HairFacts | Hair Removal Information

Topical “hair inhibitors” (WARNING!)

Basic facts

A hair inhibitor or hair retardant is any product that can slow or stop the growth of hair. The prescription topical cream  VANIQA® is clinically proven and approved by the US Food And Drug Administration to slow hair growth on some (but not all) women’s facial hair. Some prescription oral medications have been clinically observed to slow hair growth as a side effect.

There is no published clinical data that backs up claims that over-the-counter topical products applied to the skin can slow or stop hair growth. Only  VANIQA® has done the type of extensive testing necessary to determine the effectiveness of a product.

History

Hair inhibitors have been around since the snake-oil heyday of the 19th century. However, after FDA approval of the prescription drug  VANIQA®, non-prescription products exploded, especially on TV infomercials and online.

There was also a surge in “hair minimizing” products that may soften and reduce the appearance of hair above the skin surface, but this has no effect on hair growth itself. Hair will continue to grow at the same rate and thickness despite using the products below.

Over-the-counter “hair inhibitors” to avoid

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

Many of the products below contain moisturizers and a mild alkaline ingredient that can soften hairs above the skin’s surface, but there is no scientific evidence that they affect hair growth below the skin’s surface, especially at the root.

Notes

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

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Eflora ® Facial Hair Inhibitor VANIQA Hair Removal Eflornithine 13.9% Cream By Ranbaxy 15g

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