How are Veet and Nair hair removal creams different? Have you ever wondered which side to take in the battle of Veet vs Nair?
Although there are so many brands, when one thinks “depilatory creams”, Nair and Veet must come to mind at one point.
They’re one of the most heard of brands… and yet – DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW MANY OPTIONS ARE OUT THERE FROM EACH BRAND?
That’s the question I asked myself. Why did I have to ask it? Because I was planning to go on a hiking trip through the beautiful Croatian mountains.
I was also planning on staying in a tent. Shaving was NOT an option. Been there, done that razor bumps. And waxing does not go well with my legs (waxing for bikini though – perfect).
So the other option, of course, was a good depilatory cream.
Here’s what I found out about the most frequently seen depilatory creams at my local drug store.
Let the battle of Nair vs Veet begin! And let me know are you #TeamVeet or #TeamNair?
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Contents
- What You Should Know About Veet and Nair
- #TeamNair – Nair Product Overview
- #TeamVeet – Veet Product Overview
- Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream, Sensitive Formula
- Veet Fast Acting Gel Cream Hair Remover
- Veet Spray On Hair Remover Cream, Sensitive Formula
- Veet for Men Hair Removal Gel creme
- Veet In Shower Cream for Sensitive skin
- VEET Spray On Hair Removal Cream - Dry Skin
- Veet Face Cream Kit Sensitive
- Veet Caring Touch Bikini and Underarm Hair Remover Cream
- The Good and The Bad of Each Brand
- Final Conclusion
What You Should Know About Veet and Nair
Before we get to know specific products from each brand, how about a little background in each brand?
Brief History of Veet and Nair
Veet
Veet is a pioneer brand in the world of hair removal, particularly when it comes to depilatory creams. It was launched over 100 years ago and started under the name “Neet and Immac” which later on got changed to simply “Neet”.
The brand name Veet was first used in the UK in 1922 and was adopted by other European countries (like France), at the same time, the name Neet was continually used for products sold in the US and Canada up until the year 2002 where they started using the name “Veet”.
Originally advertised as a hair removal product that’s faster than shaving, its current manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser was able to innovate and produce new products that efficiently and safely remove unwanted hair.
Nair
Following Veet’s footsteps is another innovator in the world of depilatory creams – Nair.
First introduced in the 1940s, it was originally manufactured by Carter-Wallace until they sold it to Church and Dwight in 2001.
Because of its efficiency, Nair quickly became a household name when it comes to unwanted hair removal, so much that your teenage years won’t be complete without the memories of using Nair.
Like Veet, it sought to innovate and come up with more products that would help remove unwanted hair for both men and women.
What’s In It: Veet vs. Nair Ingredients
Although both are depilatory creams, the ingredients they use to break down the hair strands differ. Let’s take a closer look…
Veet
Veet – Contains a combination of Thioglycolic Acid and Potassium Hydroxide. Together, they react and produce a hair loss inducing chemical known as Potassium Thioglycolate.
This chemical is strong enough to break your hair’s disulfide bonds resulting in weakened hair that can easily be wiped away with a cloth or spatula.
Nair
Nair – Uses Calcium Hydroxide (or Slaked Lime in common terms) and Sodium Hydroxide (or Lye) as its main ingredients. It works by increasing the pH level of the hair to effectively break it down, making it easier to be wiped off.
Other Nair variants may also contain Potassium Thioglycolate (same as Veet) that breaks the hair’s disulfide bonds to completely weaken and soften it.
Mineral oil may also be added to combat the harsh effects of the chemicals used to remove hair.
Range of Products (in General)
Both Veet and Nair have good product ranges to cater to their customer’s preferences. Check them out below.
Veet
Veet Hair Removal Creams, Gel Creams, and Sprays – offers easy hair removal in just minutes. These products remove surface hair by breaking down its bond making it weaker and easier to wipe off.
As a result, the skin is instantly smooth and hair-free and grows with rounder tips compared to shaving.
Comes in Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin, Brightening for Normal-Dry Skin, Brightening for Sensitive Skin formulas.
Veet Wax Strips
This product offers long-lasting hair removal by pulling hair from the root. Infused with Shea Butter to care for your skin, skin feels soft and smooth for weeks!
It comes in Normal Skin, Dry Skin, and Botanic Inspiration Sensitive variants.
Veet Warm Wax
Just like the wax strips, this product offers semi-permanent hair removal that lasts for weeks. Warm waxes do require being heated up and to be used with wax strips.
It comes in one variant which is the Oriental Wax made from natural ingredients like sugar.
Veet Sensitive Touch Electric Trimmer
To complete their arsenal of hair removal products, Veet introduced their very first electric trimmer. Perfect to use on your bikini area, this product offers both shaving and trimming in one compact tool that easily fits your purse!
