{"id":606162157874,"title":"Is Nair Bad for You? An Ingredient Analysis","created_at":"2023-08-30T23:54:25-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Is Nair Bad for You? An Ingredient Analysis\",\n \"keywords\": \"is nair bad for you, is nair good for you, is nair healthy, is nair unhealthy, nair ingredients\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Nair to give our take on whether or not the popular hair removal cream is bad for you. We highlight some questionable ingredients and feature a video that tested the effectiveness of 21 different hair removal methods.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/is-nair-bad-for-you\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Brian Moore\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.D.\",\n \"F.A.A.D\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/brian-moore\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brian-moore-md-faad-2b1b77a2\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.apexskin.com\/our-team\/dr-brian-moore-md\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Advisor\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"dermatology, skincare, pigmented lesions, anti-aging, medical research, clinical trials, sunscreen, moisturizer, wrinkles, makeup, shampoo, soap\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Columbia University\",\n \"University of Toledo\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Is_Nair_Bad_For_You_Thumbnail.png?v=1693588692\",\n\"width\": \"2766\",\n\"height\": \"2766\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8552827\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18401425\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Potassium-thioglycolate\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5093181\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/b-foxy-review\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/ulike-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16816888\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5796020\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/temu-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25850195\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Nair Hair Remover Lotion with Cocoa Butter\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"thioglycolate\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"fragrance\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"shaving\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"waxing\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"IPL\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"laser hair removal\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Allure\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Nair Sensitive Formula Glide On\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Insider Beauty\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-08-30\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Is_Nair_Bad_For_You_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1693453996\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eN\u003c\/span\u003eair is one of the most popular hair removal creams in the US. The brand is marketed as a convenient solution to other hair removal methods like shaving, waxing and laser hair removal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut what’s actually in Nair, and how can a cream cause hair to fall off? Are there any questionable additive ingredients? How does Nair compare to other hair removal methods in terms of healthiness? And what do real customers have to say about their Nair experience?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in Nair based on medical studies to give our take on whether the product is bad for you or not.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll compare Nair to other hair removal methods in terms of healthiness, and feature unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhat’s Actually in Nair?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Nair_Hair_Remover_Lotion_With_Cocoa_Butter_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1693454012\" alt=\"Nair Hair Remover Lotion with Cocoa Butter ingredients\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in Nair Hair Remover Lotion with Cocoa Butter are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePotassium thioglycolate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is the active ingredient, and it works by weakening the hair follicle and allowing it to be removed with friction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, it also may have questionable health effects according to clinical research.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2021 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8552827\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8552827\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found that hair removal creams including those containing thioglycolate had toxic effects in animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThioglycolate was also described as a “penetration enhancer” in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18401425\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18401425\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Investigative Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis means it can enhance systemic absorption of other ingredients, which is a concern in our opinion given that Nair has other questionable ingredients which will be discussed below.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe want to note that thioglycolate is different from potassium thioglycolate in Nair, and perhaps the bond with potassium reduces any potentially toxic effects (although we haven’t seen any evidence of that – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epotassium thioglycolate is described as “corrosive,” “acute toxic” and “irritant”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Potassium-thioglycolate\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Potassium-thioglycolate\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePubChem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFragrance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is also included in Nair, and a 2016 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5093181\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5093181\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003econcluded that fragranced consumer products can pose “serious risks” to human health.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYellow 6\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is an artificial dye, and as we discussed in our review of another cosmetic product called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/b-foxy-review\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/b-foxy-review\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eB Foxy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, artificial dyes may be harmful to human health according to clinical studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider Nair to be bad for you, because of the ingredients highlighted above (especially the fragrance and artificial dye).