9 Best Razors for Sensitive Skin, Tested by Editors and Approved by Experts
Say goodbye to redness, itchiness, and ingrowns.
The Sensitive Skin Club is one I didn’t want to join, but here I am anyway. This is especially true anytime I shave, as redness, ingrowns, itchiness, and razor burn are often the price I pay for smooth, hairless skin. Still, shaving remains a go-to for myself (and let’s be real, most of us) because it’s quick, affordable, and easy. It’s relatively painless—yes, razor burn stings, but not nearly as much as waxing—and you can do it in just a few minutes in the shower, unlike more time-consuming options like professional laser hair removal or at-home devices.
"Any time you're holding a blade to your skin, the biggest risk is irritation, cuts, or nicks to the skin," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. What can make the situation even worse are dull razor blades. But there’s no reason to give up—over the years, I’ve found plenty of sensitive skin razors that are effective yet gentle.
Our top picks for the best razors for sensitive skin:
Ahead, all of the best sensitive skin shaving solutions for my fellow sensitive skin people, as well as some tips for reducing irritation while shaving sensitive skin.
Best Deal
Flamingo 5-Blade Razor
Pros
- Works well on thick hair, according to testers
- Designed to help reach tough-to-shave areas
Cons
- Reviewers say blades are very sharp, so it's easy to get a few cuts at first
There's a reason Flamingo razors have so many glowing reviews: Not only are they prettier than your average razor, but they're also significantly easier to use. The 360-degree comfort system—aka the flexible hinge and weighted handle—is infused with aloe and shea butter and designed to give you an extremely close and clean shave the first time around. This means there's no need to go back over those spots and cause extra irritation.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 5 |
| Handle material | Weighted plastic |
| What's included | 1 handle, 4 refills, and 1 shower holder |
Billie Razor Starter Kit
Pros
- Grippy, curved handle helps make for easy handling
- Blades come surrounded with aloe shave soap
Cons
- Some testers found it isn't as effective on coarse hair
The key to shaving with sensitive skin is regularly changing your razor blades. If you're any normal, busy person, you may forget to do this as often as you should (hi, it's me). Enter: The Billie Razor. For less than 15 bucks, you can purchase the Billie Starter Kit, which comes with a razor handle, four refills, and a magnetic holder. The best part? You can sign up for the razor blade delivery service, which sends out four blades for $10 as often as you choose.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 5 |
| Handle material | Resin and rubber |
| What's included | 1 handle, 4 refills, and 1 shower holder |
Nimbi Disposable Razor
Pros
- Designed to prevent bumps
- Made from biodegradable plastic alternative
Cons
- Single use still creates more waste
Disposable razors get a bad rap for the environment, but these ones are made from bio-based materials that are fully compostable and an alternative to petrochemical plastic. Besides being better for the earth, they’re also better for your skin. Designed by women, they’re intentionally made without a lubrication strip, which can actually cause inflammation—aka bumpy skin. Its single Swedish steel blade is made to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 1 |
| Handle material | Compostable plastic alternative (wood, cellulose, clay, pine oil) |
| What's included | 4 razors |
Kitsch
Perfect Glide Safety Razor
Pros
- Plastic-free
- Extra-long handle
Cons
- Some found it prone to nicking
It doesn’t get any chicer than this sleek razor. Luckily, it feels as good as it looks, courtesy of its single-blade design for a precise shave that minimizes drag, irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The extra-long handle makes it easier to navigate, plus it’s ridged for a better grip (the shower is a slippery place!). Made from stainless steel so it lasts longer, the razor is plastic-free. Bonus: The included silicone cap scores points for being easy to travel with and store. However, some reviewers said it has a learning curve, and it’s easy to nick yourself at first.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 1 |
| Handle material | Metal |
| What's included | 1 handle, 5 refills, and silicone cap |
Schick Intuition Sensitive Care Razor
Pros
- Allows you to skip the shaving gel
Cons
- Some reviewers found the design a bit bulky and tricky to handle
I'm the type of gal who is always late. I'm talkin' running out of the door, makeup in the car, kind of late. So when I found this razor, which doubles as a shaving cream thanks to the added soap bar, I was sold. One less step in my routine?! I'm all for it. The soap bar is packed with vitamin E and aloe, so rest assured your skin will be left moisturized sans irritation.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 4 |
| Handle material | Rubber |
| What's included | 1 handle, 2 refills, and 1 travel cap |
Bevel Safety Razor
Pros
- Much more sustainable than disposable options
- Gives ya an incredibly close shave without bumps and ingrowns
Cons
- Can take some practice to learn not apply pressure
If you're not familiar, a safety razor is a made-to-last tool where, instead of changing the whole disposable cartridge head, you only change the single blade. Not only are they more eco-friendly razors, but they are also great for those with sensitive skin. Instead of three or five blades running over your skin in the same area, you only have one, which is said to reduce irritation. This one by Bevel is specially made for those with curly or coarse hair (and just because it's marketed for men doesn't mean all genders can't use it!!).
