Does Zinc Oxide Wax Really Help With Pain and Irritation? We Put it to the Test

As the old saying goes, pain is beauty — especially if you’re a hairy gal who prefers not to be (guilty) or simply someone who chooses waxing as their preferred choice of hair removal. I will admit, I am the first one to try any hair-removal product, tool and service. When it comes to waxing, though, it’s safe to say that I have a love/hate relationship with this removal process. Yes, it effectively removes unwanted hair and peach fuzz, and I am in love with the easy regrowth process. But I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that waxing hurts like a, well, you know what. Beyond the pain of the wax itself, it’s the uncomfortable irritation and bumps that come after most of my waxes that really bothers me. So when my friend told me about a pleasant waxing experience she had using zinc oxide wax, I was intrigued, to say the least. She kept raving about the benefits of zinc oxide in wax and how it is easier on the skin. After hearing her talk about it, I knew I had to try it for myself. Read on for my full review.   

What Is Zinc Oxide Wax?

I like to keep wax at home for general upkeep and those just-in-case moments. You know, when you have an upper-lip crisis that needs emergency attention before heading out. It’s comforting to know you don’t need to go make an appointment in those instances. Considering I am a regular at-home wax user, I decided to get the GiGi Zinc Oxide Ultra Sensitive Hair Removal Wax to test my friend’s claims. It’s gentle cream-based wax infused with zinc oxide that you can use in the comfort of your home, which leads me to the hopefully not-so-burning question: what is zinc oxide wax anyway? Per the GiGi website, the inclusion of the zinc helps protect and soothe the skin when removing fine to medium thick hair, It’s may be a good option for those with sensitive skin (it’s a key ingredient in most diaper rash creams for this reason!). 

How to Use Zinc Oxide Wax?

If you’re new to waxing, I recommend seeing a professional and asking if they have zinc oxide wax available. Otherwise, here’s my at-home waxing process: First, I use a wax warmer. (I like the Space Saver Warmer because it fits perfectly underneath my bathroom cabinet.) Then, I place the zinc oxide wax in the warmer, turn it on and wait for it to melt down into a smooth, honey-like consistency. Then, I use a wooden craft stick to apply the wax onto my upper lip, which is one of the areas that I feel comfortable enough waxing on my own. Next, I use a clean waxing strip, place it over the melted wax and pull in the opposite direction of the hair growth to remove the unwanted fuzz. 

Does Zinc Oxide Wax Work?

Now, for the ultimate question — does zinc oxide wax live up to my friend’s rave reviews? After just one personal waxing session with it, I’m in total agreement with her and would definitely recommend trying wax formulated with zinc oxide if you have skin that’s on the sensitive side. Did it hurt? If you ask me, it was no different than any other waxing experience I’ve ever gone through. But what happened afterward is what truly sold me. I was surprised to see that my skin didn’t flare up, become red or have any other signs of irritation or bumps post-wax. It allowed me to wax and go out without worrying about how red my face looked or whether there were tiny bumps overpowering my face. I’m a zinc oxide wax convert for sure.

Read More: 
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How to Soothe Irritation After Waxing
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