Epilation and waxing are not very painful procedures.
But, if you are epilating or removing hair from sensitive areas, you will give it a thought.
Besides that, some people have very low pain tolerance.
To overcome these two problems, Now this is where numbing cream comes into the picture.
There are numerous numbing creams available in the market.
We have picked the best 7 numbing creams for epilation and waxing, although you can use them for tattoo and laser hair removal. But, most of the time your artist will choose the best cream for you.
My rating is not based on this rating. I have used it for this article.
Contents
If you are in a hurry check this out
If you don’t have time, to read this article in detail, then you can bookmark this page and read it later thoroughly. If you need a solution right away check this out.
Lidocaine Plus with Lidocaine 4% Pain
I really like this cream and I will give it 9.7 out of 10. I haven’t given it a 100% rating because it is a little bit expensive. But, I really like this cream. It uses balanced 4% Lidocaine that desensitizes skin very effectively and it also contains Aloe vera gel that soothes and hydrates skin.
Key features
- 4% Lidocaine
- Aloe vera gel
- Sooth skin
- Hydrate skin
- Results last for 1-2 hours
What is a numbing cream?
Numb cream is a topical cream that temporarily numbs skin by blocking sodium channels.
These creams generally have two active substances: lidocaine and prilocaine and they are generally called local anesthetics.
These creams are most widely used during painful processes or when skin is exposed to pain such as receiving a tattoo, epilation, waxing, laser hair removal, etc.
How does numbing cream work?
When pain receptors below the first layer of skin are activated by the sudden pulling of hair by waxing or epilation, then pain signals travel to our brain through nerves.
After that, we feel unbearable pain.
Numbing cream contains substances that block sodium channels which makes our nerves unable to send pain signals to our brains.
When our brain doesn’t receive pain signals from our body parts, we feel no pain.
That is why you can complete painful procedures without pain after using numbing cream.
I know this is getting a little bit technical, but don’t worry you don’t need to remember all this information, this is just for an idea.
Why do you need numbing cream?
Epilation is not a very painful process for some people but for some people it can be very painful.
How much epilation will hurt really depends on the pain tolerance capacity of an individual.
Although pain during the epilation also depends on what kind of epilator you are using, a premium epilator hurts far less than its cheaper version.
A $90-$100 epilator is a decent epilator, however, there are some low-budget and premium epilators available but you need to find them.
People epilate arms, legs, and sometimes face smoothly without any hesitation and pain, but trouble arises when they start epilating more sensitive areas such as the bikini area and underarms. Although some people can even epilate the bikini area without pain, it really depends on individual pain tolerance, but most people fail to epilate or wax bikini areas without using numbing cream.
Why do we need numbing cream? – to epilate and wax the most sensitive skin without any trouble and pain we need to use numbing cream.
How to choose the best numbing cream for you?
There are several things to consider before buying a numbing cream.
1. Lidocaine
This is the first and most important thing to look for before buying numbing cream.
Lidocaine is a topical skin anesthetic, it can be used to numb skin. However, there is another substance, benzocaine that can be used to numb the skin. But for topical skin, Lidocaine is the ideal substance.
However, the maximum safe quantity of lidocaine for over-the-counter numbing cream is 5%.
If a cream contains lidocaine of more than 5% it can cause adverse side effects, burning sensation, Irritation, discoloration, etc
Most over-the-counter numbing creams use 4% Lidocaine that can be used for a tattoo, laser hair removal, epilation, and waxing.
2. Check for the active ingredient
The active ingredient is Lidocaine besides that there are no major ingredients to look for.
But, make sure that the cream does not contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and pH should be balanced according to your skin. Some numbing creams are infused with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera gel that soothes and hydrates skin.
3. Review
Last but not least, reviews are also very important things to look for before buying numbing cream.
Reviews will give you an idea of how cream has performed in the past, chances are it will perform exactly in the future for you.
Although, this can not give you an absolute idea because there can be skin differences between you and those people. But, the review is also very important to look for before buying a numbing cream
7 best numbing creams for epilation and waxing (Review)
Here is the review of the 7 best numbing creams for epilation and waxing.
1. Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream
If you have checked lots of website reviews for numbing creams then I am pretty sure you already have found this one.
There is a reason behind it.
It is a best-seller on Amazon in its category.
But, this is not the only reason behind its recommendations.
It acts very quickly within 20 to 25 minutes and maintains its peak performance for up to 1 hour.
In other words, it can maintain its peak for 75 minutes right after applying it.
Do you know why it acts faster and more long-lasting than others? because they have used 5% topical Lidocaine generally most creams use only 4%
Ok. They are using 5% lidocaine which is a little bit higher than the recommended amount which can cause a burning sensation. To counter this effect they are also using Aloe Vera and Vitamin E that soothe and hydrate skin.
To be honest I really liked it. You can read its reviews and only then you will know how good it is.
