Cyperus rotundus oil results: it matched laser in a clinical study

The science is in

Cyperus rotundus oil results: it matched laser in a clinical study

Clinically proven to match an Alexandrite laser on underarm hair, and better than laser on white hair. Now in a 30-second, at-home oil: Bare Oil.

Matched laser (P>.05)Beat laser on white hairNo side effects detected30-day Smooth or It's Free

Trusted by 100,000+ women worldwide · Ships from Amazon · Subscribe & Save 25% · Randomized study, Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2014 (PubMed 24408514)

nellaskin Bare Oil cyperus rotundus oil, the #1 hair inhibitor oil trusted by 100,000+ women worldwide: less hair, more you
  • 100,000+Women worldwide trust nellaskin
  • 4.9★Average rating
  • 4Published clinical studies on its hero ingredient
  • AllHair colors & skin types
  • 60 daysSupply in every bottle
The short answer

Cyperus rotundus oil works. In a randomized clinical study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, it reduced underarm hair as effectively as an Alexandrite laser, beat the laser on white hair, and no side effects were detected. Two more randomized trials, with 153 and 308 participants, found significantly reduced hair growth. Apply Bare Oil after shaving or waxing, twice a day, and regrowth comes back slower, finer and lighter, on every hair color.

Shaving forever. Waxing forever. Paying for laser forever. Not anymore.

You shave, and by morning there's stubble. You wax, and in three weeks you're booking again. Laser quotes you thousands for a series of sessions, and if your hair is blonde, red or gray, it usually can't treat it at all.

Every one of those methods removes the hair you have. None of them touch the hair that's coming back. That's the gap cyperus rotundus oil closes, and it's why it's the hair inhibitor oil everyone is talking about.

The science is in

Head to head with an Alexandrite laser. The oil held its own.

In 2014, Aesthetic Surgery Journal published a randomized clinical study titled "Topical Cyperus rotundus oil: a new therapeutic modality with comparable efficacy to Alexandrite laser photo-epilation." 65 people with unwanted underarm hair were randomly assigned to cyperus rotundus oil, saline, or a GentleLase Alexandrite laser. Results were measured three ways: hair counts, independent professionals, and patient self-assessment.

=Matched laser: no significant difference overall (P>.05)
>Beat laser on white hair (P<.05), on all 3 measures
0Side effects detected in the study
60Participants completed the randomized study
"Cyperus rotundus essential oil is as effective as the Alexandrite laser for decreasing the growth of axillary hair (both dark and white)."Study conclusion · Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2014 · PubMed 24408514

Prospective, randomized pilot study (level of evidence 3).

Cyperus rotundus oil before and after: leg hair before and after 8 weeks of nellaskin Bare Oil, consumer results, may vary
Before and after 8 weeks of Bare Oil. Consumer results, may vary.

And it's not just one study

The same research team has tested topical cyperus rotundus oil in larger randomized trials. Hair reduction showed up again and again.

2014Matched Alexandrite laser

Randomized, 65 enrolled. No significant difference from laser on underarm hair. Significantly better than laser on white hair. No side effects detected. PubMed 24408514

2022153-person randomized, double-blind trial

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Statistically significant differences in hair-growth reduction and anti-inflammatory effect in favor of cyperus rotundus oil over hydroquinone (P<.05). The authors call it "cost-effective and safe." PubMed 34618367

2022308-person randomized trial

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Hair growth, hair color and hair thickness were significantly reduced in the cyperus rotundus oil group only, and no adverse effects were found in that group. PubMed 35290702

2021153-person randomized trial after laser

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Compared with hydrocortisone and saline for pain and redness after laser hair removal, the oil matched hydrocortisone on redness and was favored for pain relief. The authors call it "safe and cost-effective." PubMed 34132024

Four published clinical studies. More than 600 participants enrolled. That's the research behind the botanical at the heart of Bare Oil.

What real results look like

Consistency is everything. Apply twice a day, every day, and the changes stack week after week:

When What you'll notice with Bare Oil
Week 1 Softer, smoother, calmer skin. Less razor burn and post-wax sting.
Weeks 2 to 4 Skin stays smooth longer between sessions. Fewer red bumps.
Weeks 4 to 8 Visibly slower regrowth. Hair comes back finer and lighter.
Week 8 and beyond Longer gaps between shaving and waxing. Keep going and the results keep building.