Nair
Hair Removal Creams, In-Shower Creams, Sprays, and Lotions – Works by breaking down and weakening the hair bonds in minutes. Like most depilatory products, these are quick, painless and effective.
It comes in the following formulas:
In-Shower Creams
Nair Nourish Shower Power, Nair Sensitive Formula Shower Power.
Body Lotions
Nair Lotion with Aloe and Lanolin, Nair Lotion with Cocoa Butter, Nair Lotion with Baby Oil.
Creams
Nair Bikini Cream Sensitive Formula, Nair Moisturizing Face Cream, Nair Nourish Skin Renewal Face Cream, Nair Moroccan Argan Oil Glides Away, Nair Sensitive Formula Glides Away, Nair Moroccan Argan Oil Sprays Away, Nair Nourish Skin Renewal Body Cream.
Recommended article: Nair vs Shaving.
Wax Strips
Nair wax strips offer weeks of hair free smooth skin whether you use it on your face and body. These strips are convenient as they are already preloaded with wax and no heating is required.
It comes in Wax Ready Strips for Face and Bikini and Wax Ready Strips for Legs and Body.
Bikini Pro Wax
A stripless wax perfect for the bikini area. Just apply and rip off, it’s that easy!
If I’ve forgotten any products from either Veet or Nair – do let me know!
#TeamNair – Nair Product Overview
Read further about my findings on different kinds of Nair for bikini, legs, face, and men… with my personal rating based on the information I could get.
Nair with Cocoa Butter
Pros
- 9oz.
- It contains soothing Cocoa and Vitamin E.
- It doesn’t leave the skin dry.
- For normal skin.
- OK for legs, arms, underarms and bikini.
Cons
- Strong smell.
- It doesn’t work as well on very dark and coarse hair with sensitive skin.
- Can leave a chemical burn if left on for too long. Be careful, ladies!
My Rating: 
Nair for MEN
Pros
- 13 oz.
- Formulated for dark, coarse hair.
- Especially good for stubborn chest and back hair.
- Thick water-resistant formula stays on in the shower.
- Good results if you really follow the instructions.
Cons
- Burns if left on longer than the advised time.
- Not for very sensitive areas like nipples.
My Rating:
Nair for Bikini Area
Pros
- 1.7 oz.
- A sensitive formula for the bikini area.
- Contains green tea.
Cons
- Doesn’t work on very coarse hair.
- NOT MEANT FOR VAGINAL AREA (not on the labia majora and labia minora)
My Rating:
Nair Brazilian Spa Clay
Pros
- 13 oz.
- Thick formulation meant to be applied outside the shower and rinsed in the shower after a few minutes.
- Includes sponge for application and removal.
- Smells better than other depilatory creams.
Cons
- Because of the thick consistency, may be harder to get off.
My Rating:
Nair Face Cream
Pros
- 2 oz.
- Formulated for the face, chin, and upper lip.
- It contains sweet almond oil to moisturize.
Cons
- May need to buy a moisturizing cream to calm the skin.
- Since the face is super sensitive, a red rash may appear. So try this in the late evening.
My Rating:
Nair Glide stick solid for Bikini and Underarms
Pros
- 3.3 oz.
- Solid stick, shaped like a stick of antiperspirant.
- Don’t have to touch the cream with your fingers thanks to the stick form.
Cons
- ONLY for underarms and bikini area. NOT for face or legs.
My Rating:
Looking for other options for the bikini area? Read my article on the best depilatory creams for pubic hair.
Nair Shower Power
Pros
- 13 oz.
- Stays on while in the shower.
- For legs and arms.
- Contains moisturizing Moroccan Argan Oil and orange blossom.
Cons
- Finishes quickly if used for the legs
- Rash is not uncommon if the recommended time is exceeded
My Rating:
Nair Precision Kit for Face & Upper Lip
Pros
- 0.69 oz.
- Kit contains precision tipped removal cream and aftercare lotion.
- For the face and upper lip only.
- Smells better than the ones meant for the body.
Cons
- A very small amount will last for about 2-3 application times.
My Rating:
#TeamVeet – Veet Product Overview
I frequently used Veet’s facial wax strips to get that very clean and finished look for my eyebrows, and it’s the perfect way how to get rid of a few chin hairs.
Read further about my findings on different kinds of Veet for different body parts… also with my personal ratings based on the information I could get.
Veet Gel Hair Remover Cream, Sensitive Formula
Pros
- 13.5 oz.
- A sensitive formula for legs with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
- Includes removal spatula and easy dispensing pump.
Cons
- Bad smell.
MY Rating:
Veet Fast Acting Gel Cream Hair Remover
Pros
- 6.78 oz.
