Contact & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. About the product

Is MONQ for men or women?

Hair is hair and MONQ is for everyone and anyone with unwanted hair. The formula works the same way regardless of who's using it, and we designed the spray format partly because it reaches the back and shoulders, which is where most men get stuck. Same instructions for everyone.

What is MONQ Body Hair Removal Spray?

It's a depilatory cream/spray emulsion in an aerosol bottle. You spray it on, leave
it for 8-10 minutes, rinse and wipe away with the mitt provided. No blade, no
pulling, no salon appointment. The formula also carries skin-care ingredients -
aloe vera, papaya, chamomile and turmeric - chosen after our founder's time in
Sri Lanka, so the removal step looks after your skin too.

What are the benefits of MONQ?

Effortless application. Touch-free from start to finish. Spray it on, let it work, then wipe it away with the MONQ mitt. Even coverage in seconds, no mess on your hands, and it reaches your back, shoulders and the backs of your legs without help.

Smooth, not stubbly. Dissolves hair just below the skin's surface rather than cutting it at the top like a razor - so you're left genuinely smooth, with none of the nicks, burn or itchy bumps a blade leaves behind. And as hair grows back, it feels softer and lighter, for longer-lasting smoothness.

Gentle on skin. Formulated with skin comfort in mind, assessed under EU Regulation 1223/2009 by an independent safety assessor, and manufactured under GMP.

Botanical and moisturising. Aloe vera, papaya, chamomile and turmeric - chosen after our founder's time in Sri Lanka - work alongside the active ingredient, so your skin is looked after during and after use.

Clean and subtle fragrance. Fresh cucumber and white tea, chosen so hair removal doesn't have to smell like it. Light, modern, and gone the moment you rinse.

How is it different from shaving?

A razor cuts hair off flat at the skin's surface. MONQ dissolves it just below - so there's no blunt tip left behind, and none of the nicks, burn or itchy bumps a blade can leave.

Shaving has real advantages, and we won't pretend otherwise. It can be relatively cheap, it's fast, and you can do it in the shower without thinking about it. If a razor works for you and your skin doesn't mind, there's no reason to change.

Where MONQ might work well for you is if your skin reacts badly to blades, or if you want to reach the more difficult spots - your back, shoulders and the backs of your legs - quickly and easily. It's ten minutes rather than two, but it's ten minutes without uncomfortably twisting in the shower to get those awkward areas.

How is it different from waxing?

Waxing pulls hair out from the root, which is why it lasts longer and why the skin
needs more time to settle afterwards. It also hurts, needs a few millimetres of
regrowth before it works, and often leaves redness and ingrown hairs. MONQ
works just below the surface, so there's no follicle trauma, and it works on
any hair length, is painless, and takes 8-10 minutes at home. The honest
trade-off: wax lasts longer between sessions, MONQ is more comfortable and
easier to repeat.

How is it different to laser?

They're built for different things. Laser is a long-term investment - six to ten sessions, typically €600-900, and a few months before you see the full effect. It permanently reduces hair growth, though most people need occasional top-up sessions to maintain it.

It has limits, though. Laser targets pigment, so blonde, grey, red and fine hair respond poorly, and clinics won't treat tanned skin.

MONQ acts on the hair's protein structure rather than its pigment, so hair colour makes no difference. It's €24.99 per bottle (typically 3-4 uses for lower legs or full back), you do it at home, and you're smooth the same afternoon.

Laser is worth it if you'll see it through. MONQ is there whether you do or not.

How is it different from other hair removal creams?

Most of the difference is in what we built around the active ingredient. A spray means you never touch the product or spread it by hand. Coverage is even, it takes seconds rather than minutes, and it reaches the places a tube and spatula simply can't - your back, your shoulders, the backs of your legs. It's the reason MONQ works for the areas most people give up on.

The formula is also built around skin care, not just hair removal. Aloe vera, papaya, chamomile and turmeric, chosen after our founder's time in Sri Lanka, are there to look after your skin while the product does its work. Most depilatory creams treat the skin as an afterthought. We started there.

The chemistry itself is the same family, like most depilatories, ours works with a thioglycolate active, and we're not going to pretend otherwise.

Does it smell like other hair removal creams?

