12 Best Razors for Sensitive Skin of 2019

What Types of Razors Are There?

Unless you’re a throwback cowboy or a professional barber, it is likely that you will never use a straight razor. If you’re not such a rare specimen of masculinity, you’ll have three razor types to choose from.

What to Consider While Buying A Razor for Sensitive Skin?

Because shaving has such longstanding ramifications on your appearance and your finances, it is imperative that you pick your razor very carefully. For people with sensitive skin, there is added incentive since a poor choice can result in some serious discomfort. Here are some variables that you should consider when analyzing potential buys.

1. Type: The type of razor you choose will impact the amount of effort, time, and money you spend on shaving in the short, medium, and long term.
2. Number of Blades: The fewer the number of blades that touch your skin, the less irritation you’ll feel. At the same time, the fewer the number of blades on your razor, the more technique and expertise you’ll need to avoid nicks and cuts.
3. Handle: The length and thickness of the handle will determine how easy it is to control the razor. Traditional safety razors have short, stumpy handles. Some cartridge razors have tapering handles. What you want is an ergonomically designed handle with appropriate grip or knurling.
4. Durability: Metal razors last the longest. Cartridge razors are usually plastic and not that reliable. Also, because there are so many sensitive, movable components in electric razors, they only last a few years.
5. Cost: Cost needs to be assessed in two ways – initial and running. There’s always a trade off and you’ll have to decide by your preference. In our reviews, we’ve talked about costs in terms of average for the market segment in question.
6. Moisturizing Support: Men will always need to moisturize externally, i.e. with shaving creams, gels, and foams. Women looking to shave their legs and other body parts, however, can benefit greatly with the right built-in lubrication strips. The least irritating ones are herbal with aloe being a popular choice.

How to Shave If You Have Sensitive Skin?

Prepping the skin in advance is the single most important thing you can do to make shaving a more pleasant experience for you. Prepping will help your pores open up which will make the hair more accessible to the blades on your razor. You can achieve this in two ways.

The first is to take a warm shower before your shave. The warmth and heat will draw out the pores. If you can’t take a warm shower, you can use a warm compress on the area you want to shave to achieve the same effect.

The direction of your strokes will also determine how smooth your shaving session is. There are basically three directions that you can take while using the razor – With The Grain (WTG), Against The Grain (ATG), and Across The Grain (XTG).

Men with sensitive skin shouldn’t need XTG to get a clean shave, provided they choose the right razor and that their technique is good. If your technique is excellent and you’re using a safety razor, you shouldn’t need more than WTG. With either average technique or average razor, you’ll need ATG as well. Poor technique, poor razor, and particularly coarse hair mean that you may have to use all three strokes.

ATG should be enough for women shaving their legs, but when shaving bikini areas, a combination of all three stroke directions will be needed.

12 Best Razors for Sensitive Skin Comparison Table

3 Best Cartridge Razors for Sensitive Skin (Budget): Detailed Reviews

1. Schick Hydro Sense Sensitive Razors for Men With Skin Guards and Shock Absorbent Technology

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

View on Amazon

Schick is one of two biggest brands in the cartridge razor market segment and this is one of their best products.

Hydro Sense Sensitive Razors are excellent at negating nicks, burns, and cuts. They ensure a smooth, problem-free shave by a combination of technologies and components. These include Shock Absorbent Technology, seven gel pools, and 5-blade architecture.

The Shock Absorbent Technology allows the razor to adjust automatically to the amount of pressure being applied. When too much pressure is applied, this technology negates it and when too little is applied, it augments the pressure

The seven gel-pools sooth the skin by hydrating it with the help of herbal extracts. The 5-blade architecture features “ultra-glide” blades interspersed with skin guards that prevent hair from getting caught and pulled.

Further, this razor also has a flip-up trimmer that can be used to clean up hard to reach areas under the nose and on the neck. The handle is made up of metal which gives it stability and durability both.

However, it’s metal construction also makes this razor a bit heavier than most cartridge razors. Since metal is more expensive than plastic, this razor costs more than your usual cartridge razor.

