Numbing creams can reduce pain caused by tattooing, waxing, and laser hair removal. While most specialists claim that you’ll only feel a slight discomfort amid these procedures, not everybody has a high tolerance for pain, and so we have the solution right here, so keep on reading…
Some people will complain of mellow distress during procedures like waxing, laser, and tattooing but for others, the pain can become intense to the point they do not want to continue.
There are various pain-reducing choices that you can try to help eliminate any discomfort, but our favorite products are fast-acting, long-lasting, affordable topical numbing creams.
In this article, you can not only find our favorite products, but also a step-by-step guide on how to use the numbing creams.
Numbing Creams for Waxing
If you’ve been using razors and epilators your whole life and are looking for a more effective way of getting rid of your body hair, waxing is a great option! But are too nervous about the pain? Then why not use a numbing cream?
With all these modern and advanced cosmetic procedures nowadays such as eyelash tinting treatments, microblading, and laser hair removal, it can be nerve-racking when any of these leading aesthetic procedures come with pain or discomfort.
So next time you go for your wax appointment, laser hair removal treatment, or if you’re getting a tattoo, try applying an effective numbing cream to make the experience less daunting for you.
There are various kinds of numbing creams and each one of them includes different ingredients and formulas. One of the most widely recognized ingredients is lidocaine due to its intense pain alleviation.
Lidocaine is an anesthetic solution that works by obstructing the nerve endings in order to decrease the amount of discomfort felt. The pain signals are then blocked before they can ever reach your brain, preventing you from feeling any pain or distress! Cool, huh?
As well as lidocaine, numbing creams are also made up of the ingredients tetracaine and benzocaine which are compounds that obstruct the development of electrical signs sent by your nerve endings.
Whenever these signs turn out to be sufficiently enormous (when something is really painful) they will start to make a trip to the brain and are then translated as pain.
Lidocaine, tetracaine, and benzocaine are the basic ingredients that can be used to ease the pain of hair removal treatments for both men and women. These ingredients can also limit the discomfort and irritation brought on by mouth blisters, skin irritability, stings, and even sunburns.
Numbing creams only work before and during the waxing treatment, and you should look for other products to use after the treatment. You can try any regular body lotion as aftercare treatment, or even use anti-aging cream to help with redness following your session.
It’s important to consult your doctor before applying any numbing cream, to establish whether or not you are susceptible to any side effects or reactions. Also, make sure to only buy numbing creams that have been approved by the FDA or your country’s equivalent.
Best Numbing Creams for Waxing Reviewed
While you can buy these numbing creams in your local store or pharmacy, we highly advise consulting a physician first to ensure that you know everything you need to about using these products correctly.
The following list is a review of over-the-counter brands of topical numbing creams that you can conveniently buy on the market today.
Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream
The Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream comes with five percent lidocaine, which is why it is one of the toughest over-the-counter numbing creams that you can buy. Its formulation is a blend of smaller scale needling methods with a numbing topical sedative.
Furthermore, this safe topical solution comes with an endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to guarantee that it meets the maximum standards.
Numb Master does an extraordinary job of minimizing the irritation caused by procedures that aggravate the skin such as waxing, laser hair removal, and tattooing.
Why We Love It
- Non-oily product
- Approved by the FDA
- Last for up to 90 minutes
LMX 5 Topical Anesthetic Cream
Next on our list is the LMX 5 Topical Anesthetic Cream, which comes from the Ferndale Labs, a reputable pharmaceutical company in the United States that is an expert in dermatological advancements.
LMX 5 Topical Anesthetic Cream is suitable for different therapeutic or cosmetic procedures and therapies, such as waxing and laser hair removal.
This particular numbing cream consists of five percent lidocaine together with other compelling dynamic ingredients to help numb the skin.
Why We Love It
- Clinically proven to safely deaden the nerve endings in the skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Can be used for infants to numb the pain of shots
- Lasts up to two hours
Topicaine 5 Topical Anesthetic Gel
Our next choice of numbing cream is the Topicaine 5 Topical Anesthetic Gel that comes with five percent lidocaine, which is sufficient in significantly lessening the pain felt amid hair elimination.
The directions for use given by Topicaine 5 are straightforward and extremely user-friendly. For excellent outcomes, apply a small amount of this topical numbing cream over the afflicted portion and let it penetrate the skin until it’s numb.
The typical period of time required for this cream to produce results is about 60 minutes and will sustain numbness for up to 90 minutes.
Why We Love It
- It’s a clear gel
- No lasting smell
- Lasts for up to 90 minutes
Hush Anesthetic Numbing Gel
This amazing cruelty-free numbing cream is backed by FDA endorsements and is popular amongst users who undergo laser hair removal and waxing.
This product comes in a clear gel with four percent lidocaine, along with a one of a kind combination of plant concentrates like aloe vera.
