Save Your Sensitive Skin With These 10 Irritation-Free Razors

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SHAVING WHEN you have sensitive skin isn't something to look forward to, but unless you want to grow a beard, it's something you have to do. Often, the experience leaves you with all sorts of issues (razor bumps, burns, cuts) and will make other problems worse (dryness, breakouts, over-exfoliation). But with the best razors for sensitive skin, you can finally say goodbye to all sorts of irritation, redness, or burns.

Designed specifically for use on sensitive skin with anti-irritation features like guards, lubrication strips, and even computer chips (in electric razors) to help get a close shave without the burn, the best razors for sensitive skin will balance between sharpness and safety to minimize friction and reduce risk of irritation. The best razors for sensitive skin will have a pivoting head that glides effortlessly over the contours of your face while minimizing nicks and cuts. Lastly, the best razors for sensitive skin need to feature ergonomic handles for a secure grip and better control, ensuring smooth, comfortable shaving strokes.

To help you get the closest and most comfortable shave you've been longing for, we’ve spoken to experts and done hands-on testing to find the 10 best men’s razors for sensitive skin.

ARC5 Electric Razor

For as close as this razor can shave (five-blades close!) you’d think that it could make sensitive skin angry, but somehow it doesn’t. The ultra-sharp blades trim hair as close as any manual razor/cream combo we’ve tried and the pivoting head ensures you never miss a spot, even around hard-to-reach areas like your jawline and neck. The body is lightweight and almost whisper-quiet.

With a wider head and a strong motor, this shaver is also very powerful. We found this razor gets as close as possible to a wet razor shave while minimizing post-shave irritation and razor bumps. Once we got past a few uses to allow our skin to adjust, we barely had any razor bumps or irritation at all. It’s efficient, powerful, and incredibly intuitive to use without a lot of unnecessary bells and whistles that could muddy the shaving experience. If you have sensitive skin, this electric razor is a no-brainer as it’s the most gentle on this list.

What do buyers say? "This one you can go on and on at the same area and it will not irritate the skin. I never knew my skin was so soft, after shaving this razor. As I never shaved this close ever! After a week of shaving with this, I do not have any ingrown hair, no redness, no shaving bumps," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Series 9 Pro 9465cc

An electric razor that doesn’t pull or irritate your skin? Yes, please. You're looking at our hands-down favorite razor right now. Celebrity barber Ray Santos whose clientele includes NBA players recommends it for achieving a bearded look, as well as bringing it with you whenever you're traveling. "It's perfect for guys on the go thanks to the world’s first portable PowerCase," Santos says.

After conducting our Series 9 Pro review, we found the razor cuts shaving time into a fraction of the time of other lesser electric razors. The built-in AutoSense technology provides a customized shave for all users, and the 10-direction flex head makes sure to get every single spot with titanium-coated blades. By pairing the powerful 40,000-cuts-per-minute motor with Braun’s Sonic technology to help lift hair and AutoSense technology to automatically adjust to the thickness of your facial hair, it delivers a closer shave in less time. Really, this is the Ferrari of razors right here—hence the price tag.

What do buyers say? "It’s a step up from their last model, surprisingly," wrote one amazon.com reviewer. "I no longer have stray hairs on my neck and it’s a really close shave, all while not giving me red bumps."

SkinGuard

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, shaving can become a special kind of hell. Gillette, however, has a solution. According to Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, its SkinGuard razor comes with a special guard on the blade that prevents it from shaving too close but doesn’t sacrifice efficacy. "It’s durable with a SkinGuard technology positioned between the blades to help protect the skin with each stroke. It minimizes tugging and pulling and therefore reduces the risk of irritation, so great for sensitive skin types."

While the 2-blade design won't provide a baby-smooth shave, you can still get a pretty close shave without the rash. Besides the ease of use, Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAADal highlights the comfort of its added lubrication for an easy glide, as well as its precision trimmer for hard-to-reach areas.