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile it’s likely safe when used in moderation, it seems logical to avoid products with questionable additive ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how does Nair compare to other hair removal methods in terms of healthiness? We’ll discuss that in the next section of this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNair vs. Other Hair Removal Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTopical depilatory creams like Nair are the only type of hair removal process that involves questionable chemical compounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eShaving\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has been used as a hair removal process for thousands of years and is a manual process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWaxing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is non-toxic so long as any products used before the wax are non-toxic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIntense pulsed light (IPL)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a type of at-home laser device with significant clinical backing for its safety and efficacy, as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/ulike-review\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/ulike-review\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUlike reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLaser hair removal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e typically refers to diode lasers, which are used for permanent hair removal and are more expensive than IPL. They typically require sessions at a licensed dermatologist’s office, and have a great safety profile according to a 2006 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16816888\/\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16816888\/\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe would recommend any of the hair removal methods mentioned above over Nair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhich Hair Removal Method is Most Effective?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube video from Allure tested 21 different hair removal methods including cream in a video with over 18 million views:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-JD33_CLrxc?si=vZT5BnGDjj7s2kN0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the Healthiest Nair Product?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Nair_Hair_Sensitive_Skin_Glide_On_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1693588231\" alt=\"Nair Sensitive Skin Glide On ingredients\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNair sells a product for sensitive skin called Sensitive Formula Glide On. Its ingredients are shown above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis formulation still contains fragrance and a compound containing thioglycolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHowever, it's free of synthetic dye which makes it a healthier option than regular Nair in our opinion.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThere are also several ingredients in this formulation with research backing for skin health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoconut oil\u003c\/strong\u003e has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects on skin according to a 2018 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5796020\/\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTocopherol\u003c\/strong\u003e, or vitamin E, can help protect the skin from the sun when applied topically, as we documented in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/temu-review\"\u003eTemu reviews\u003c\/a\u003e article.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoybean oil\u003c\/strong\u003e can stimulate collagen production and lighten skin according to a 2015 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25850195\/\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhile we don't recommend Nair Sensitive Formula Glide On overall, we would recommend it to consumers who are intent on purchasing from this brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur Hair Removal Recommendation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Nood_Image.png?v=1693108491\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1776303\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=110725\u0026amp;urllink=trynood%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fthe%2Dflasher%2D2\u0026amp;afftrack=\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1776303\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=110725\u0026amp;urllink=trynood%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fthe%2Dflasher%2D2\u0026amp;afftrack=\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Flasher 2.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efrom Nood is our top pick for a hair removal device.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis device is cleared by the FDA and uses IPL technology, which is clinically shown to be effective and safe for hair removal\u003c\/strong\u003e as we documented above in this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSince this is a physical device, there are no risks of systemic effects or absorption.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInterested consumers can check out The Flasher 2.0 from Nood\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1776303\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=110725\u0026amp;urllink=trynood%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fthe%2Dflasher%2D2\u0026amp;afftrack=\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1776303\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=110725\u0026amp;urllink=trynood%2Ecom%2Fproducts%2Fthe%2Dflasher%2D2\u0026amp;afftrack=\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the product page on the brand’s official website.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReal People Try Nair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube channel called \"Insider Beauty\" has an unsponsored video where a user tries Nair and experiences some side effects:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZoVlQ8YtcKE?si=8mM9sY1qAxfQbTmn\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Anis Abdul-Karim shared his experience using Nair to remove unwanted back hair:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/krpJHEbx0hg?si=rzZOn6ktaV5ZFXKn\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNair is not a good hair removal choice in our opinion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile the product is likely to be effective for removing hair, and doesn’t pose any serious risks, its active ingredient contains a compound with questionable safety data and Nair also contains inactive ingredients like fragrance and artificial dye that are not healthy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe would recommend any other popular hair removal method like shaving or IPL over Nair.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNair Sensitive Formula Glide On is the healthiest Nair formulation in our opinion, because it's free of synthetic dye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor consumers intent on purchasing Nair, the brand sells a version for sensitive skin with a better formulation in regard to health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-08-30T23:56:09-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-02T20:59:08-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Nair to give our take on whether or not the popular hair removal cream is bad for you. We highlight some questionable ingredients and feature a video that tested the effectiveness of 21 different hair removal methods.","template_suffix":"","handle":"is-nair-bad-for-you","tags":"_related:hair"}

