Hair growth inhibitors

Basic facts

The prescription topical cream Vaniqa is clinically proven to slow hair growth on some (but not all) women's faces.

Some prescription oral medications have been clinically observed to slow hair growth

Herbal remedies sold over the counter and online have not been proven to work in published clinical studies.

History

Hair inhibitors have been around since the snake-oil heyday of the 19th century. However, with the recent approval of the prescription drug Vaniqa, these non-prescription products have exploded, especially on TV infomercials and the web. Topical herbal preparations are marketed agressively online, often with false and misleading information and bogus claims of effectiveness.

Herbal remedies to avoid

There is no published clinical data that backs up claims that over the counter hair inhibitors can slow or stop hair growth. The only one that has demonstrated it can work as claimed is Vaniqa. Only Vaniqa has done the type of extensive testing necessary to determine the effectiveness of a product.

NOTE: This list is incomplete. ANY non-prescription product claiming to inhibit hair growth in humans is making unproven claims.

Some of the worst offenders:

Ultra Hair Away by Victoria Bodyworks

Kalo Hair Inhibitor - Lotion, by Nisim International
Kalo Hair Inhibitor - Spray, by Nisim International
Kalo Hair Inhibitor - Spray / Lotion, by Nisim International

Epil-Stop by Tactica
Epil-Stop Plus by Tactica
Epil-Stop Ultra by Tactica

Enleve

UHA Sport by Apex Marketing
Derma Nude™ Advanced Hair Retardant Gel by Apex Marketing
Derma Nude™ Advanced Hair Retardant Spray by Apex Marketing
follistat by Apex Marketing
Hair No More by Apex Marketing
No More Hair - Hair Inhibitor - Gel, 2 oz Hair No More
No More Hair Hair Inhibitor - Spray Mist, 4 oz Hair No More
No More Hair Vanishing Creme Remover, 4 oz Hair No More
Hair No More™ Advanced Hair Growth Inhibitor Spray Mist
Hair No More™ Advanced Hair Growth Inhibitor Soothing Gel

Hair Away by Body EQ

Maxima Hair Inhibitor, 4 oz
Smooth-Max Hair Inhibitor Deodorant,
Maxima Hair Inhibitor by Green Canyon

Surgi-Hair Stop - by Ardell
Surgi-Facial Hair Stop™ by Ardell

Epizyme™ Stop Hair Regrowth for Body and Legs by GiGiHONEEô
Epizyme™ Stop Hair Regrowth for Face by GiGiHONEEô
Slow Grow Skin Maintenance Lotion by GiGiHONEEô

Azulene Oil hair inhibitor by Parissa

Liquid Electrolysis by Global Electrolysis Supply

Mariana Hair Inhibitor Serum

Lex ™ Hair Inhibitor Serum

D'Lay Cr?me Hair Inhibitor by Thane International

 

Notes

Many consumers have been injured by Epil-Stop in particular. One consumer has put up a page for Epil-Stop survivors.

See also my discussion of Jergens Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer.

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