Whether it’s getting your armpits waxed, epilating, or treating ingrown hairs, hair removal can be a painful and uncomfortable process. Having sensitive skin, however, adds a whole new layer of complexity to the matter. Even shaving—arguably one of the less invasive methods of hair removal—can be ouchy for some folks. Shaving is not only abrasive, but “those with sensitive skin are more prone to developing dryness and irritation dermatitis,” aka razor burn, says Leah Ansell, MD, FAAD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Columbia University. To reduce unwanted reactions to shaving, having the best razor for sensitive skin can make the best of a “hairy” situation, be it skin irritation, redness, and ingrown hairs.
Not only can the right razor give you silky smooth skin, it removes hair “without tugging on your skin or causing annoying and sometimes painful skin irritations,” explains Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine based in New York. The best way to protect your skin is by looking for a razor with a sensitive-friendly guard, aka, the ones infused with a built-in soap or gel. “This helps lubricate and protect the underlying skin from abrasiveness of the razor blade itself,” says Dr. Ansell.
Have no fear—ahead are Dr. Graf’s and Dr. Ansell’s recommendations for the best razors for sensitive skin, here to “shave” the day next time you lather up.
The best razors for sensitive skin, according to derms
Kitsch, Perfect Glide Safety Razor — $29.00
For a no-frills shave, Dr. Graf recommends Kitsch’s Perfect Glide Safety Razor. “The single-blade, stainless-steel razor design is ideal for sensitive skin and reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs,” she says. Included in the kit are a metal handle, five blades, and a razor cap, so you’ll be ready for future shaves to come. Chic and pink, this razor will keep razor burns and irritation far away.
Shick Hydro Silk Sensitive Skin Razor — $10.00
For a budget-friendly shave, Shick Hydro Silk gets the job done. The blade is equipped with skin guards—which are infused with shea butter to ward off skin irritation, and it comes attached to a soft, rubber grip for easy maneuvering. Even more, “its ergonomic head allows it to maneuver control of body,” says Dr. Ansell. Add some nourishing shaving gel, and you’ll be good to go.
Schick, Intuition Razors — $9.00
Schick’s Intuition Razors are a dermatologist favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Each blade comes formulated with a gel-like aloe bar to soften and soothe angry skin. Once in contact with water, the soap lathers, allowing the razor to easily glide over skin, so, “there is no need for additional shaving gel,” says Dr. Ansell. It’s a one-and-done solution to shaving, perfect for minimalists who like their beauty routines to be fast and effective.
Gillette Venus, Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor — $14.00
Razors can cost a pretty penny, but the Gillette Venus retails for $14, making it a budget-friendly option you can pick up at your drugstore. For the price, it features five thin blades that Dr. Graf says glide easily over the skin, so you can avoid irritation along the way. It also features an ergonomic, ribbed handle that makes it easy to maneuver for an effortless shave. Enjoy two razor head refills, giving you more bang for your buck.
Billie, Razor Starter Kit — $10.00
Another budget-friendly razor option, you can’t go wrong with Billie. This starter kit features a bright or sparkly razor (you pick your own adventure) and four replacement blades so you have backup need be. “The five blades on this razor are so sharp that they don’t tug or further irritate the skin,” says Dr. Graf. The aloe-infused blades are also a nice touch—which instantaneously soothe and hydrate. If you end up loving it (which you probably will), you can subscribe to Billie’s subscription club which will send you fresh blades every 1-3 months depending on your shave schedule.
Athena Club, The Razor Kit — $6.00
Similar to Billie, Athena Club is a shaving subscription that sends fresh blades straight to your door. The handle of these colorful razors are aluminum and built to last, no matter how wet or sudsy they get in the shower. As for the heads, each features five spaced-out blades complete with a hyaluronic-acid serum strip to hydrate skin and prevent bumps, redness, and ingrowns. The brand also just released body-care products specifically for sensitive skin, so you can round-out your shaving routine with a nourishing Creamy Body Wash ($15) (that doubles as a shave gel) and Dewy Body Lotion ($15).
Oui the People, Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor — $85.00
For fancy shavers, Oui the People’s Rose Gold Skin Razor is a must. These single-bladed razors don’t tug on your skin and leaves your barrier feeling smooth and refreshed. Sharp, perfectly weighted, and featuring 10 replacement blades, this rose gold razor makes ingrown hairs and razor burns a thing of the past.
Hanni, The Weighted Razor — $42.00
This razors comes recommended by Dr. Graf. “The Hanni weighted razor is great because it has a single-blade, and the handle of the razor is weighted, so that you don’t have to apply any pressure and can just let the razor glide along your skin,” she says. Coated in powder, the handle won’t rust, and it features grooves to make it easier to grip when things get slippery.
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