Finally, like all cartridge razors, this one struggles to provide a clean, close shave to all its users. A few even complain about the fact that this razor leaves hair behind. This means that you may have to give it multiple passes to get a properly clean shave.

Who’s it for: Get this product if you like herbal products, don’t mind spending a little extra, and are looking for an alternative to Gillette.

Check Price

2. Gillette Mach3 Men’s Sensitive Disposable Razor (Best Budget)

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

View on Amazon

Gillette is effectively the undisputed leader of the cartridge razor industry. It justifiably has the largest market share. Its Mach3 series has contributed heavily to its popularity.

This particular model of the Mach3 series is intended for men with sensitive skin. It has a 3-blade architecture. Each blade has the manufacturer’s patented Diamond Like Coating (DMC), which improves its durability and sharpness.

Further, three blades reduce the number of strokes required to get a close, clean shave and, according to Gillette, this prevents irritation as well. This razor also has a lubrastrip and soft microfins. The lubrastrip moisturizes the skin while the microfins make it easier for the blades to glide over the skin.

The blades are spaced apart and arranged in an open manner. This “open architecture” makes them very easy to clean, with a simple rinse more than sufficient. Users back this fact and say that these razors don’t need that typical “tap, tap” action to be cleaned.

At the same time, the open architecture does take away from this razor’s effectiveness. There are a lot of people complaining about the razor either leaving hairs untouched or not cutting it close enough to the skin.

Some even say that the razor isn’t sharp enough to deal with their beards. It is possible that there are other mitigating factors such as particularly coarse hair or even poor shaving technique. As it is, the complaints are real and you’ll have to see whether this razor meets your expectations or not.

Further, a few people may even find this razor to be a bit too heavy when compared to other cartridge razors, but that could be because it is built with sturdier materials. A proof of this is that this razor has that famed Gillette reliability and each razor can deliver a minimum of three to four shaves before becoming useless.

Who’s it for: If you’re a Gillette fan and like your razors reliable and slightly on the heavier side, get this product.

Check Price

3. BIC Twin Select Men’s Disposable Razor

Editor’s Rating: 3.75/5.0

View on Amazon

BIC, the Greek manufacturer, may not be as big a name as Gillette or even Schick but it still has its followers. In terms of the quality of the shave, this product from BIC may not be as good as the other two cartridge razors we’ve reviewed till now, but it beats them hands down when it comes to travel-friendliness.

It has all the qualities that you may need from a travel-friendly razor. It is light and fairly compact. So, it won’t add to your luggage weight much. It comes with travel covers. So, you won’t have to worry about things getting cut in your luggage. It is even economical. So, you won’t have to worry about forgetting it in some distant hotel room.

It offers immense value too. Each pack contains ten razors and if you buy in bulk, you can get every razor for as low as 30 cents. In terms of bulk options, you can choose from eight different sizes.

There’s a pack of two (20 razors), a pack of three (30 razors), a pack of four (40 razors), a pack of five (50 razors), a pack of seven (70 razors), a pack of eight (80 razors), a pack of nine (90 razors), and a pack of 10 (100 razors). Further, you can get two to four shaves from every razor too, depending upon the thickness and coarseness of your beard.

These are your typical, low-cost disposal razors, though. They have a slim head and a simple handle. The head sports two blades spaced well apart. This allows easy rinsing but also causes some hairs to be missed. The handle is long and tapers towards the end.

Their overall build quality matches their cost, i.e, low. These razors aren’t the sturdiest and won’t give you the feeling of holding something substantial.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a travel-friendly razor that is available at very low prices, get this set from BIC.

Check Price

3 Best Safety Razors for Sensitive Skin (Value): Detailed Reviews

4. MERKUR Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor – 34c

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

View on Amazon

Safety razors aren’t for shaving philistines. They’re for the elite wet shavers. They’re for people who can discern the difference between a proper shave and a hack and slash job. They’re also for people who are willing to spend time on their shaving techniques.

