The Best Razors for Sensitive Skin for the Smoothest Shave of Your Life

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Shaving has a bad reputation. Naysayers argue razors can cause unsightly razor bumps and irritation, and require frequent upkeep because shaving only removes hair from the skin's surface. However, those with genuinely sensitive skin will likely find other forms of hair removal, such as waxing, sugaring, epilators, depilatory creams, and laser hair removal are far too uncomfortable, and frankly costly. That's where razors for sensitive skin come into play.

As Best Products' beauty editor, I spend a lot of time interviewing experts, like dermatologists, who say razors for sensitive skin are well worth incorporating into your routine. Not only do they not cause any of the previously mentioned skin concerns, but they effectively remove unwanted body and facial hair.

Best Razors for Sensitive Skin

What to Consider

Number of Blades

In an ideal world, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., and Dr. Jeremy Fenton, M.D., suggest using a single blade razor. Shirazi says, "If you have sensitive skin, avoid razors with many blades [four and up]. Razors with more blades will cause more friction and irritation." Fenton prefers those with sensitive skin to use a maximum of 2 blades because "every blade must travel across the skin and just has more potential for irritation."

Most of our razor recommendations are capped at three blades, but use your best judgment. If you've experienced irritation using razors sporting three blades, opt for a single blade razor, such as the Hanni Weighted Razor.

Lubricating Strips

While online shopping, you've likely noticed that some razors sport thin lubricating strips. But what do they actually do? Shirazi says razor lubricating strips are helpful for those with sensitive skin because they can help reduce friction and soothe the skin while shaving.

"One of the keys to shaving sensitive skin is to have the hair and skin prepped with shave gel, and the hair softened. The lubricating strip is just another way to get that moisture on the skin before the blade pulls across," says Fenton, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York. "However, some argue that the lubricating strips lose their lubrication pretty quickly on the first shave and don’t have much value beyond that. They generally don’t add significant cost to the razors and certainly can’t hurt, so no harm in using a razor with one, but it certainly can’t replace proper steaming with warm water and using a good quality shave gel or cream," he adds.

Men's vs Women's Razors

So, are there any real differences between men's and women's razors? According to Shirazi, men’s razors are typically designed for the face, and women’s razors are created for the body.

"The blades on men’s razors are more tightly packed to cut thicker, coarser facial hair. They also tend to be on a swivel head to allow greater movement as men shave around cheeks, nose, and jawline," notes Shirazi. "Although the blades are similar in terms of sharpness, women’s razors have lubricating strips to help protect the skin from cuts when going around knees and ankles." Fenton adds women's razors typically feature longer handles to reach the lower legs better.

What does this mean for shavers? Fenton argues there are no major differences between men’s and women’s razors, and we can use them interchangeably. Our advice: Since we always confidently stand behind our picks, consider where you're shaving before ordering new razors this summer. And if you're a woman dealing with facial hair and would rather not use a men's razor, you can opt for a dermaplanning tool to eliminate peach fuzz and dead skin cells.

How We Chose

After chatting with both dermatologists, I carefully researched reader favorite shops for razor models aligned with their expert guidance. I considered all of the key specs they highlighted, such as the number of blades and lubricating strips. The good news is that Fenton and I happen to have personally used most of these razors. As for the sole outlier, he still recommends it to men with sensitive skin, but he prefers our best overall men's razor pick instead. As a bonus, I also considered price, and all but one razor costs $17 or less.

The Weighted Razor Kit

At $42, Hanni’s award-winning razor is a relative splurge, but I argue it performs on the same level as other pricier ($80-$104) options I've tested in the past.

So what makes it worthy of our coveted top spot? It features a single blade and sports a 5-inch-long weighted handle ideal for body shaving. The added weight won't make the wrist feel uncomfy, but it's still noticeable enough for users to barely use any pressure while shaving. Speaking of the handle, it provides a nice grip while shaving.

Moving onto the razor head, this model is slightly curved so it shines brightest along curved body contours, such as the underarms and knees. Whenever I shave with this razor, my body feels incredibly smooth, like a dolphin, so swimmers looking to improve their aerodynamics will be into this option.

If you're looking for more budget conscious women's razors, look at the other two models on this list. But if you are want to invest in a high-quality razor without paying over $100 for one, the Hanni model is an excellent option that will last for years to come.

Intuition Razors for Women with Sensitive Skin

OK, Schick technically sports four blades, which is a no-no for sensitive skin razors, but I have life-long eczema and haven't experienced any irritation using this product. TBH, I enjoy this razor over the Hanni one, but since the Schick boasts four instead of the maximum recommended three blades, it's been demoted to the runner-up position.

Back to other derm-approved reasons why I'm obsessed with this razor for sensitive skin. The larger lubricating strips are incredible. Sure, the organic aloe scent is refreshing, but the two strips help the razor easily glide across my skin. Even when I run out of shaving cream (whoops), and just use water and this razor, I've never experienced irritation or cuts.

Also, given it has the largest razor head of the bunch, I can shave my body quicker. Speaking of size, I do enjoy the extra-large handle. While not as sleek as the Hanni or skinny as the BIC, the Schick razor is still very lightweight and feels comfy in the hand while shaving.

Silky Touch Women's Disposable Razors

You don't have to splurge to find a solid razor for sensitive skin. BIC makes budget-friendly disposable razors that don't skimp on performance. The two-blade design ensures a close shave without the irritation of cheaper options or razors with more blades.

Plus, who doesn't love the cute pastel handles? Each set comes with five razors with very skinny handles in pretty pastel tones, including pink, blue, and purple. There are also warmer tones, like yellow and green to fit everyone's mood.

If Schick and Hanni were out of stock, I'm ordering these on Amazon. I've used them in the past and found them to be reliable options for shaving my body, but because they don't sport lubricating strips and get dull relatively quick, I'm ranking them lower than Schick and Hanni.

Sensor Excel Men's Razor

Gillette is a well-known reputable brand in the hair removal space, and this model earned snaps from Fenton who has recommended it for several years but notes some users have stopped using it for razors with more blades.

"However, more blades are not always better. I also like this razor for men because it is easy to shave around the nose and corners of the mouth, allowing for precision. This is the razor I have personally used for decades," he says.

This razor for sensitive skin is equipped with an ergonomic handle for better control when shaving in the direction of hair growth. Amazon reviewers agree with Fenton that the razor head pivots with facial contours. Plus, they believe the two lubricating strips help create a truly smooth shave.

SkinGuard Razor for Men

SkinGuard is designed with sensitive skin types in mind, so it's easy to understand why Fenton recommends this model. "I have heard good reviews of this razor for being gentle on the skin, but some complain it does not give a very close shave. It is definitely a safe choice to avoid irritation though," he says.

With notable key features, like dual razor heads nestled between multiple lubricating strips, it's also no surprise it amassed thousands of glowing reviews. One Amazon reviewer used shaving products from Dollar Shave Club for nearly 7 years, but didn't love their updated design. Enter Gillette SkinGuard Razor for Men to the rescue.

To quote their 5-star Amazon review, "They are completely superior to the razor and blades I have been using all these years. I guess ignorance IS bliss. Thank you Dollar Shave Club for pushing me towards a much better blade. I get a much closer shave now than ever before. If you are still reading this, STOP and purchase this product. I guarantee you will agree 100% with my evaluation."

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