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 1 |
| Handle material | Brass |
| What's included | 1 handle and 10 refills |
Panasonic Close Curves Electric Razor
Pros
- Reviewers say it works great for wet or dry shaves
- Rounded tips are designed to feel gentle on skin
Cons
- May not be as effective on super-coarse hair types
Razor burn?! Nope, not here, thanks to this baby. If you prefer an electric razor, Panasonic makes a great one for sensitive skin. This cordless, three-blade razor is made with hypoallergenic stainless steel that works especially well for those with sensitivities. Not only that, but it includes a special pop-up trimmer for your bikini line. Though it's marketed to be used with or without water, I personally find that it works best and irritates less when used in the shower.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 3 |
| Handle material | Plastic |
| What's included | Shaver, travel cap, travel pouch, charging stand, and brush |
Gillette Venus Pubic Hair & Skin Razor
Pros
- Great for hard-to-reach spots, per testers
- Can help minimize razor bumps and ingrown hair in intimate areas
Cons
- Only two blades, so may not be effective on other areas
ICYDK: You shouldn’t be using a traditional razor when shaving your bikini line. You need something super gentle, like this pick from Gillette Venus. The ultra-precise blades (which are optimally spaced for an extra-smooth shave) are specifically designed to help protect skin from irritation and ingrowns, and it’s even got a trimmer on the back of the blades for hard-to-reach areas.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 2 |
| Handle material | Rubber |
| What's included | 1 handle and 2 refills |
Sephora Collection Metal Facial Razor
Pros
- Testers <3 the weighty feel
- Effectively sloughs off peach fuzz and dead skin
Cons
- Blades are super sharp, so you should be cautious when using
True story: I used to shave my face with the same razor I shaved my legs with. Another true story: It hella broke me out. Don't be me—use a razor specially made for your face, considering, well, your face is delicate. This metal facial razor from Sephora comes with three replaceable blades (though you can also buy the replacement blades separately) and is super gentle on your skin. Don't believe me? Maybe the 47K fans of this product will convince you.
Features At A Glance
| Number of blades | 1 |
| Handle material | Metal |
| What's included | 1 handle, 3 refills, and hard storage case |
How can you shave without irritating your skin?
According to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, shaving is "an interaction between the blade, the hair, and the skin," which means you should protect your skin barrier before, during, and after the shaving process. To avoid ingrown hairs, regular exfoliation with a chemical exfoliant or body scrub is key. And ofc, using a shaving cream that's packed with skin-loving ingredients will help protect your precious skin while ya shave. It may seem obvious, but putting a razor against your skin without a buffer is basically a recipe for some major irritation.
While shaving, you wanna make sure that you shave in the same direction as your natural hair growth to avoid any bumps and irritation. Afterwards, follow up a fresh shave with a generous layer of body lotion. Another key tip to avoid shaving irritation: Be consistent, especially if you're someone with curly hair. As dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, previously told Cosmo, "Curly hair can curl back onto itself and grow back into the skin," so shaving regularly (if you're someone who chooses to) can help prevent ingrown hairs.
How often should you change your razor?
A dull razor requires more passes over your skin, which in turn = more irritation. Likewise, a blade that's dirty can often lead to irritation or infections (no thx!!). Experts suggest that you clean your blades with antibacterial soap and water after every single use, and make sure you're changing your razor blade at least once weekly to prevent a dull blade from irritating your hair follicles. As a general rule of thumb: If you're not getting a nice, clean shave from your blade, it's probs a good time to dispose of it.
What razor does not cause razor bumps?
Look for razors that are designed for sensitive skin, like many on this list, which minimize bumps by cutting hair at the skin’s surface to prevent ingrown hairs. Single-blade safety razors are especially good for sensitive skin because multi-blade razors lift and cut hair below the surface of the skin, which can lead to ingrown hairs.
It’s not just razors that can cause bumps, but also your shaving technique: shave in the direction of hair growth, don’t apply too much pressure while shaving, and use a clean, sharp blade and replace it regularly.
How to choose a razor for sensitive skin:
Look for a flexible razor head
If you plan to use your razor on your body, you'll want one that can pivot and flex as you need it to (think: your ankles, knees, and anywhere else where your razor needs to bend over curves and angles). Having a flexible razor will help prevent any nicks and cuts in the ~dicier~ spots (IYKYK).
Choose one with a moisturizing buffer
It's best to look for razors that have a moisturizing pad next to the blades to make sure your skin is super-lubricated as you shave. But if you prefer safety or single-blade razors, make sure your skin is significantly wet beforehand and lather up with a shave cream for an extra smooth surface.
Consider the number of blades
If you shave frequently, you might wanna go for a razor that has multiple blades, because they won’t dull as fast as a single- or double-blade razor. However! If a super-close shave is your top priority, it's best to opt for a single- or double-blade razor (which will likely require you to have less often, tbh). Just know that safety razors can be a little tricky to use, so go slow and use a *very* light touch.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based journalist who has covered beauty for two decades and has spent years finding the right razor and shaving cream combo to keep her sensitive skin soothed.
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.
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