I might sound a tad dramatic right now, but shave day can be a real pain in the ass when you have sensitive or reactive skin. Razor burn and ingrown hairs are no joke, and if you’ve struggled to find a good razor that actually works for you (sans the irritation), you’re not alone. Although I’ve recently decided I want to get laser hair removal on my legs, I’ll still be shaving for a bit while I go through that process and decided to try an electric razor for the time being. I’d heard from a few dermatologists that electric razors can be a bit gentler on sensitive skin, and I’m happy to report that they were right! I decided to give one a go for a week to test this theory and couldn’t be more pleased with my little experiment. If you’re thinking about investing in an electric razor yourself, keep reading. I’m sharing my experience below along with what to look for and a few A+ options.
There are so many things to look for when shopping for an electric razor, but you’ll want to get to know your skin type before investing in one. If your skin is ultra-sensitive, you’ll want to pick out an option that has hypoallergenic heads, is irritation-resistant, and has flexing foil, which is specific to razors for sensitive skin.
There are other factors to consider with electric razors since they have a bit more to them than regular razors. You’ll want to select one that’s rechargeable if you’re not into changing the batteries all the time. If finding one that has extended battery life is important to you, we have a few good options below that are highly rated for battery life. Keeping extra blades handy wouldn’t hurt either. If you’re looking for a razor to help you reach those tricky areas, opt for one that has changeable heads for each area of the body or one that is a bit smaller in size. Below, you can take a look at my experience with the Meridian Trimmer and browse a few other razors.
Pros: Designed to be used on multiple areas of the body, sleek design, easy to use, waterproof. Cons: Expensive. Meridian’s hair trimmer is my pick for best overall because it’s designed for both men and women, can be used on multiple areas of the body, and is totally waterproof. I decided to try this one out for a week to see if it agreed with my hypersensitive skin. I’m happy to report that it did! I was using a men’s razor for a while and discovered that it caused major razor burn for me, so this was a welcomed switch. It provided a close shave without any irritation, and the charge definitely lasts. It also contains a feature called Safe Nick that helps guard against cuts, a great feature for anyone else who has sensitive skin. Customer Review: “Seriously! This is the best! I bought this back in 2021, and I’ve only had to charge it twice! I use it for everything (everything!). It’s great for my armpits and legs when I don’t want to shave, but they’re getting a bit too long to leave. It’s perfect for down under, absolutely perfect. … It comes with a couple of different comb attachments so you can keep your hair controlled or get a very close shave. I haven’t dealt with many ingrown hairs since using this product. The best razor I’ve ever bought and used.”
Pros: Sleek design, budget-friendly, multiple precision blades, advanced electromagnetic motor. Cons: A bit of pulling when shaving. This sleek, budget-friendly model from Pritech looks like it belongs in the Dyson family, no? It also performsat that level with multiple precision blades, an advanced electromagnetic motor, and a standing charging dock. It’s definitely designed with hairstylists and barbers in mind, but it works so well for all areas of the body. Customer Review: “The design is great. I have used it on multiple parts of my body, I have lots of body hair. Shaving with this first makes for a smoother shave. Easy to use. Great battery life, Keeps charge. Love the color and the charging stand. Very convenient. Charges fast.”
Pros: Anti-irritation design, water-resistant, can be used with or without shaving cream. Cons: Not totally waterproof and expensive. For sensitive areas, this rechargeable cordless, water-resistant trimmer is an excellent option. Designed with four lengths and three rounded blades that help combat irritation, the water-resistant electric shaver can also be used with or without shaving cream. Customer Review: “I love this trimmer. I’ve refused to splurge on a good trimmer until now and I regret not buying this sooner!!! The light is something I never thought I needed but it’s amazing.”
