop pain, inflammation, and redness from occurring. Some other ingredients include benzocaine, dibucaine, and pramoxine.
Part 2: Does Number Cream Work For Waxing?
Waxing is a painful procedure for many of us and to reduce the pain, you can try applying numbing cream to your skin. However, these creams only work when you are using them the right way. For instance, when applied at the right time using the right technique, they can minimize the pain you usually experience during waxing.
For good results, the following are the factors you need to consider:
- Area of Body: Not all numbing creams are good for the bikini area. So, while using a numbing cream, make sure you are using the right numbing cream for the right area
- Timing: Applying numbing cream too early or just before waxing can backfire. So, apply numbing cream at the right time, usually 30 minutes, before waxing
- Cleanliness: Lastly, make sure that you have washed the area well before applying numbing cream
Part 3: How to Use Numbing Cream for Waxing?
Step-by-Step Guide
You need to use numbing cream on your skin at least half an hour or 45 minutes before waxing. The dosage varies from cream to cream and you can find the exact amount on the label. After knowing the recommended dosage:
- Wash and cleanse the area well so that all the dirt and dust gets washed away
- After cleaning the area, wear waterproof gloves to avoid the cream affecting your hands, and then take out the recommended amount
- Apply the cream evenly on your skin and wrap the area with a plastic cover
- Covering the area results in the production of heat thus increasing the effectiveness of numbing cream
- Wait for 30-45 minutes and wash the cream well from the area to be treated
To cleanse your skin, you can exfoliate your skin by using exfoliating gloves in your shower. You can get some of the best exfoliating gloves from Best Exfoliating Gloves of 2023.
Precautions and Safety Measures
Following are some safety measures you can take to avoid the side effects of numbing cream
- The creams might irritate your sensitive areas like your bikini line or armpits so use the creams specified for these areas
- Avoid the application of numbing creams longer than the recommended time
- Do not buy a numbing cream having lidocaine of more than 5%
- Do not use the numbing cream on open or broken skin areas to prevent the cream from seeping into the bloodstream
- Instead of using a heating pad to activate the cream, use a plastic wrap
Part 4: Where to Buy Different Numbing Creams for Waxing?
You can find numbing creams at any online stores, your local stores, and even at pharmacies. The OCT numbing creams are easily available for everyone, you need a doctor’s prescription for prescription numbing creams.
However, it does not mean you can buy any numbing cream. Make sure you are considering the trusted brand, its customer ratings, and the quality of its products.
Considerations When Choosing a Suitable Numbing Cream for Waxing
How to know which brand is suitable for you? Keep these considerations in your mind and you will find the right answer.
- Efficacy: The efficacy of numbing cream depends upon active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). So ensure buying a cream with enough API for it to work effectively
- Budget: Your budget is necessary when choosing a cream. Setting your budget first can help you find a cream within your range without overspending
- Safety: Creams with more than 5% lidocaine can be harmful to your skin. So, buy the cream with 4-5% lidocaine to ensure it is safe for you
- Individual Physiology: Numbing creams work differently for everyone. So, consider your physiology or consult a professional to know the right cream for you
- Packaging: Lastly, make sure the cream comes in durable packaging. Moreover, multi-use packaging can increase the risk of contamination so buy the creams with single-use sanitary packaging
Part 5: Best Numbing Creams for Waxing
Let’s find some great numbing creams to help you get a smooth waxing experience with no pain
Name Price Ratings Aspercreme Numbing Cream $10.98 4.5/5 Blue Emu Cream $13.98 4.3/5 Dr. Numb Cream $49.99 4.3/5 WELMATE Numbing Cream $22.95 4.3/5 Greencaine Blast Numbing Cream $18.99 4.2/5 Ebanel Numbing Cream $16.89 4.1/5 Numb Master Numbing Cream $16.25 4.1/5 Deeveeant Numbing Cream $43.19 3.9/5 GiGi Anesthetic Numbing Spray $9.94 3.8/5 Relax and Wax Numbing Cream $20.95 3.4/5 1. Aspercreme Numbing Cream
Waxing and pain go side-by-side and the best solution is to apply some numbing cream but which one? Our top recommendation is the Aspercreme Numbing Cream as perfectly fulfills all the requirements necessary to call a numbing cream effective.
Features:
- Has 4% lidocaine
- Provides pain relief for hours
● Non-greasy and odor-free
Pros:
- Doesn’t leave a greasy residue
- Provides tingling and itch relief
Cons:
- Not very effective
- Difficult to open
2. Blue Emu Cream
The Blue Emu cream has 2.7 ounces of cream per pack that gives you relief from not only waxing pain but also back, muscle, and joint pain. Let’s see how this versatile cream acts.
Features:
- The small molecules penetrate deep into the skin
- Contains 4% lidocaine
- Provides 8 hours of pain relief
Pros:
- Has a sponge top that enables mess-free application without having to touch the cream
- Works very quickly to give you pain relief
Cons:
- Causes nausea or dizziness
- Not work for everyone
3. Dr. Numb Cream
Dr. Numb is like a personal and always available doctor to give you relief from waxing pain. On application, it will take away all the painful, burning, and itching sensations from your body.