Is Nair Bad for You? An Ingredient Analysis

Is Nair Bad for You? An Ingredient Analysis


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Nair is one of the most popular hair removal creams in the US. The brand is marketed as a convenient solution to other hair removal methods like shaving, waxing and laser hair removal.

But what’s actually in Nair, and how can a cream cause hair to fall off? Are there any questionable additive ingredients? How does Nair compare to other hair removal methods in terms of healthiness? And what do real customers have to say about their Nair experience?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in Nair based on medical studies to give our take on whether the product is bad for you or not.

We’ll compare Nair to other hair removal methods in terms of healthiness, and feature unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.

What’s Actually in Nair?

Nair Hair Remover Lotion with Cocoa Butter ingredients

The ingredients in Nair Hair Remover Lotion with Cocoa Butter are shown above.

Potassium thioglycolate is the active ingredient, and it works by weakening the hair follicle and allowing it to be removed with friction.

However, it also may have questionable health effects according to clinical research.

A 2021 clinical trial found that hair removal creams including those containing thioglycolate had toxic effects in animals.

Thioglycolate was also described as a “penetration enhancer” in a medical review published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

This means it can enhance systemic absorption of other ingredients, which is a concern in our opinion given that Nair has other questionable ingredients which will be discussed below.

We want to note that thioglycolate is different from potassium thioglycolate in Nair, and perhaps the bond with potassium reduces any potentially toxic effects (although we haven’t seen any evidence of that – potassium thioglycolate is described as “corrosive,” “acute toxic” and “irritant” on PubChem).

Fragrance is also included in Nair, and a 2016 medical review concluded that fragranced consumer products can pose “serious risks” to human health.

Yellow 6 is an artificial dye, and as we discussed in our review of another cosmetic product called B Foxy, artificial dyes may be harmful to human health according to clinical studies.

Overall, we consider Nair to be bad for you, because of the ingredients highlighted above (especially the fragrance and artificial dye).

While it’s likely safe when used in moderation, it seems logical to avoid products with questionable additive ingredients.

But how does Nair compare to other hair removal methods in terms of healthiness? We’ll discuss that in the next section of this article.

Nair vs. Other Hair Removal Methods

Topical depilatory creams like Nair are the only type of hair removal process that involves questionable chemical compounds.

Shaving has been used as a hair removal process for thousands of years and is a manual process.

Waxing is non-toxic so long as any products used before the wax are non-toxic.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a type of at-home laser device with significant clinical backing for its safety and efficacy, as we documented in our Ulike reviews article.

Laser hair removal typically refers to diode lasers, which are used for permanent hair removal and are more expensive than IPL. They typically require sessions at a licensed dermatologist’s office, and have a great safety profile according to a 2006 medical review.

We would recommend any of the hair removal methods mentioned above over Nair.

Which Hair Removal Method is Most Effective?

A YouTube video from Allure tested 21 different hair removal methods including cream in a video with over 18 million views:

What's the Healthiest Nair Product?

Nair Sensitive Skin Glide On ingredients

Nair sells a product for sensitive skin called Sensitive Formula Glide On. Its ingredients are shown above.

This formulation still contains fragrance and a compound containing thioglycolate.

However, it's free of synthetic dye which makes it a healthier option than regular Nair in our opinion.

There are also several ingredients in this formulation with research backing for skin health.

Coconut oil has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects on skin according to a 2018 medical review.

Tocopherol, or vitamin E, can help protect the skin from the sun when applied topically, as we documented in our Temu reviews article.

Soybean oil can stimulate collagen production and lighten skin according to a 2015 medical review.

While we don't recommend Nair Sensitive Formula Glide On overall, we would recommend it to consumers who are intent on purchasing from this brand.

Our Hair Removal Recommendation

The Flasher 2.0 from Nood is our top pick for a hair removal device.

This device is cleared by the FDA and uses IPL technology, which is clinically shown to be effective and safe for hair removal as we documented above in this article.

Since this is a physical device, there are no risks of systemic effects or absorption.

Interested consumers can check out The Flasher 2.0 from Nood at this link to the product page on the brand’s official website.

Real People Try Nair

A YouTube channel called "Insider Beauty" has an unsponsored video where a user tries Nair and experiences some side effects:

A YouTube creator named Anis Abdul-Karim shared his experience using Nair to remove unwanted back hair:

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Conclusion

Nair is not a good hair removal choice in our opinion.

While the product is likely to be effective for removing hair, and doesn’t pose any serious risks, its active ingredient contains a compound with questionable safety data and Nair also contains inactive ingredients like fragrance and artificial dye that are not healthy.

We would recommend any other popular hair removal method like shaving or IPL over Nair.

Nair Sensitive Formula Glide On is the healthiest Nair formulation in our opinion, because it's free of synthetic dye.

For consumers intent on purchasing Nair, the brand sells a version for sensitive skin with a better formulation in regard to health.




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