We've formulated ours with a cucumber and white tea fragrance, so it's fresh and light rather than clinical. You might still get a hint of thioglycolate’s characteristic scent through the fragrance; that's true of every depilatory, and any brand claiming otherwise isn't being straight with you. What we can do is make it as pleasant as possible, and the scent clears completely once you rinse.

Is it tested on animals?

No. Neither the finished product nor its ingredients are tested on animals, in line
with EU law, which applies to every cosmetic sold in Europe.

2. Safety and reactions

Is it safe?

MONQ Body Hair Removal Spray has a Cosmetic Product Safety Report under EU Regulation 1223/2009, assessed by an independent qualified safety assessor,
with the conclusion that it is safe for human health under normal and reasonably foreseeable use. All ingredients are used within the concentration limits set by the Regulation. It's manufactured under GMP, and its microbiological and stability testing meets EU requirements.

What are the warnings on the pack?

  • Avoid contact with the eyes. Rinse immediately with plenty of water if the product enters the eyes.
  • Contains thioglycolate. Follow the instructions.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Do not use on damaged or irritated skin.
  • Pressurised container: protect from sunlight, do not expose to temperatures above 50°C, do not pierce or burn, even after use. Keep away from flames and ignition sources.

What do I do if it stings or my skin reacts?

Rinse immediately and thoroughly with lukewarm water and stop using the product on that area. Do not rub in with the mitt. To calm the skin down, you can apply a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser and let the skin settle - don't apply anything active for a few days. If a reaction is severe, spreads, or hasn't calmed within 24 hours, contact a doctor or pharmacist.

Please also email us at [support@monq-cosmetics.com] with "skin reaction" in the subject line. We log and review every report we receive, and we want to hear from you.

Is some redness or tingling normal?

Mild warmth, a light tingle, or slight pinkness during and just after use is normal.
It should settle within an hour.

Stinging, burning or itching is not normal. If you feel any of those at any point, rinse the product off straight away with lukewarm water, do not rub in and don't continue. The same goes for redness that's still there the next day, or that spreads, stop using the product and speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if it doesn't settle.

Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Depilatory creams are widely used during pregnancy. The main thing to be aware of is that pregnancy changes how skin behaves, it's often more sensitive and reacts differently than before, so please do a fresh patch test even if you've used the product before. We haven't tested the product specifically in pregnancy, so we'd also recommend a quick word with your midwife or doctor before you use it.

I have PCOS. Will this help?

MONQ removes hair; it doesn't treat the hormonal cause behind it, and we won't
pretend otherwise. For the underlying condition, your doctor or endocrinologist
is the right place to start. As with any new product, patch test first.

3. Using the product

How do I use it?

  • Start with clean, dry skin.
  • Shake the bottle well.
  • Hold it about 5 cm from the skin and spray evenly until the hair is fully covered. Don't rub it in.
  • Leave it on for 8-10 minutes.
  • Wipe the product away gently with the damp mitt, using light strokes in the same direction then away.
  • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

N.B. Always follow the instructions on your bottle. Do not rub in with the mitt, just wipe away gently or rinse first if you feel any irritation. If you feel stinging or burning at any point, rinse immediately with lukewarm water, don't wait for the time to be up.

How long do I leave it on?

8-10 minutes. See what works best for your skin and hair type, and check a small
area before removing the product completely. If the hair hasn't come away
easily, it usually means the layer was too thin, rather than that it needed
more time.

How many times can I use one bottle of MONQ?

On average, around three applications for both lower legs, or three to four for a full back.

It varies with body size and how generously you apply - and it's worth applying generously. A solid layer works far better than a thin one, so we'd rather you got three good results than five patchy ones.

Do I need to do a patch test?

Yes, before your first use. Apply a small amount to a small area of skin, such as
the inner forearm, and treat it exactly as you would a full application, then rinse. Wait 24 hours to make sure there's no adverse reaction before applying the product to a larger area. Repeat the patch test if you haven't used the product for a while, or if your skin has become more reactive; such as during or after pregnancy, a new medication, or a course of retinoids, for example.

Why do I have to wait 24 hours after the patch test?

Because some skin reactions don't appear immediately. A reaction can take several hours to develop, so checking straight after rinsing isn't enough. Twenty-four hours gives your skin time to show whether it's happy with the product before you commit to a larger area.

How do I use the mitt?

Gently, and in one direction. Wipe the product away with light strokes, in the same direction and then away. The hair should lift with almost no effort. This isn't an exfoliating step: don't scrub, press hard, or go back and forth over the same area. Your skin has just spent several minutes under an active formula, and rubbing is the most common cause of redness afterwards.