What do buyers say? "I have really sensitive skin (especially in the neck area), and this is the first razor I've used since high school that didn't make me bleed. If you have sensitive skin, then I would absolutely recommend this razor," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver

Our editors absolutely love the OneBlade. It shaves smoothly, cleanly, and efficiently without nicking or cutting—you can easily rub it back and forth on the skin—with long-lasting replaceable blades. If you’re looking for the closest trim without completely shaving your beard (like a slight five-o’clock shadow), this easy-to-use electric shaver is a top choice. You can easily achieve the perfect length of scruff with three combs and a contoured head that moves to the shape of your face. We love it most for its ability to maintain a low stubble that makes us look rugged yet refined. Those who are trying to grow the perfect mustache will also find value in the OneBlade Hybrid.

Board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD, FAAD says that it's "a great, reliable electric shaver option for men who are prone to ingrowns and don't mind a little stubble.” Our testers loved that it handles like a traditional razor thanks to an ergonomic design and innovative razor head.

What do buyers say? "This product is really easy on the skin and gets a tight shave. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you have sensitive skin," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Truman Razor Set

Harry’s has quietly taken over the world with its well-priced, easy-to-get razors that really work. This all-in-one set features a disposable razor handle with a weighted core, three German-engineered blade cartridges, and Harry's award-winning Foaming Shave Gel. Harry's blades are known for their quality: each razor has a flex hinge and lubricating strip to get into those hard-to-reach places.

While not specifically designed for sensitive skin, these classic multi-blade cartridges work exceptionally for all kinds of skin types and, according to customer reviews, also work great on sensitive skin. In particular, the Truman razor has "an ergonomic, weighted, no-slip handle for precision and comfort," according to Dr. Penzi who also praises its "German-engineered steel blades with lubricating trip allows for the ultimate close, smooth cut." In addition, Dr. Garshick likes it for its weighted core and a textured rubber grip that's easy to hold.

What do buyers say? "I have a heavy beard and sensitive skin. The first time I shaved with this razor I was sold, close shave, easy on the skin and the shaving gel is outstanding," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Sensitive Recycled Glass Razor

Bulldog is an underrated name in the facial hair removal space, and this model earned our hearts with their tempered steel blades, pivoting razor head design, and lubrication strips that come together to give us a smooth, close, irritation-free shave with every stroke. With these blades, we have been able to shave quickly because the razor looks and feels sturdy.

Some of our testers weren’t expecting much from these budget razors, but they were super impressed by the clean shave and smooth feeling the Bulldog blades gave them—even when running their hands against the skin. One of our testers whose skin is prone to cuts and redness has even started using it as his go-to razor. In fact, some testers have even started shaving their legs with these razors.

What do buyers say? "The smoothness of the shave, the comfort of the razor itself, and no razor burn, cuts, or bumps. I might even say the blades last way longer too," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Sensitive Single Blade Shavers Sensitive (3 packs of 12)

These disposable razors have exceeded my expectations. With a single-blade design, they don’t irritate sensitive skin and offer a simple yet efficient, smooth, and gentle shaving experience, gliding smoothly over the skin, ensuring a close shave while minimizing the risk of irritation to provide a clean and precise shave without causing unnecessary friction or discomfort.

I also love how sharp and sturdy the blades are, which makes the whole experience effortless. They effectively cut without tugging or pulling, thus helping me avoid razor burn or ingrown hairs. After a month of shaving my face with these razors, there’s been no redness, itchiness, or post-shave irritation.

I also appreciate the ergonomic design of these shavers which give me control around contours and difficult-to-reach areas. Overall, these stainless steel single-blade disposable razors are as close to a safety razor shave as you’ll get with a disposable. They’re designed to be used only once but are cheap enough to make that totally doable.

What do buyers say? "I know it's a trend to have multiple blades on a single razor, but I find these razors are fine with just a single blade. they are light and comfortable to hold, not to mention economical," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Heated Razor Starter Shave Kit

The new Gillette Heated Razor has turned the warm barbershop shave into a chargeable, heatable cartridge razor that softens the hair while it shaves, meaning you can now pamper yourself with a nice hot towel shave weekly. It turns warm barbershop shave into an at-home hot-towel shave—with every stroke—endeavor using chargeable, heatable cartridges that soften the hair while it shaves in less than one second with the push of a button.

