Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Upper Lip Cream?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Upper lip hair is a problem for some women, and several creams can be used to get rid of facial hair. Depilatory cream, for instance, is a type of upper lip cream that dissolves the hair on the upper lip. Bleaching creams can also be used, but these don't completely remove the hair. Instead, they lighten the hair on the lip, making it less noticeable. Shaving cream and a razor can also be used to remove unwanted facial hair, but this method is used more by men than women.

Although it is more common in men, some women also get unwanted upper lip hair. This is especially true for older women going through menopause and women with very dark hair. Most women find that facial hair is unattractive, and they will often try various methods to remove it. A specially formulated upper lip cream is one of the easiest, least expensive, and least painful methods for removing lip hair.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

Depilatory cream is applied to the area with unwanted hair and allowed to set. The hair dissolves several minutes after cream is applied to the upper lip, and it is rinsed away along with the cream. A facial hair bleaching cream is another popular type of upper lip cream. Instead of removing the hair, though, this type of cream makes the hair much less noticeable. These bleaching creams strip the pigment out of the hair, which makes hair appear almost blond on most women.

Any chemical upper lip cream should be used with caution, since they can cause chemical burns if they are used improperly. Women are often advised to apply a small amount of these creams to an inconspicuous area of skin. If signs of an allergic reaction or skin irritation appear, the creams should not be used. These creams should also only stay on the skin for the specified period of time, which is usually between three to ten minutes.

Shaving cream can also be used with a razor to remove unwanted hair. Generally, this type of upper lip cream is used by men rather than women, but some women do use it to remove unwanted facial hair. This cream is applied to the upper lip, or any other part of the area with unwanted hair, and a sharp razor is then used to remove the shaving cream and the hair.

Many women prefer not to shave unwanted facial hair, though. Razors can result in painful and unattractive nicks in the skin. Shaving will also usually cause new hair growth to feel coarse and prickly. It can also increase the risk of ingrown hairs.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman with hand on her hip
      Woman with hand on her hip