Pros: Waterproof, five hypoallergenic rotating heads, pop-out precision trimmer. Cons: Expensive. Designed with five hypoallergenic gold-plated heads and a pop-out precision trimmer, this waterproof shaver removes hair from every angle, from face to legs. Plus, the rechargeable battery can shave for up to 30 days on a single charge. Customer Review: “It fits so nicely in your hand and the swivel head and rotating blades worked beautifully. And the heads pop up easily for cleaning. The shave is almost as close as with a blade. But, no shaving creme, no nicks, no blades, and no mess!! After 60 years of using razor blades, I cannot believe it took me so long to discover this!”
Pros: Includes facial-hair-removal head, body-hair trimmer, and digital screen displaying battery level. Cons: Pulls a bit when shaving. This two-in-one electric razor comes with two different heads—one for removing facial hair and another for body hair. It also has a built-in digital screen that allows you to track battery life so you’ll know when you need to charge it. Customer Review: “It shaves beautifully! Shaves as well as a razor!”
Pros: Hypoallergenic, stainless steel blades, irritation-resistant, good for dry or wet shaving. Cons: Pulls a bit when shaving. This multifunctional razor allows you to customize your shaving experience with body-hair and facial-hair heads. It’s hypoallergenic, has stainless steel blades, and is pain- and irritation-resistant. Customer Review: “Gets the job done and it is a good price.”
Pros: Comes with four accessories, ergonomic design, made with hypoallergenic flexing foil for sensitive skin. Cons: Expensive. This razor is designed with rounded pearl-tip trimmers with hypoallergenic flexing foil for sensitive skin, so you’ll get a close, clean shave without irritation, wet or dry. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to an hour of cordless use. Customer Review: “This is awesome. I have very sensitive skin, and many razors irritate it. I also have very light blonde hair, so I can get away without shaving for longer than most. I wanted to try this for two reasons. First, I wanted to spend less money on razors, and second, I wanted to create less waste. This shaver cost me roughly the same amount as a value pack of razors would cost me, and has lasted for longer, so my first goal has been achieved. I am not purchasing packs of razors with excessive packaging and throwing everything away eventually, so my second goal has been achieved.”
Pros: Low noise, hypoallergenic design, stainless steel blades. Cons: Pulls a bit when shaving. Reviewers say this is your match if you’re looking for an electric shaver that can effortlessly tackle large and intimate areas. With three speeds, hypoallergenic blades, and a battery that recharges quickly, you can shave your legs, arms, back, armpits, and bikini lines without irritation. Customer Review: “I’ve had this for two years now and it still works great. The battery life is still very impressive, and it’s always worked really well for me. I’d definitely purchase this again.”
Pros: Three blade-system helps prevent irritation, flexible foil provides a close, comfortable shave, and it is suitable for wet or dry use. Cons: Only offers 30 minutes of use before it needs to be recharged. Offering up to 30 minutes of use before it needs a recharge, this wet/dry electric razor designed with hypoallergenic foil helps prevent skin irritation, and the rounded design glides over the skin, leaving it nick-free. Customer Review: “Gets the job done without fail. Had one for years until it would no longer work. Hence, my new shaver! Absolutely love it! If you have a need for one, this is the answer!”
Pros: Hypoallergenic, can be used on both wet and dry skin, comes with multiple heads for hard-to-reach areas. Cons: Not rechargeable. This all-in-one shave-and-trim system is a wet/dry option that’s also hypoallergenic. It really helps with irritation and has options for every area of the body. Customer Review: “This does its job and gets rid of the hair very well.”
Body brushing is a great way to detoxify the lymph system. It also lightly exfoliates your skin and helps soften the hair follicles when done with oil before shaving.
Comfort Cleanse is the perfect body wash/shaving gel because it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin that help provide a comfortable shave.
If you’re removing hair from the bikini line or underarms, this whipped cream gives the skin plenty of slip and protects the skin barrier with olive oil, aloe, and marshmallow extract.
This moisturizing oil from Maude makes all the difference when shaving. It contains jojoba, almond, and sesame oils, which treat dry skin and soften the hair follicle.