User reviews – The user’s rating is good. It got 4 stars out of 5 stars from 34,000 verified customers at Amazon.
Pros
- 5% Lidocaine which is stronger than most other creams which make it stronger than other creams.
- It acts fast and numbs the skin for a longer duration and can maintain its peak performance for 1 hour.
- It has skin-smoothing and Hydrating properties.
- This is oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-greasy
Cons
None
My rating is 9 out of 10.
2. LMX5 Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream
This is another premium quality cream but this time brand is L.M.X.5.
This cream is fantastic.
You can use this cream during tattooing, injection, and laser hair removal. Even though you can use it for Brazilian waxing or shaving.
There are very few creams out there with 5% Lidocaine and it is one of them.
5% Lidocaine is the maximum strength that can be available over the counter without a prescription.
Obviously, you can expect it to be stronger, fast, and more effective.
I really find its ingredient quality very good and it shows its results fast and lasts long.
User reviews – it got 4.3 stars out of 5 stars from 280 customers at Amazon. Almost 81% of users give it 4 or 5 stars.
Pros
- Fast and effective
- It contains 5% Lidocaine, so it contains maximum strength
- Also, recommended by the doctor
- Easy to apply
Cons
May cause itchiness
My ratings are 9.4 out of 10. They infuse it with vitamin E and aloe vera to soothe the skin.
3. LMX 4 Topical Anesthetic Cream
LMX4 is a topical anesthetic that can relieve pain fast and effectively.
It contains 4% Lidocaine which is recommended by the FDA.
Soothes and hydrates the skin by minimizing the side effects of the numbing creams such as burning sensation, Irritation, etc.
It is an extraordinary pain reliever that can be used before the most painful hair removal methods such as epilation, waxing, laser hair removal, and tattooing.
This local anesthetic cream is one of the best numbing creams for tattooing because its pH is balanced and. It doesn’t ruin tattoo ink.
User reviews – it got 4.1 stars out of 5 stars by 250 customers on Amazon.
Pros
- It uses 4 % Lidocaine.
- Soothe and hydrates the skin
- Recommended by doctors
- Easy to apply.
- It is an excellent pain reliever.
- Good for all skin types.
- Long-lasting
Cons
Short shelf life
My rating – is 9.2 out of 10
4. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine
This numb master is the premium topical anesthetic cream provided by the brand Clinical Resolution Laboratory.
It is an easy-to-apply numbing cream made with a water-based anesthetic that is best for epilation, waxing, tattooing, and laser hair removal.
This numbing cream can also provide soothing and calming effects on the skin with the help of Aloe vera and vitamin E.
This topical anesthetic cream is non-invasive, which means you don’t need needles and injections. It penetrates deeper and helps it to reach maximum under the skin which increases its efficiency twofold.
It contains 5% Lidocaine which has maximum pain relief strength that can be found in numbing cream.
Overall, it’s a great cream. I like it. You will also like it.
User reviews – it got 4 stars out of 5 stars from 8500 customers at Amazon.
Pros
- It is good for sensitive skin
- Start acting in 20 minutes and the peak effect lasts longer than 1 hour
- Non-oily
- Non-greasy
- Recommended by doctors
Cons
Little bit expensive
My rating is 9 out of 10
5. Dr. Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever
Dr. Numb is one of the best fast-acting creams out there.
It starts showing its results in 15 minutes and numbing lasts for 2 to 4 hours which is a great length, longer than most other creams.
It contains 5% Lidocaine which helps it to do this wonder and it is infused with Vitamin E which leaves well-conditioned skin behind.
This anesthetic cream is non-oily and it feels silky and smooth on the skin.
It doesn’t have side effects and it has no residue on nerve fibers.
You can use it for laser hair removal, waxing, Brazilian waxing, epilation, and many more painful procedures.
User reviews – It got 4.3 stars out of 5 stars from 2000 customers. It is one of the best-rated nub creams.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Good for sensitive skin
- Non-oily
- Fast absorbing
- Start acting in 15 minutes and results last longer than 2 to 4 hours.
- Infused with Vitamin E
Cons
It may cause itchy rashes
My rating is 9.2 out of 10
6. GREENCAINE BLAST Numbing Cream
Greencaine numbing is one of the best-rated topical anesthetic creams available.
This does wonder in removing pain from very painful processes such as laser hair removal, epilating, tattoo, tattoo removal, and most importantly for a Brazilian wax.
They use 4% Lidocaine which immediately numbs the skin right after applying it.
Buying this is totally risk-free. If you are not satisfied with the results you can return them within 30 days. It is backed by a 100% refund policy.
To be honest I really like it and it is a value-for-money deal.
User reviews – It got really good reviews. It got 4.2 stars out of 5 stars from 1000 customers on Amazon. It also got 4.2 stars for comfort and 4.0 stars for value for money.