However, even the most elite safety razor users have to start somewhere. They’re not born wet shaving experts. If you’re about to dive into the complex world of wet shaving and are looking for the right safety razor to begin with then this is the one you want.

It is perfect for safety razor novices for three reasons. The first is that it isn’t as aggressive as most of its competitors, the second is its simple blade loading system, and the third is its short stem.

The short stem offers greater control and maneuverability which is exactly what you need while you perfect your wet shaving technique. Some people may see it as a limitation of this razor, but that is only because they don’t yet understand the value of good shaving technique.

This is a classic 2-piece safety razor that has been popular for decades now. It is made by the go-to name in safety razors – MERKUR. The company has been operating from Germany since the 19th century and has developed incomparable expertise in manufacturing safety razors.

In practice, this razor is incredibly effective. It provides a close, clean shave with the least hassles. It will even keep the irritation at bay by virtue of having only one blade.

It is also very affordable over the long term. Even though it is expensive to buy at first, it more than makes up for the initial investment by remaining functional and excellent over the decades. You’ll only need to change blades on this razor and there are very few things cheaper in the world than basic blades.

You even get options when buying this razor. First, you get options for the stem, i.e, barber pole, smooth stainless-steel, and knurled. Further, you get to choose from different finishes including stainless matte, gold, and polished chrome.

We should, however, mention that the knurling isn’t as deep as some of you may want it to be. This means that the grip may not be sufficiency secure. You’ll also have to learn the right way to use a safety razor because without the proper technique you’ll end up cutting and nicking yourself.

You’ll even have to learn how to change blades on a safety razor. The risk of misalignment is real and can result in serious cuts.

Who’s it for: If you’re entering the world of wet shaving, this safety razor from MERKUR will be perfect for you.

Check Price

5. MERKUR Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor – 37c (Best Value)

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

View on Amazon

While the MERKUR 34c was perfect for wet shaving beginners, you may need something more fitting for your experience. If you peg yourself in the advanced category of safety users, then the MERKUR 37c will fit your needs better.

This particular safety razor is specifically recommended for more experienced razors because of one reason. It is a fairly aggressive razor, i.e, the angle of the head to the handle is set for maximum sharpness. If you don’t know how to handle a safety razor, this one will definitely leave your face skinned.

However, its aggressiveness also means that it offers an incredibly close, smooth, and clean shave with minimal effort. In fact, unless you have a difficult beard, you probably won’t even need a second pass.

It is a 2-piece double-edged razor. This means that changing blades on this device is easier. If you’re looking for something intended for even more advanced users, you can look into the 39c variant which is a 3-piece safety razor.

This razor is made with surgical grade stainless steel and sports a normal length stem as opposed to the 34c. The standard handle is knurled. The knurling is deep enough to offer a very reliable grip even with lather.

It also comes standard with a chrome finish, but that tends to come off fairly soon. Don’t worry, though. Loss of the chrome finish doesn’t mean that the razor rusts. It’s just there for appearances.

Like all safety razors, this one is expensive to get, but more than makes up for it when it comes to refills. The blades that it needs are so cheap that their cost is effectively negligible.

One potential problem is that you’ll need to eyeball the razor while changing blades. Aligning the blade isn’t the easiest and if you mess up, you can end up with a nasty cut.

Who’s it for: If you’re an experienced wet shaver and are looking for a razor that will deliver a close shave and remain reliable, then get the 37c from MERKUR.

Check Price

6. Feather All Stainless Steel Double-Edge Razor, Model AS-D2

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

View on Amazon

The AS-D2 model from Feather belongs to a different league altogether, when it comes to safety razors. It is intended for wet shaving aficionados who are also into collectibles. This double-edge safety razor is a class apart because it is a collectible that also delivers exceptional functionality.

Made in Japan, this 3-piece safety razor is ideal for people who have conquered all possible wet shaving challenges and can grasp nuances like weight balance. If you have experience, you’ll also have top-notch technique.

In fact, you’ll need the right technique to get the most out of this razor. Without proper technique, you’ll get a very unsatisfactory shave. It won’t be close, it won’t be clean, and you won’t get baby butt smooth skin afterward.