Specifically, its stainless steel warming bar coupled with a flex five-blade design allows for a more comfortable, closer shave. The waterproof razor comes with an adjustable heat feature to provide you with the perfect temperature, plus you get a nifty rechargeable stand.

What do buyers say? "The Gillette Heated Razor is the best razor I have ever had the liberty to use on my sensitive face. This razor cuts close to my skin and with no irritation. There's no pulling of hair, no razor bumps or bleeding from cuts or such," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Shaving Kit for Men

Safety razors are known for having a single blade, which is great for anyone dealing with ingrown hair and razor bumps. According to Dr. Shirazi, this is the perfect safety razor: it is weighted for better control, comes with a single blade to counter ingrown hairs and irritation, and has high-quality blades for a smooth shave with each stroke by reducing drag. This safety razor is specifically engineered to fight coarse hair and curb razor bumps and irritation for men with sensitive skin. The crown jewel of the brand is the perfectly weighted razor that makes shaving smooth and simple.

Bevel was developed to help men who suffer from chronic ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially those with especially curly hair. Dr. Garshick also approves of Bevel's single, double-edged blade which "helps to achieve a close shave without needing to apply a lot of pressure." Since it takes a village to help limit the chances of ingrown hair, we recommend the entire Bevel kit as opposed to just the razor.

What do buyers say? "This razor is on the speedy side but If you want the best shave of your life. I'd definitely give this razor a try. If you are prone to razor bumps use this blade and feel what you've been missing," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

Mk34c Double Edge Razor

Making the switch to a safety razor means fewer ingrown hairs and post-shave irritation—but it does take some practice, according to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD. And this safety razor has a quality that justifies its price point. "It uses stainless steel double-edge razor blades that are very sharp with a thick weighted handle. This minimizes irritation while giving you a close shave even with coarse dense hair," says Dr. Shirazi. "This is a wonderful option for someone prone to ingrown hairs or razor bumps." Plus, its blades can easily snap on and are adjustable in length.

Merkur is one of the biggest names in the game of safety razors. We love this one because changing and adjusting blades is snap-on easy so you don’t spend time fiddling with extra bits. Then, its adjustable dial lets us control the blade gap so we can fine-tune your shave by how close you want.

What do buyers say? "I switched to this razor; it was the most effortless shave I've ever had. This razor leaves me super smooth, with no razor burn, and I haven't had any ingrown hairs pop up since," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

What to Look for in Razors for Sensitive Skin

Pivoting Head: The pivoting head is a key feature found in many modern razors, both manual and electric, designed to improve the shaving experience, especially for sensitive skin. It refers to the ability of the razor's shaving head to move or pivot, typically in multiple directions, allowing the blades to follow the contours of your face or body. A pivoting razor head allows the blades to follow the contours of your face, reducing the risk of nicks and cuts while minimizing pressure (and thus irritation and razor burn). This feature ensures a closer and more comfortable shave for sensitive skin.

Lubrication Strips: Many razors come with lubrication strips that release moisturizing agents while you shave. These strips help reduce friction and soothe sensitive skin. Ensure the strips are made for sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic. Alongside a soothing shaving cream, lubricating strips are another way to protect the skin from irritation. While lubrication strips aren't a must, they are highly recommended.

Number of Blades: While more blades can provide a closer shave, they may not always be suitable for sensitive skin since more blades mean more friction against the skin. Consider razors with fewer blades (2 to 3) as they are often gentler. A single-blade razor is often best for sensitive skin but can be hard to use. Also, make sure the blades are sharp, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the skin. Blades made of stainless steel or coated with platinum are often a good choice for sensitive skin.

Safety Features: Safety features in razors are designed to reduce the risk of nicks, cuts, and irritation during shaving. Guard bars are protective components located between the blades of a razor to prevent direct contact between the sharp blades and your skin. Similarly, wire guards help guide hair into the blades while reducing the chances of the blades coming into direct contact with the skin. Safety combs lift the hair slightly before they are cut to prevent the blades from digging too deeply into the skin. In addition, a rubberized or textured handle on a razor provides a secure grip, minimizing the chances of the razor slipping during use.