Additionally, Hush Anesthetic Numbing Gel is a non-greasy topical solution with an excellent numbing effect and is one of the longer-lasting creams on our list.
Just like you would make sure your makeup includes the safest ingredients before you buy them, it’s important to choose only the safest numbing cream products on the market, and this vegan-paraben-free numbing cream is definitely one you can count on!
Why We Love It
- 100% vegan
- Made with zero epinephrines (adrenaline) and parabens
- It’s a clear gel
- Lasts up to two hours
Lidocaine Plus Maximum Strength
One of the most affordable numbing cream products on our list, Lidocaine Plus Maximum Strength is made from soothing aloe vera along with four percent lidocaine that helps reduce pain during tattoo procedures and laser hair removal.
Since this hypoallergenic product is water-based, it’s perfect for individuals with sensitive skin. Although it is not as effective as other more costly numbing creams, Lidocaine Plus Maximum Strength has the ability to penetrate for an hour and a half and will make you pain-free in approximately 25 minutes.
Why We Love It
- It’s a hypoallergenic gel
- Also works for burns, muscle pain, sunburn, insect bites, and tattoo removals
- Lasts for up to 90 minutes
No Scream Cream Relax and Wax
No Scream numbing cream is a product produced by Deborah Merhar, an American licensed aesthetician, and waxing specialist.
It’s no doubt that Merhar’s 15 years of experience in the business and working with clients prompted her numbing cream business venture in order to make aesthetic procedures less daunting for everyone.
The No Scream numbing cream consists of 20% benzocaine and has a safe formulation perfect for all skin types.
For the best results, enable the cream to penetrate for approximately 30 to 45 minutes prior to your procedure.
Why We Love It
- Non-greasy
- Won’t mark clothing
- Not limited to one area of the body
- Can be used on the bikini area, lip, eyebrows, underarms, and legs
- Lasts for up to two hours
Gigi Anesthetic Numbing Spray
Finally, the Gigi Anesthetic Numbing Spray is an incredible substitute for numbing creams. Since this product is a spray, it’s very easy to apply. This numbing spray can be utilized as a numbing product for your skin prior to a hair expulsion procedure.
Gigi Anesthetic Numbing Spray is composed of four percent lidocaine which can numb a particular portion of skin in just a couple of minutes.
While it doesn’t totally get rid of pain, putting a moderate amount of Gigi Anesthetic Numbing Spray will reduce a significant chunk of discomfort felt during skin penetrating procedures like waxing, laser hair removal, and tattooing.
Why We Love It
- Smells great!
- Works best for waxing
- Takes the sting out of waxing
- Lasts for up to two hours
Best Numbing Creams for Waxing Overview
We’ve combined a table of our favorite numbing creams available on the market today for you to consider before waxing, getting a tattoo, or having any laser treatment done.
Numbing Creams for Tattoos
A lot of people who are getting tattoos apply a numbing cream before to help lessen the pain of the procedure. While there are over-the-counter and prescribed brands you can buy, we highly advise consulting a physician first before using any numbing product.
Before buying these products, remember that the United States’ FDA advises users to only purchase numbing creams that are FDA approved for maximum protection.
Keep in mind that some brands can contain drugs that you may have an allergic reaction to and applying it improperly may be a medical risk especially once your skin is broken when undergoing a tattoo.
Remember that most numbing creams will only last up to 2 hours. This may be less than the time taken to complete your tattoo. However, it’s important never to overuse a numbing cream for this reason.
It’s important to keep in mind that using too much of the numbing cream, leaving the product on too long on the skin, or applying it on cracked skin may cause the medication to pass into your bloodstream.
This is particularly important to remember when applying numbing cream for a tattoo procedure.
This can result in health risks or even life-threatening implications. Thus, it is better to consult with your physician on how you can safely use the product.
Once you’ve visited your physician, apply the numbing cream to the affected area as directed by the specific brand of cream before you undergo your tattoo.
Best Numbing Creams for Tattoos Reviewed
If you’re not sure which product to purchase as a numbing cream before getting your next tattoo, we’ve got your back! Here are a few of the best products available on the market today that will reduce the amount of pain felt during a tattoo procedure.
Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel
Our first choice is the Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel. It provides maximum strength to alleviate your pain not only during a tattoo procedure, but also during body piercings, cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal, and waxing.
Why We Love It
- 100% vegan
- Free of epinephrine (adrenaline) and parabens
- Safe for sensitive skin
- FDA approved
- Lasts for up to two hours
Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream
Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream works by safely numbing your skin before treatments like getting a tattoo, tattoo removals, laser hair removal, body piercing, and waxing.
This numbing cream will last up to two hours, and includes ingredients that are designed specifically for tattoo healing.
Why We Love It
- Fast absorption
- Includes ingredients to heal the skin
- Lasts for up to two hours
Hustle Butter Deluxe – Tattoo Butter
Last on our list of numbing creams for tattoos is the Hustle Butter Deluxe – Tattoo Butter. This tattoo care product works for every stage of the tattoo process, numbing the skin before and during the procedure, as well as healing the skin after the tattoo has been completed.