Even without proper technique, though, you won’t have to worry about nicks, burns, and cuts. This razor just doesn’t create those kinds of problems. Therefore, in a way, if you have the money, you can learn wet shaving with this razor without worrying about bleeding.

There’s another reason why this razor is good for newbie’s – zero variation with regards to blade placement. There is virtually no wriggle room for the blade which means that you won’t have to eyeball the razor to get the right alignment.

The build quality of this razor is also excellent. It is made to last and you can probably hand it to your son when he grows up to be a man. The handle is just the right length and has deep grooves. The grip is so good that you can be sure of it even with lathered hands.

Despite its numerous qualities and benefits, this razor isn’t our top pick in the safety razor category. The cause is its cost. This razor is unbelievably expensive. Most people who have bought this razor don’t even think it merits its insanely high cost.

It is crazy expensive even if you consider that it comes with five premium-quality blades and that any you buy in the future will be very cheap.

Who’s it for: If you have the money, then this razor from Feather is the best you can buy, regardless of whether you’re a novice or an expert wet shaver.

Check Price

3 Best Electric Razors for Sensitive Skin (Premium): Detailed Reviews

7. Braun Electric Shaver, Series 3 ProSkin 3040s Men’s Electric Razor

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

View on Amazon

Electric razors can be quite helpful if you have sensitive skin, but the trade off is the closeness of the shave. It’s the same with all types of razors in the market and this one is no different.

This Series 3 model from Braun is a great purchase in the budget category, especially if you’re looking for a foil shaver. It is a cordless electric shaver that will free you from nicks, cuts, and burns.

It protects your skin due to a proprietary technology called SensoFoil which puts a metal mesh between the blades and your skin. Further, the blades themselves are pressure sensitive. Therefore, if you apply too much pressure while shaving, the blades retract appropriately to protect your skin from nicks, cuts, and burns.

Unfortunately, this feature makes cleaning them very difficult. Whether you try to brush the blades or rinse them under the water, their retracting ability causes problems. The device also boasts of MicroComb technology intended to ensure hairs aren’t left behind. There’s even a precision trimmer for detail work.

You can use this razor both, inside and outside the shower as it is 100% waterproof. You can even use it with a shaving foam or gel if that is what you prefer.

It has two powerful, rechargeable batteries that deliver 45 minutes of operation when fully charged. This razor charges fairly quickly too, only taking 60 minutes to achieve a full charge.

There’s a quick recharge feature as well. You can get enough charge to get a quick shave in only five minutes. This feature is critical because you can’t use this device while it is being charged.

Further, despite containing two batteries and all the modern features, this electric razor is very light. It also sports an attractive blue-black color scheme and comes with a cover, a cleaning brush, and a charger.

Reliability is a concern with this device, though. The foil heads on the device lose their sharpness in about one year. The device, itself, can break down anywhere between one and two years. The only saving grace is that it doesn’t cost too much.

Who’s it for: If you don’t want to spend too much but want a good electric razor for sensitive skin, get this one from Braun.

Check Price

8. Braun Electric Shaver, Series 7 7865cc Men’s Electric Razor (Top Pick)

Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0

View on Amazon

The Series 7 from Braun is easily one of the most popular electric razors ever to have been manufactured. It is a highly reliable and trustworthy device that people have been using for years without feeling the need to switch to other models.

In fact, many of them have returned to this electric razor, despite investing in newer, more advanced models. This is mainly because of its performance and durability.

This razor has built-in Responsive Intelligence that allows it to adjust to the user’s specific requirements through five different shaving modes. Further, the head on this razor has 8D Contour Adaptation.

Because of this technology, the head can move in eight different directions and cope with the changing contours of the face and neck. As a result, this razor reaches areas that others often miss out on.

Once it reaches those areas, it is quick and efficient too. It also has an adaptive motor that produces 10,000 micro-vibrations. This adaptive motor is assisted by three different cutting elements and one skin guard. There’s also a pop-up trimmer designed for easy detailing.