Tips for Using Razors for Men With Sensitive Skin

Avoid dull blades: no matter what razor you use, always make sure it’s sharp (switch it after a few uses) since a dull razor will wreak havoc on your face. "The most important is making sure the blade isn’t dull as that can increase the potential for ingrowns and irritation," says Dr. Garshick.

Wet your face first: "It’s important to start out by wetting your face with warm water to soften your facial hair,” says Santos. “When I have time, I like to apply a hot towel directly to my skin for a few minutes before the shave to really prep my face."

Consider shaving gel: Lathering up your face with cooling shaving gel can help protect the skin from irritation. "Apply it all over the area that will be shaved. This helps the blades glide seamlessly over the skin," Santos emphasizes.

Shave with the grain: "Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation, says. "Note that hair grows in different directions in different locations on the face. For example, hair growth may be different on the cheeks than it is on the neck," he adds.

Use the right technique: this includes not shaving too fast or pulling your skin taut while shaving which will tighten the skin and give you a closer shave. But Dr. Camp warns of the latter technique's risk of razor bump. And always shave after a shower, when facial hair is at its softest and easiest to cut.

How Many Blades on a Razor Is Best for Sensitive Skin?

"It is important to consider how many blades as multi-blade razors can offer a close shave, but also risk additional irritation," says Dr. Garshick. While many might go for a five-blade design since it'll shave faster and closer than a three-blade or one-blade (because fewer strokes are needed), some dermatologists argue that a five-blade might be overkill—more blades can lead to more friction and thus irritation, says Dr. Shirazi. "It’s best to use as few blades to get the results you want to reduce your risk of irritation and razor bumps."

A single-blade design can also provide a close shave if you know the right technique. This is why if you're prone to razor bumps or ingrown hair, Dr. Camp recommends razors with a single or double blade. However, for men with coarser, thicker hair, Dr. Penzi recommends multi-blade razors since they often provide a closer, easier cut that'll involve fewer strokes and therefore less friction and irritation.

More Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of razor is best for sensitive skin?
Safety razors are often recommended for sensitive skin since their single, sharp blade provides a close shave while minimizing the risk of irritation and razor burn. Straight Razors can be an excellent option if used with caution and skill since they offer precise control and can provide a close shave with minimal irritation.

Alternatively, electric razors are generally less likely to cause irritation or cuts, making them a good choice for sensitive skin since they use rotating or oscillating blades that don't come into direct contact with the skin. For cartridge razors, choosing ones with fewer blades (2-3) will help minimize friction and irritation. Disposable razors work on sensitive skin too so long they come with lubrication strips.

Are electric razors better than blades for sensitive skin?
Electric razors usually have floating heads or foil covers that prevent direct contact between the sharp blades and the skin, which helps reduce friction and prevent irritation, nicks, and cuts. And because electric razors are easy to use and often don’t require a learning curve, the risks of injury are also greatly reduced. However, electric razors often do not provide as close or smooth a shave as manual razors with blades.

If reducing irritation and convenience are top concerns, an electric razor is a better choice in our opinion. However, if you prioritize a closer shave, and a smoother face, and are willing to learn how to shave, a manual razor is better for sensitive skin.

How We Selected and Tested

For the past four years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the best-performing electric razors for men. Experts, including our own grooming editor Garrett Munce, our deputy editor of commerce Christian Gollayan, our gear and commerce editor John Thompson, and our style and commerce editor Maverick Li, put dozens of top-selling razors for sensitive skin to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, durability, price point, closeness of shave, smoothness, ease-of-use, and more. We also spoke with grooming experts such as professional barbers and dermatologists to curate the best razors for men with sensitive skin. In the end, we rounded up only the 10 best men’s razors for sensitive skin. This article was updated in September 2023.

Why Trust Us

For the past five years, Men's Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research. Men's Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.

Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men's Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving. Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing electric razors for the past decade since they first shot to popularity, so he absolutely knows what he's talking about.

Read More About Men's Grooming

Best Electric Razors | Best Straight Razors | Best Shaving Kits | Best Safety Razors | Best Body Groomers | Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

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