Why We Love It
- Provides healing after-care moisture to the skin
- 100% vegan
- Made from natural butter
- Petroleum and paraben-free
Are Numbing Creams Safe?
A numbing cream is a type of topical sedative that works by obstructing the nerve motions in your body but must be used correctly.
If the numbing cream is utilized in restricted amounts and all the standard safety directions are being followed carefully, then these numbing creams can result in slight to no risk symptoms at all.
However, just because it’s available over the counter does not mean that all the numbing cream products are safe for you to use.
It is crucial that you consider the reactions of all skin-numbing creams whenever you utilize them and contact a doctor for advice before use.
Skin numbing creams can help in lessening the distress related to painful skin procedures that include waxing, inking, tattooing, and laser procedures. These topical analgesics work by desensitizing the skin beneath its surface.
These numbing creams come in different qualities and are available over the counter or through a prescription from your doctor.
Regardless if individuals are encouraged to follow the standard guidelines when utilizing these creams, continued utilization or abuse of these creams, amid and after the procedure, can cause serious side effects.
Numbing Cream Side Effects
Some of the uncommon side effects of numbing cream include:
- Severe burning, stinging, or irritation where the medicine is applied
- Swelling or redness
- Sudden dizziness or drowsiness after medicine is applied
- Confusion, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears
- Unusual sensations of temperature
People who apply an overdose of numbing cream can cause lethal chemicals to travel into their circulatory system, particularly when wearing a plastic wrap after getting a tattoo.
The most serious symptoms related to the overuse of numbing creams are sporadic heartbeats and seizures.
Applying Numbing Cream Safely
As indicated by the standard procedures of the FDA, individuals must be very wary while utilizing skin-numbing creams. Leaving the numbing cream to stay on your skin for a really long time or applying enormous amounts can be harmful.
It is essential that you only utilize a numbing cream that consists of the FDA-approved amounts of lidocaine. Look for a numbing cream that consists of the purest and most secure concentration of lidocaine which is five percent.
Additionally, you can enhance the numbing cream with Vitamin E for speedier skin recuperation.
How To Use Numbing Cream
For the best numbing results surrounding your procedure, follow these important steps:
Step 1: Wash the Area of Skin
Wash the particular portion of skin completely to get rid of any dead skin or microbes. Our advice is to use a good-quality body scrub in order to remove any dead skin cells from that particular area of skin.
Step 2: Apply Numbing Cream One Hour Before
Apply the first layer of numbing cream to your skin around an hour prior to the treatment or procedure.
Step 3: Massage the Numbing Cream
Massage the first layer until the skin thoroughly absorbs the numbing cream.
Step 4: Apply a Second Layer of Numbing Cream
Apply a second layer of numbing cream onto the particular area and let it dry and soak into the skin.
Step 5: Wash Again
Wash off the second layer of numbing cream prior to the treatment, and massage any residual cream if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions on Numbing Creams for Waxing and Tattoos
Perhaps you are considering getting waxed for the first time, or maybe you’re thinking of getting your next big tattoo but don’t want to sit through any pain or discomfort!
The good news is there are several high-quality numbing creams available on the market that can make waxing a better experience for you. Here are some questions we see asked in our forums regularly about numbing creams for waxing and tattoos.
Are numbing creams safe to use?
Numbing creams that are labeled for waxing and tattoos are generally perfectly safe for topical use. If you have any doubts, feel free to check the ingredients for any potentially harmful substances. Keep in mind anything that you are allergic to when doing this, as well.
How much do numbing creams for waxing help?
The only way you can know for use how much of a difference a numbing cream for waxing will work for you is to try one. Many people report that numbing cream extremely improves waxing experiences. Others note that it takes only a little difference. Overall though, they do make waxing hurt less for most people.
When should I consider using numbing creams for waxing?
If waxing is a painful experience for you, numbing creams can help. There are several different options available with varying levels of numbing agents in them. It might take a little trial and error, but we are confident that you can eventually find the right option for you.
What is the best Numbing Cream?
The best numbing creams to buy are those that contain lidocaine, tetracaine, or benzocaine.
Try Numbing Cream Before Your Hair Removal Treatment or Tattoo
These are the best numbing creams to apply before waxing, tattooing, or laser hair removal procedures. While they work great in desensitizing a particular portion of skin, keep in mind that they don’t totally eliminate pain or distress.
After knowing these essential tips and information about numbing creams, perhaps now is the best time to get that tattoo, piercing, hair removal, or dermaplaning session that you’ve been planning. Still afraid of the pain? Consider a Henna tattoo!
We love to hear from our readers, so let us know if you’ve tried any of our highly recommended numbing products and comment below with your experience!