In their words: verified buyers on Bare Oil

★★★★★ Rated 4.9★ · trusted by 100,000+ women worldwide

"Honestly never thought an oil would really reduce my hair but my skin looks so much better and way smoother, not to mention hair is actually thinner and taking longer to come back. It's def a MUST for any girl that doesn't like being so hairy."
Review photo from Maria G., verified buyer of Bare Oil cyperus rotundus oilReview photo from Maria G., verified buyer of Bare Oil cyperus rotundus oil
Maria G. ✔ Verified buyer
"I didnt really think anything of this at first but Ive been using it for a while and I was like...Why is my hair taking SO much longer to grow back?? lol I used to notice regrowth pretty quickly after waxing and shaving and now I can go way longer before I even feel like I need to book another appointment. And the fact that it doubles as a nice body oil is a bonus. My skin stays soft without that greasy oil feeling and im acctually impressed ngl."
Review photo from Rachel S., verified buyer of Bare Oil cyperus rotundus oil, legs
Rachel S. ✔ Verified buyer
"i have softer skin no doubt and thin hairs, works even on the blonde hairs i had forever on my face"
Savannah R. ✔ Verified buyer
"my skin is SUPER SENSITIVE and usually reacts to almost all skincare but this has worked nicely for me 10/10 sensitive skin approved!!!!"
Review photo from Stephanie W., verified buyer of Bare Oil cyperus rotundus oil
Stephanie W. ✔ Verified buyer
"I bought this with VERY low expectations tbh. I just wanted something to use after waxing that wouldn't make my sensitive skin freak out. Now I'm over here checking my legs like "where is the hair??" 😭 It's been growing back slower and softer, and my skin feels ridiculously smooth after I use it."
Luna M. ✔ Verified buyer

Reviews are from verified buyers on our Bare Oil product page (Judge.me), quoted word for word. Individual results vary.

Michelle R., verified buyer: after 3 weeks of nellaskin Bare Oil, skin feels like silk and hair regrowth has visibly slowed
Customer testimonial. Individual results vary.

See more on our cyperus rotundus oil before and after page.

Why cyperus rotundus oil beats every other method

  • Clinically proven to match laser*No significant difference vs. Alexandrite laser on underarm hair in a randomized study.
  • Works on all hair colorsBlonde, red, white and gray: the hair laser can't treat. It beat laser on white hair.
  • Slower, finer regrowthLonger gaps between shaving and waxing sessions.
  • No side effects detectedIn the 2014 laser study. Gentle and fragrance-free.
  • Painless, at homeThirty seconds after you shave. No clinic, no appointments.
  • About 50¢ a day$29.99 for a 60-day supply, vs. thousands for laser.

*Randomized clinical study, Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2014 (PubMed 24408514): topical cyperus rotundus oil vs. Alexandrite laser on underarm hair, 60 completers, no significant difference overall (P>.05); oil significantly better on white hair (P<.05). See the study.

The best cyperus rotundus oil you can buy

Why Bare Oil is the cyperus rotundus oil people choose

Search for cyperus rotundus oil and you'll find hundreds of look-alike bottles: unbranded, shipped from overseas, with no ingredient detail and no one accountable for what's inside. Bare Oil is the opposite, and it's trusted by 100,000+ women worldwide.

  • Built around the clinically studied botanical. Cyperus rotundus oil, the ingredient that matched laser.
  • One step replaces three products. Aftershave, ingrown hair serum and body oil.
  • Five ingredients, each with a job. Cyperus rotundus oil, acetyl tripeptide-1, aloe, jojoba, sweet almond oil.
  • Clean by design. Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben- and sulfate-free.
  • A real US brand. Reachable, ships from Amazon, and backed by Smooth or It's Free.
Bare Oil ingredients: cyperus rotundus oil, acetyl tripeptide-1, aloe, jojoba, sweet almond oil

Get your results: the 30-second routine

  1. Remove hair your way. Shave, wax, sugar or epilate. Removing hair from the root gives the oil the most direct access to the follicle.
  2. Apply right after. 3 to 5 drops per area on clean, dry skin. Massage until absorbed.
  3. Repeat morning and night. Every day, including days you don't remove hair.
  4. Stay consistent for 4 to 8 weeks. Results compound with every application.
Applying Bare Oil cyperus rotundus oil after shaving legs
Full plan by body area: the Bare Skin Protocol.

Every day you wait is another week of stubble

Results build with every application, so the sooner you start, the sooner you see them. Start tonight, or lock in 25% off with Subscribe & Save.

Cyperus rotundus oil vs. laser, waxing and shaving

Bare Oil Laser Waxing Shaving
Slows regrowth over time Yes Yes Partly No
Blonde, red, white, gray hair Yes Usually no Yes Yes
Painless Yes No No Yes
At home in 30 seconds Yes No No Yes
Soothes razor burn Yes No No No
Typical cost $29.99 / 60 days $2,000 to $5,000+ $40 to $90 a visit Ongoing blades

Laser cost: average fee $697 per session (ASPS 2023) × 4 to 8 sessions most people need (Mayo Clinic) ≈ $2,800 to $5,600. Light hair: UCSF Health. Waxing: median salon prices, Wax & Smooth index, Oct 2026. Full breakdown: cyperus rotundus oil vs. waxing, shaving and laser.