Pros
- Contain 4% Lidocaine
- 100% money-back guarantee
- It can be used for tattoos and tattoo removal.
- It is not harsh on the skin.
- Non-greasy
- It is a value-for-money deal
Cons
Prices keep on increasing, a little bit expensive
My rating is 9.5 out of 10
7. MAXOCAINE 4% Lidocaine Roll
It is a clinically proven numbing cream that contains the maximum strength that a numbing cream can contain.
Contains Aloe vera gel which immediately heals and soothes skin.
It has a cooling and moisturizing effect that suppresses any discomfort during laser hair removal.
It deeply penetrates the skin that numbs skin right after applying it.
User reviews – It got 4 stars out of 5 stars from 700 customers at Amazon.
Pros
- 4% Lidocaine
- It has long-lasting results
- Odor-free
- Clinically proven
- Non-greasy
- Good for all types of skin
- Hydrates and soothe skin
Cons
Take longer to dry
My ratings – 8.5 out of 10
Can you use numbing cream for Waxing?
Yes, numbing creams are widely used for waxing and laser hair removal. These creams are specially made to relieve pain during the pain and trauma processes such as epilation, waxing, and laser hair removal.
You can use some numbing cream for waxing and epilation at home.
But, for laser hair removal your doctors will use different types of numbing creams known as TAC (Triple anesthetic cream) these types of creams are made of 20% benzocaine and 80% of Lidocaine and tetracaine.[source]
Can you use numbing cream for tattoos?
Yes, there are a number of numbing creams available for tattoos.
Tattoo artists mostly use over-the-counter numbing creams for a tattoo that 4% lidocaine.
Tattooing is also a painful process that continuously gives trauma to our skin, to avoid that numbing cream is essential because not everyone has a high pain tolerance.
But, remember one thing before going to the tattoo wash area properly with water and soap. There should be no dirt or oil on the skin.
The cream pH level should be neutral or less than 7 because a high pH value means more alkaline agents which can ruin tattoo ink. But, don’t worry your tattoo artist would already know this.
How to use numbing cream?
When you are using numbing cream make sure that you are following guidelines that are instructed by the brand. Or you can follow these guidelines.
1. Clean your skin with soap
Clean your skin with soap, and eliminate dirt and oil completely from your skin. The cream should be completely in contact with the skin.
If you are applying cream on your face, make sure you wash facial makeup, lotion, or moisturizer with warm water, soap, and pat dry.
2. Do not use the cream on large areas such as full arms and full legs
You should use numbing cream on smaller areas. According to the FDA, you should not use numbing cream on the larger area; this way it gets absorbed by the bloodstream which can cause adverse side effects.
Numbing cream is a great help to epilate or wax smaller areas such as upper lips, bikini lines, etc.
Most of the time you don’t need to use numbing cream on your arms and legs. But, if you need to, do not use numbing cream all at once. You can use this section by section on different days.
In short, do not use more than a 15g tube at once.
3. Put on gloves
Your hand should not have direct contact with numbing cream because it will numb it within 15 minutes and this way you would not be able to epilate or wax properly.
4. Apply the cream directly to the skin
Apply the cream directly to the desired area of the skin. The cream should not be very thin or very thick. Try to avoid rubbing because the cream can reach pain receptors without rubbing.
5. Avoid covering skin with plastic or bandage
Avoid speeding up the process by heating. Most creams do not need this. Let cream show its effect naturally.
Although, if it is mentioned on the cream you can use it, I really don’t find any major difference with or without covering the skin.
6. Wait for 30 minutes and then wash it.
Wait for 30 to 60 minutes before washing the cream away.
Most cream starts showing their effect in under 5 minutes and peaks out after 30 minutes. After that, there is no point to leave the cream on the skin. Wash any residue of the skin.
Although, some take longer. Also, read the instructions as stated on the cream.
7. Start epilating or waxing.
Now you are free to use Epilation or waxing. It is also very common during tattooing.
Summary (table)
| Name | Image | Brand name | Key features | My Rating out of 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lidocaine Plus with Lidocaine 4% Pain |  | Lidocaine Plus |
| 9.7 |
| Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream |  | Ebanel Laboratories |
| 9 |
| LMX5 Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream |  | L.M.X.5 |
| 9.4 |
| LMX 4 Topical Anesthetic Cream |  | L.M.X.4 |
| 9.2 |
| Numb Master 5% Lidocaine |  | Clinical Resolution Laboratory |
| 9.0 |
| Dr. Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever |  | Dr. Numb |
| 9.2 |
| GREENCAINE BLAST Numbing Cream |  | GREENCAINE |
| 9.5 |
| MAXOCAINE 4% Lidocaine Roll |  | MAXOCAINE |
| 8.5 |
Source
https://tattooli.com/best-tattoo-numbing-creams/
https://www.numbskin.com/6-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-numbing-cream/
0 Comments