How do I look after the mitt?

Rinse it thoroughly under running water straight after every use, until the water runs clear and no product remains. Leftover product can irritate your skin next time. Squeeze out the excess water and let it dry fully before storing it, ideally somewhere airy rather than sealed in a bag.

Every few uses, wash it properly with a little mild soap or gentle detergent, rinse well, and let it air dry completely. Replace it if it becomes stiff, discoloured, frayed, or starts to smell. You will receive a new mitt when ordering a new product to make sure you keep having the best experience.

Can I use it in the shower?

Apply it to dry skin before you get wet. The product needs to sit on the hair to work. Rinsing in the shower afterwards is fine and is the easiest way to remove it from larger areas. Don't apply it straight after a long hot shower or a bath: warm, softened skin is more reactive.

What if I have very coarse or thick hair?

Coarse hair needs a little more product. Apply a heavier, solid layer and leave on for 8-10 minutes (see what works best for your hair type). Thin coverage is the most common reason coarse hair doesn't lift cleanly. If the hair hasn't come away after 10 minutes, rinse it off and try again another day with a thicker application. Don't scrub harder with the mitt, that might irritate the skin.

Why was my result patchy?

Some hair may still dissolve in the first hours after use. Otherwise, it’s usually one of two things: the layer of product was too thin, or the skin wasn't clean and dry when you applied it. Make sure you use a solid layer on clean and dry skin next time for the best results. Don't scrub harder with the mitt, that might irritate the skin. If it's still patchy, email us instead - we'd rather troubleshoot it with you.

How often can I use it?

We recommend to leave at least 72 hours between treatments on the same area.

What should I do straight after using it?

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Your skin has just had an active product on it, so give it a little space for the rest of the day: no sunbathing or sunbeds, no swimming pool or sea, no sauna, no deodorant on treated underarms, and no perfume, self-tan or exfoliating scrubs on the area.

A simple, fragrance-free moisturiser afterwards is a good idea, though the formula already carries soothing, moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, papaya, chamomile and turmeric, so your skin has had lots of care along the way too.

Can I go to the gym afterwards?

Yes. This is one of the places MONQ is easier than waxing. Waxing pulls hair from the root and leaves the follicle open, which is why you're told to stay out of the gym for a day or two. MONQ works at the surface, so there's no follicle trauma and no real recovery time.

Give your skin an hour or so to settle first, then go. Just skip the sauna and steam room for the rest of the day, and rinse with lukewarm water afterwards if you've worked up a sweat.

4. Where to use it

Which areas is it made for?

Legs, arms, underarms, chest, stomach, back, shoulders and the bikini line (outer
area only - do not use internally).

Can I use it on my face?

No. This formula is for body use only. With the aerosol application it is not possible to target the smaller areas in the face without risking internal application or reaching the eyes. Don't use it on the face, head, ears, nose or eyebrows.

Can I use it on my head or scalp?

No. MONQ is developed and safety-assessed for body use only, we have not assessed use on the head or scalp. The skin there sits close to the face, ears and eyes, and scalp hair behaves differently from body hair. Please stick to other methods for your head.

Can I use it on the intimate area?

You can use it along the external bikini line, but not on the genitals, on mucous membranes, or anywhere internal. Apply only to the outer area, and patch test that area separately the first time, the skin there is thinner and more reactive than on your legs.

Can men use it on the back and chest?

Yes! It's one of the reasons we chose a spray. A spray reaches the back in seconds without a salon appointment. Same rules apply: dry skin, a heavier, solid layer, 8-10 minutes, then wipe and rinse.

Are there places or situations where I shouldn't use it?

Please don't use MONQ on:

  • broken, cut, cracked, sunburnt or already irritated skin
  • skin treated in the last 72 hours by waxing, epilating or chemical exfoliation
  • moles, warts, scars, varicose veins, or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
  • the face, head or genital area
  • skin recently treated with a prescription retinoid, chemical peel or laser - check with your doctor first

If you're unsure, speak to a pharmacist or your GP before use.

Will it remove my self-tan?

Yes. Remove hair first, wait 24 hours, then apply your tan.

Can I use it over tattoos?

Only on fully healed tattoos. Wait until any new tattoo has healed completely before
treating that area.