Features:
- Contains 5% lidocaine
- Hypoallergenic and effect lasts for 2-4 hours
- Oil-free and professionally recommended
Pros:
- Works as quickly as 15 minutes
- Vitamin E stimulates healing along with pain relief
Cons:
- Too expensive
- Doesn’t numb the skin completely
4. WELMATE Numbing Cream
The perfect mate for nearly painless waxing? It is surely going to be the WELMATE numbing cream. It is free of any harsh chemicals and infused with Vitamin E to minimize swelling, moisturize skin, and give you pain relief.
Features:
- Contains 5% lidocaine
- Acts as fast as 3 minutes
- Vitamin E moisturizes skin and reduces swelling
Pros:
- Works well for sensitive areas like the upper lip
- Has a light texture with a good scent
Cons:
- Hard to open
- No refunds
5. Greencaine Blast Numbing Cream
The Greencaine Blast numbing cream is a green flag in the world of numbing creams for waxing. It is hypoallergenic and has aloe vera to soothe your skin. Let’s see what benefits it provides you.
Features:
- Contains 4% lidocaine
- Works within half an hour
- Oil-free, easy to wipe, and FDA-registered
Pros:
- Works not only for waxing but also for laser hair removal
- Works well for bikini and Brazilian wax
Cons:
- Can increase pain for some people
- Alcohol can cause allergic reactions
6. Ebanel Numbing Cream
The Ebanel Liposomal NUMB520 is FSA HSA-cleared to protect you from skin irritation and provide pain relief. It starts working within 5 minutes and numbs your skin completely within 25 minutes.
Features:
- Contains 5% lidocaine
- Has aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and protect your skin
- Non-greasy and odor-free with peak effect within half an hour
Pros:
- A miracle for the Brazilian wax
- Shows effect for hours
Cons:
- Might cause redness and rashes
- You need to apply a thick layer to get results
7. Numb Master Numbing Cream
The Numb Master is non-greasy and unscented thus works well for all skin types. It is cGMP-certified and has a child-resistant cap to avoid any unwanted mess.
Features:
- Has 5% lidocaine
- Water-based so easy to remove
- Works for all skin types
- Has a shelf-life of 2 years
Pros:
- Works quickly
- It can reduce waxing pain to a great extent making waxing a no-fear hair removal treatment for you
Cons:
- Can cause a reaction
- Might be slow-acting for some people
8. Deeveeant Numbing Cream
Another simple and effective solution to the waxing pain is the Deeveeant numbing cream. The application is easy and you can wipe it off easily with just a damp cloth. Let’s discuss what makes it a distinct numbing cream.
Features:
- Has Aloe vera, jojoba, and tea tree extract for skin rejuvenation
- Tamper-resistant cap with crack-free bottle
Pros:
- Great for tattoos, laser, and waxing
- It has a mixture of three botanical products that give pain relief, calm skin, and aid healing
Cons:
- Expensive
- Wears off quickly
9. GiGi Anesthetic Numbing Spray
Unlike other numbing creams, the main ingredient in GiGi spray for numbing the skin is benzocaine. This cruelty-free cream prevents redness, irritation, and pain.
Features:
- 100% cruelty-free
- Has benzocaine and chamomile to prevent pain, redness, and irritation
Pros:
- As it is a spray, it is easy to apply as compared to numbing creams
- Works as effectively as professional products
Cons:
- It has a strong smell
- It stings a little at the start
10. Relax and Wax Numbing Cream
Lastly, we have a Relax and Wax cream solution suitable for all skin types and all areas of your body. Let’s know how it made it to the list of top 10 numbing creams for waxing.
Features:
- Contains 20% benzocaine
- Acts as numbing cream for bikini wax
Pros:
- Works great for a Brazilian wax
- It is mess-free and grease-free
Cons:
- It leaves a white cast on the skin
- It is time-consuming
Note: All the Pros and Cons are purely based on customer reviews.
You can use the above-mentioned numbing creams for nearly painless hair removal but there are some more ways you can try to minimize the pain and make your experience smoother. To know, click Face Waxing for Women: Procedure, Safety, and Cost.
Conclusion
Numbing creams can desensitize your nerves thus minimizing the pain you feel during hair removal. These creams also reduce inflammation and skin redness as the nerves that send signals to the brain are blocked.
Therefore, if you want a comfortable waxing experience, make numbing creams a part of your hair removal routine. But, these can cause burning, rashes, and allergic reactions. So, know the right dosage and apply it for the recommended duration for safe and effective hair removal.
Does it seem a bit hectic? The numbing creams, waxing, and all the mess it creates. So, you can try some other methods for hair removal. To know more, click 10 Reasons Why Should You Stop Waxing and What to Do Instead.