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Try it for 30 days. Smooth, or it's free.

We're so confident in Bare Oil that we take the risk, not you. Use it as directed. If you're not happy with your results, contact us and we'll make it right.

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Cyperus rotundus oil results: your questions, answered

Does cyperus rotundus oil really work?

Yes, and the science is in. In a randomized clinical study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2014), topical cyperus rotundus oil reduced underarm hair with no statistically significant difference from an Alexandrite laser, and it beat the laser on white hair. Two more randomized trials, with 153 and 308 participants, found a significant drop in hair growth with the oil. Bare Oil puts that clinically studied botanical into a daily, after-shave routine.

Is cyperus rotundus oil clinically proven?

Cyperus rotundus oil is clinically proven to match laser on underarm hair in a randomized study: 60 people completed it, the oil and Alexandrite laser showed no significant difference overall (P>.05), and the oil was significantly better on white hair (P<.05) (PubMed 24408514). Two later randomized trials also recorded significantly reduced hair growth in the oil groups (PubMed 34618367, PubMed 35290702).

How fast will I see results?

Week 1: skin feels softer, smoother and calmer, with less post-shave sting. Weeks 4 to 8: visible slowing of regrowth, with hair coming back finer and lighter. Results compound with every application, so start today and stay consistent. Full timeline: how long cyperus rotundus oil takes to work.

Does it work on blonde, red and gray hair?

Yes. This is where cyperus rotundus oil wins. Laser targets pigment, so white, blond and gray hair usually can't be treated with laser (UCSF Health). In the 2014 study, the oil beat the laser on white hair, confirmed by hair counts, independent experts and patient self-assessment.

Is it safe? Are there side effects?

No side effects were detected in the 2014 laser study, and no adverse effects were found in the cyperus rotundus oil group of the 308-person 2022 trial. Bare Oil is gentle and fragrance-free, plus vegan, alcohol-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free. Patch test first, as with any new skincare, and check with your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing or treated for a hormonal condition.

Is it permanent?

Bare Oil is a daily hair inhibitor, not a one-time treatment. Use it after shaving or waxing, morning and night, and regrowth comes back slower, finer and less noticeable. Keep using it to keep your results.

Where can I use it?

Legs, underarms, bikini line, arms, stomach, chest, back and face (upper lip, chin, jawline). Never on eyebrows, lashes, scalp or a beard you want to keep. See cyperus rotundus oil for face and the best cyperus rotundus oil for men.

How is Bare Oil different from cheap cyperus rotundus oil?

Bare Oil isn't a single-ingredient dropper bottle. It pairs cyperus rotundus oil with aloe, jojoba, sweet almond oil and acetyl tripeptide-1, so one step replaces three products: aftershave, ingrown hair serum and body oil. It's vegan and fragrance-free, ships from Amazon, and comes with our Smooth or It's Free guarantee. See how to choose the best cyperus rotundus oil.

What if it doesn't work for me?

You're covered. Every bottle comes with our 30-day Smooth or It's Free guarantee, and Amazon orders include a 30-day refund or replacement.

How long does a bottle last?

Each 60 ml (2 fl oz) bottle is about a 60-day supply, used twice a day. That's about 50 cents a day at $29.99, or less with Subscribe & Save.

References

  1. Mohammed GF. Topical Cyperus rotundus oil: a new therapeutic modality with comparable efficacy to Alexandrite laser photo-epilation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2014;34(2):298-305. doi:10.1177/1090820X13518801 · PubMed 24408514
  2. Mohammed GF. Topical Cyperus rotundus essential oil for treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation: a randomized, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled study. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2022;47(3):534-541. PubMed 34618367
  3. Mohammed GF, Al-Dhubaibi MS, Mohamed ML. Genital whitening with topical Cyperus rotundus oil enhances sexuality and quality of life. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(10):4490-4502. PubMed 35290702
  4. Mohammed GF. The effectiveness of Cyperus rotundus essential oil in reducing the side effects of laser hair removal. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(4):1501-1505 (online 2021). PubMed 34132024
  5. UCSF Health. Laser hair removal. ucsfhealth.org
  6. Mayo Clinic. Laser hair removal. mayoclinic.org
  7. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Laser hair removal cost (2023 statistics). plasticsurgery.org
  8. Wax & Smooth. Waxing Studio Price Index, October 2026 (166 US studios). waxandsmooth.com

Published by nellaskin, the maker of Bare Oil. The clinical studies cited tested topical cyperus rotundus essential oil, the hero ingredient in Bare Oil. Individual results vary with hair type and consistency of use. Not medical advice; talk to a dermatologist or physician about unwanted hair related to a medical condition.