Even with these technologies, though, the cuts aren’t as close as you’ll get with manual razors. The result is that you can’t get the desired shave in a single pass or even two passes. Sometimes, you’ll need three or even more passes.

This electric razor is incredibly durable as well. According to the company, it is built to last up to seven years and many users testify for this claim personally. The majority of them state that the device does stay operational for seven years without even the smallest of hitches.

This feat is even more impressive since this razor is 100% waterproof and can be used in wet and dry conditions both. The battery is long lasting too. Once you charge it to the brim, i.e, 60 minutes, you can run the razor for 50 minutes.

Most cordless devices with a decent battery life tend to be heavy and this one is no different. This means that you’ll have to takes its weight into account when it comes to traveling abroad or even when considering extended use.

The device comes with a Clean & Charge station and a travel case. The Clean & Charge station is the “world’s only 4-action alcohol-based”, according to the company. While the cleaner is very impressive, it isn’t long-lasting. It breaks down after only a few months.

This razor is very expensive. To a certain extent, its long life justifies that cost. At the same time, the cleaning station takes away from that justification. It is neither that useful nor that reliable.

Another minor flaw is its color. The dull gray appearance is neutral but very uninspiring.

Who’s it for: If you want a long-lasting, high-performance electric razor and don’t mind spending a little extra, then get the Series 7 model from Braun.

Check Price

9. Braun Series 9-9095cc Wet and Dry Foil Shaver for Men with Cleaning Center

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

View on Amazon

According to Braun, the Series 9 electric razor is their most advanced product yet. It is built with the latest, state-of-the-art technologies, so Braun’s claims are justified.

This cordless electric razor, like most Braun products, is gentle enough to be suitable for sensitive skin. It incorporates a quadruple action cutting system with four different cutting elements, including the Intelligent Sonic Technology, the Direct and Cut Trimmer, the HyperLift and Cut Trimmer, and the dual OptiFoil.

The micro-vibrations created by the sonic technology ensure that this foil shaver produces 40,000 cross-cutting actions. The Direct and Cut Trimmer is useful because it combats multi-directional hair growth. The HyperLift and Cut Trimmer helps lift flat hairs in problem areas like the neck so that they can be cut.

The OptiFoil is responsible for delivering a close shave, but this is where this device falls short. While it manages to negate nicks, cuts, and burns, it doesn’t provide very close shaves.

The inclusion of four cutting components means that the foil shaver head on this razor is much bigger than the one on previous models. It is the head’s larger size that prevents this razor from delivering close shaves. The device’s performance is fine otherwise.

It utilizes lithium-ion batteries that have good battery life and reach full charge quickly. It also has the 5-minute quick-charge feature for shaving on the go. However, you won’t be able to use this device while it is charging. There is also a very helpful LED battery and hygiene indication display.

The device comes with the “world’s only 5-action Clean & Charge Station”. The final action of this station is to dry the razor, but it fails to satisfy on that promise. Appearance wise, this device is good-looking. It has a nice metallic finish and a sleek look that should appeal to most men. The device comes with a 2-year warranty as well.

Since it boasts of the latest technologies, it is incredibly expensive. In fact, most buyers feel that it doesn’t provide sufficient value for that money. The main reason for this is that it is very difficult to find replacement parts for this product.

Further, when they do become available, they cost as much as the entire razor. It’s not like you won’t need the replacement head either because the one you get breaks down very early.

Therefore, if this device breaks down on you, you’ll just end up with a buzzing paperweight. It serves well as a paperweight, though, because it is a very heavy device. Also, the cleaning station isn’t all that reliable either. It dies away pretty early as well.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for state-of-the-art technology in cordless electric razors, get the Series 9 model from Braun.

Check Price

3 Best Women’s Razors for Sensitive Skin: Detailed Reviews

10. Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Skin Razor for Women with 2 Moisturizing Razor Blade Refills

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

View on Amazon

Women need their cartridge razors to provide significant lubrication. This is why Schick’s Hydro Silk Sensitive Skin Razor has garnered such a huge following.