- This is a fast-acting gel for legs and body.
- Contains essential oils and a rose essence.
- Formulated for normal skin.
Cons
- Might need gloves if applying on such big areas as legs.
- Not for very sensitive skin.
My Rating:
Veet Spray On Hair Remover Cream, Sensitive Formula
Pros
- 5.10 oz.
- This spray-on hair remover is formulated for sensitive skin.
- Meant to be used on the legs and body.
- Includes removal spatula.
- Very easy and handy to use during long hiking trips.
Cons
- NOT for face.
- Might end up quickly if used only on legs since it is only 5.10 oz
My Rating:
Veet for Men Hair Removal Gel creme
Pros
- 6.7 oz.
- Good for coarse hair, can be used on chest and back.
- Stays on while showering.
- Works quickly.
Cons
- Smells. Like most depilatory creams.
My Rating:
Veet In Shower Cream for Sensitive skin
Pros
- 6.78 oz.
- Includes applicator and removal sponge.
- Stays on while showering. Formulated for sensitive skin.
- Contains aloe.
Cons
- NOT for face
My Rating:
VEET Spray On Hair Removal Cream - Dry Skin
Pros
- 5.1 oz.
- Rating Spray on application formulated for sensitive skin.
- Includes removal spatula.
- Designed for legs and body.
- Convenient to use.
Cons
- Some sprays break quickly which then means they are unusable.
My Rating:
Veet Face Cream Kit Sensitive
Pros
- Contains 1.69 oz. removal cream and 1.69 oz. aftercare lotion.
- Formulated for sensitive skin.
- Includes removal spatula.
Cons
- Contains small amount of product
My Rating:
Veet Caring Touch Bikini and Underarm Hair Remover Cream
Pros
- 1.69 oz.
- Includes 1.69 oz of removal cream with 1.69 oz of aftercare lotion.
- Designed for bikini line only.
- Made with essential oils and rose essence.
Cons
- Small amount if used for both bikini line and underarms.
My Rating: 6.4/10
The Good and The Bad of Each Brand
Pros and Cons of Nair
Pros
- Many Nair formulations have a blue tint, not sure what the benefit is to the additional color.
- Most Nair formulations are nice and thick.
- Out of the two brands, Nair is faster and removes more hair.
- The formulations usually take 3 to 5 minutes to work, although it can be longer.
- The Nair formula is very strong and works faster than Veet.
Cons
- Overall Nair products have a stronger odor than Veet.
- Nair products are slightly more likely to cause irritation, chemical burns, and redness than Veet. (so if you use Nair, have a calming cream or oil besides you)
Conclusion
Nair is a fast-acting, effective, no-nonsense hair remover. The Nair brand has a reputation for giving results without added frills.
If you prefer results over sensory pleasantries, Nair may be your favorite.
Nair is a trusted brand that has been making hair removal products since the 1940s. In recent years the brand has developed a few new technologies, such as the spa clay line, to meet consumer demand for removing hair in the delicate bikini area.
My Consensus is if you don’t have sensitive skin, use Nair over Veet.
My overall Rating For Nair Brand
Pros and Cons of Veet
Pros
- Veet Smells better than Nair, in most product lines.
- Veet pays more attention to product presentation and fine details, many of their creams come in a convenient dispenser pump and include removal spatulas or Faux razors to remove the cream.
- Veet installs a safety seal on their product.
- Veet is also formulated to be thick and drip-free.
- Veet is less likely to cause irritation to the skin or rashes and burns.
Cons
- Veet takes several minutes longer to work than Nair.
- Veet is more likely to leave hair behind than Nair.
Conclusion
Veet has worked hard in the last several years to improve its product and brand image. Their attention to packaging and small details have made them formidable competition for Nair, and a favorite of many women.
Their slow and easy style formulations may not be for the impatient person who wants rapid results. Their product is geared toward those who like luxury and taking care of or pampering their skin. If you have sensitive skin, use Veet vs Nair.
My overall Rating For Veet Brand
Final Conclusion
Overall, Nair has a pretty extensive product range for their hair removal creams. I like that they have specific products catering to the area of your body that you wish to treat and your skin type.
Veet is more generalized. Yes, they do have sensitive skin formulas and those may be suited for the face, I just find more peace using a product that is specifically formulated for my face over ones that are more of like one size fits all.
The Veet trimmer though is very innovative and just like depilatory creams, 100% painless but if you’re prone to ingrown bumps and razor burns, it’s best to stick to depilatory creams, sprays, gels or lotions instead.
I hope this showdown helps you settle the Veet vs Nair debate for yourself so you can finally decide which team to join, #TeamVeet or #TeamNair.
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
