Several years ago, when I first started doing electrolysis, my electrologist (in Canada) gave me a small jar of clear numbing gel to put on 15min before a treatment, which I found was quite effective. I’d love to get some more, but as the label washed off, I’m not sure what it was. Definitely not Emla, as I did not need to cover the area. The consistency was roughly that of hair gel. Any idea what this might have been and where I could get some?
It may have been something like Topicaine or Betacaine.
It might also have been something she made herself. There is someone in Toronto who provides a gel/cream that sounds exactly like what you’ve described.
You can call Prestige Electrolysis and ask them if your topical description fits any of these:
A word on numbing creams. I have seen clients try various numbing creams over the years. The very best, in my opinion, seems to still be Emla but only if used in the following way by the client. One hour prior to treatment cleanse the area thoroughly with either soap or ideally alcohol-This ensures good penetration of the product. Apply a layer of Emla a quarter of an inch thick and thoroughly massage in until it dissapears. Then apply another layer, again a quarter of an inch thick. Do not rub in this layer but leave on the skin to soak in for the next hour. DO NOT COVER. If the client is having a long treatment another layer can be applied to sensitive areas such as upper lip for a further 30 minutes while other areas are being worked on. I also do dermal needling to a depth of 2mm and this form of anaesthetic is sufficent.
Very nice of you to share. Everyone take note! I have observed that EMLA doesn’t metabolize as fast as other anesthetics, so that is a real advantage, too. Thanks, Therese!
Thanks all.
I’ve stayed away from Emla because it seems too drastic & too much work – you’ve got to lay it on long and thick 
(and the suggested usage above only underscores this!)
The gel I had did just enough – it was still painful, but less so than without it – and all it needed was 10-15 minutes to kick in. Plus I only needed to use minute quantities.
In any case, I’ll look into some of the others mentioned above.