Can I use it before a holiday or event?

Yes, and it's one of the most common reasons people buy it. For most hair types we have seen slower, softer and smoother regrowth over time. Therefore, we recommend starting your MONQ ritual a few weeks before your holiday or event for the best results.

5. The spray format

Why is it a spray rather than a tube?

Because of where people actually need it. A tube-and-spatula format means spreading product by hand, which is slow on a full leg and close to impossible on your own back or shoulders. A spray covers a large area evenly in seconds, without touching the product, and reaches places you can't easily see.

Why does my skin feel cold when I spray it?

That's the propellant expanding as it leaves the bottle, which cools the spray
briefly. Completely normal, and it passes within a few seconds.

Can I use it near a candle or in a steamy bathroom?

Keep it away from open flames, sparks and any ignition source while spraying, and never spray towards one. Steam itself isn't a problem, though the product should go on to dry skin. Don't store it anywhere it could exceed 50 °C.

The nozzle has stopped spraying properly. What do I do?

Rinse the nozzle under warm running water and wipe it dry, dried product around the opening is almost always the cause. Never poke it with a pin or try to force it, and never pierce the bottle. If it still won't spray, email us and we'll sort it out.

How should I store it?

Keep the bottle upright at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and never above 50 °C - so not on a sunny windowsill and not in a hot car. Unopened, it keeps for 36 months. Once opened, use it within 12 months.

How do I recycle it?

Empty aerosols are recyclable as metal in most European collection systems. Use the product up, leave the cap on, and don't pierce, crush or burn it. If your local system doesn't take aerosols in kerbside recycling, take it to a household chemical or metal collection point.

6. Orders

Where do you ship?

We currently ship to the Netherlands and Belgium. All orders are dispatched from
our fulfilment centre in the Netherlands. We're working on adding more European
countries. Any updates will be announced here and on our social channels.

How long does delivery take?

Estimated delivery times are shown at checkout before you confirm your order. Orders placed before 5:00 PM CET on a business day are usually dispatched the same day; anything after that goes out the next business day. Orders are typically
processed within 1-2 business days, and orders placed at weekends or on public
holidays are processed on the next business day.

What does shipping cost?

Standard shipping is a flat rate, wherever you are. Order two or more products and
standard shipping is free. The exact cost is shown at checkout before you pay.

How do I track my order?

You'll get a shipping confirmation email with tracking details (where available) as soon as your order is on its way. If you can't find it, check your spam folder first, then email us at support@monq-cosmetics.com and we'll send it over.

Can I return it?

Yes, within 14 days of receiving it, under your EU right of withdrawal, no reason needed. The product must be unused, unopened and in its original sealed packaging, and you'll need your proof of purchase.

Once the seal is broken we can't accept a return, for hygiene and safety reasons. That's why we ask you to patch test before committing to a full application.

Email us at support@monq-cosmetics.com within the 14 days to start a return and we'll send you instructions. Please don't send anything back before it's been approved, as we can't accept unrequested returns. Return shipping is at your cost unless we've agreed otherwise.

Can I cancel or change my order?

Given our same-day dispatch before 5:00 PM CET, it is likely that your order is
processed immediately. Email support@monq-cosmetics.com with your order number as soon as possible.

My order arrived damaged. What do I do?

We are very sorry about that, that shouldn't happen. Send us a photo of the damage and your order number at support@monq-cosmetics.com and we'll sort it out.

I've put the wrong address. Can you change it?

If it hasn't been dispatched yet, yes. Email us at support@monq-cosmetics.com with
your order number and the correct address as soon as you can. Once it's with the carrier we can't change it.

How long does a refund take?

Once we've received and inspected your return we'll let you know whether the refund is approved. If it is, we'll process it to your original payment method within 10 business days. Your bank or card provider may then take a little longer to post it. If more than 15 business days have passed since approval and you still haven't seen it, email us at support@monq-cosmetics.com.

What if my product is faulty or I've received the wrong thing?

Please check your order when it arrives. If anything is defective, damaged or not what you ordered, email us at support@monq-cosmetics.com straight away and we'll resolve it. This is separate from the 14-day withdrawal right - faulty goods are covered regardless.

Who do I contact with a question?

Email us at support@monq-cosmetics.com
and a person will reply within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. If your question is
about a skin reaction, please say so in the subject line and we'll prioritise it.