Its highlight is a water-activated moisturizing serum that takes away the need for shaving gel, foam, or cream. All you’ll need to do to make this razor work is wet it and wet the skin before shaving the hair off.

The serum’s moisturizing power is so great that the blades glide over the skin without nicking, cutting, or creating razor burns. Further, the skin remains moisturized for up to two hours after the shave!

This is because the serum features shea butter as one of its ingredients. Even so, the lubricant runs out way before the blades become blunt. Therefore, you may have to use a shaving gel, cream, or foam to prolong the use of these razors.

The blades incorporate skin guards that help in preventing nicks and cuts on sensitive skin as well. There are five curve-sensing blades on the head. The head, itself, is mounted on an ergonomically designed handle. The handle has a rubberized grip to ensure comfortable handling.

The cartridges of this razor last longer than most competitors and are very easy to change also. All these benefits, however, mean that this razor is a bit on the expensive side, which could be a stumbling block for many buyers.

Who’s it for: If you don’t like all the mess and fuss of shaving gels and creams, then get this product from Schick.

Check Price

11. Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Women’s Razor – 1Handle + 2 Blade Refills

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

View on Amazon

Gillette Venus is the go-to option for most women. Women vote for this razor with their money and we agree with them wholeheartedly. The Extra Smooth Sensitive variant from Gillette happens to be our pick as the best women’s razor for sensitive skin too.

This razor features a Skin Elixir lubrastrip that moisturizes the skin while shaving. The lubrastrip’s main ingredient is aloe vera which is easily the best scientifically proven, naturally occurring moisturizer. The lubrastrip works wonders on the skin and prevents nicks, cuts, and razor burns.

The blades feature the company’s proprietary Diamond-Like Coating (DLC). According to Gillette, DLC makes the blades stronger, sharper, more long-lasting, and less likely to irritate. The head on which the blades are fixed pivots over the contours of the body, reducing discomfort even further.

The key element here is that this razor provides all these benefits at a very competitive cost. Compared to its competitors, Gillette Venus is very affordable.

It’s one great flaw is that it is a bit on the heavier side. Then again, you can see this as another benefit instead of a flaw, depending on your preferences. Like all other cartridge razors, this one also loses its lubrication strip before the blades become dull.

Who’s it for: If you want the perfect balance between cost and performance while protecting your sensitive skin, get Gillette Venus Extra Sensitive Smooth razor.

Check Price

12. Schick Intuition Sensitive Care Razor for Women with 2 Moisturizing Razor Blade Refills

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

View on Amazon

Schick Intuition Sensitive Care razor is different from the usual cartridge razors for women. The obvious difference is the design of this razor. It is bigger, bulkier, and features a thicker handle.

The thicker handle offers more stability. At the same time, the thickness takes away from the razor’s maneuverability. Still, the handle is ergonomically designed and features a soft rubber grip.

This razor effectively takes away the need for shaving cream, gel, or foam. It has a much greater quantity of lubrication than all other similar razors in the market which do a wonderful job creating lather and moisturizing the skin.

The placement of the lubricant is such that it moisturizes the skin ahead of the blade and behind them in each stroke. The lubricant incorporates aloe vera and Vitamin E both.

However, the presence of the lubricant means that this razor’s head is thicker than most other cartridge razors. The head still pivots with the contours of the body, though.

There are four retractable blades on the head that help prevent skin irritation as well. The retractable quality of the blades, however, mean that this razor is very difficult to clean. Even if you try to rinse it under running water, the water pressure causes the blades to retract. As a result, they don’t get cleaned properly.

Because of its design, this razor is on the heavier side when compared to its competitors. Combined with the fact that it is bulky, this razor’s weight makes it quite difficult to maneuver around the body.

This razor is also quite expensive, especially if you consider the life of the lubricant. While very effective, the lubricant runs out very quickly and you’re left with a heavy and bulky, albeit high-quality razor.

Who’s it for: If you want to try a new design and don’t like shaving creams, get Schick Intuition for its built-in shaving cream lubricator.

Check Price