Vaniqa 11.5% Cream - 60g

Buy Vaniqa (eflornithine) cream

Vaniqa 11.5% cream is a prescription treatment used to reduce unwanted facial hair growth in women. It contains eflornithine, an active ingredient that slows hair growth when applied regularly to affected areas of the face and chin.

It's commonly used to manage facial hirsutism, a condition that causes thicker or more noticeable hair growth on areas like your:

• upper lip
• chin
• jawline
• sides of face

Unlike traditional hair removal products, Vaniqa does not remove hair directly. Instead, it works beneath the skin to slow the rate of hair growth over time.

What is Vaniqa cream used for?

Vaniqa cream is used to reduce unwanted facial hair growth in women.

It's often prescribed for women experiencing facial hair growth linked to:

• hormonal changes
• menopause
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• idiopathic hirsutism (hair growth without a clear medical cause)

Vaniqa is intended for use on the face and under the chin only and should not be used on other parts of the body.

Does Vaniqa work?

Clinical studies have shown that Vaniqa can help slow facial hair growth when used consistently.

Most patients typically see improvements within eight weeks of regular use, although some people may notice changes sooner.

Vaniqa works best when used alongside existing hair removal methods like:

• tweezing
• waxing
• threading
• shaving

It's important to continue treatment regularly, as results are gradual rather than immediate.

How to use Vaniqa facial hair removal cream

Always use Vaniqa exactly as prescribed by your clinician.

When using Vaniqua:

• Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin.
• Apply it twice a day.
• Leave at least eight hours between applications.
• Rub in thoroughly until absorbed.
• Wait at least five minutes after hair removal before applying.
• Avoid washing the treated area for at least four hours after application.

Vaniqa should only be applied to affected facial areas and under the chin.

What happens when you stop using Vaniqa?

If you stop using Vaniqa, hair growth will gradually return to previous levels.

This is because Vaniqa slows hair growth while it's being used but doesn’t permanently remove hair follicles.

According to clinical guidance, hair growth may return to pretreatment levels within eight weeks.

Vaniqa cream side effects

Like all medicines, Vaniqa can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects:

• acne
• temporary redness
• burning or stinging sensation
• dry skin
• rash or irritation

Less common side effects:

• folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)
• tingling sensations
• swelling

These side effects are usually mild and improve as the skin adjusts to treatment.

For more on side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

When to seek medical help

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• severe skin irritation
• swelling of the face or lips
• difficulty breathing
• signs of an allergic reaction
• persistent worsening skin symptoms

When not to use Vaniqa cream

Vaniqa may not be suitable if you:

• are allergic to eflornithine or any ingredients in the cream
• are under 18 years old (can only be prescribed if 19 and above)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice
• have broken or severely irritated skin in the treatment area

Avoid contact with:

• eyes
• mouth
• inside the nose

If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Storage information

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep the tube tightly closed.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.

Alternatives to Vaniqa cream

If Vaniqa is not suitable, alternative treatments and hair removal options may include:

Medical alternatives

• hormonal treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS
• other prescription treatments recommended by a specialist

Cosmetic hair removal methods:

• waxing
• threading
• shaving
• depilatory creams
• laser hair removal
• electrolysis

Laser treatments and electrolysis may provide longer-lasting results but are not suitable for everyone.

Frequently asked questions about Vaniqa cream

Can you get Vaniqa on the NHS?

Vaniqa may be available on the NHS in some cases, but prescribing policies can vary depending on your local NHS authority and clinical need.

Can you buy eflornithine over the counter?

No, Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and cannot be purchased over the counter.

Sources

• Vaniqa 11.5% Cream PIL. Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Accessed 27/04/2026]
• A 4-month, open-label study evaluating the efficacy of eflornithine 11.5% cream in the treatment of unwanted facial hair in women using TrichoScan. PubMed. [Accessed 12 May 2026].
• Hirsutism. NHS. [Accessed 27/04/2026]
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). NHS. [Accessed 27/04/2026]
• Hirsutism. Patient.info. [Accessed 27/04/2026]
• Hirsutism. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. [Accessed 27/04/2026]