Best Razor for Sensitive Skin (2023 Men’s Shaving Guide)
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I hope that this review and buying guide will help you. You deserve the best for your skin so I’ve made it my mission to find all of the products out there, testing them personally with sensitive skin like yours!
This is especially so if you observe a daily shaving routine. If this seems exaggerated, here are some numbers to back it up.
- Experts have it that an average male will shave about 16000 times in his lifetime (and this is excluding his boy years when he had no facial hair).
- More to this, 40% of these males suffer from shaving-related issues. With these numbers alone, the potential to nick, cut, or irritate the skin is high.
The word ‘sensitive’ is often used to refer to men that are hesitant to express their inner feelings. On the other hand, it also is used to refer to men who cry when watching emotional movies or who take in a lot of information and the end are overwhelmed. However, regardless of what the term means to you, sensitive skin is an issue for many men.
Top 3 Best Shaving Razor for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
Last update on 2024-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are a man and are reading this, you should not be afraid or offended when you are labeled ‘sensitive’ as it turns out, ladies prefer sensitive men. Yes, these kinds of men understand them better and they are easy to interact with. So it is more of a compliment than anything else.
But when it comes to shaving sensitive skin, the dynamics change completely. If your skin is naturally delicate, there are times, like shaving, when you feel like having a gorilla face would be much better.
But it’s not just males who benefit from razors designed for this kind of skin – a lot of women can too. Though they are without facial hair, they still need the rest of their bodies to be smooth and hairless. Usually, they struggle with some harsh hair removal processes.
It is important to note that shaving is a gentle hair reduction process in comparison to hair removal like waxing and using chemicals to get rid of hair with the roots. With such great and gentle alternatives, why would anyone subject themselves to the pain of waxing?
Using razors to trim the hair on tender skin is a great choice for individuals who are on a tight budget and cannot afford permanent hair removal solutions like electrolysis and laser hair removal.
But wait, with all the many razor options available, how do you know a razor is great for you? Well, in all honesty, selecting a good shaver for delicate skin can be rather tricky.
But before you feel like giving up, don’t worry, there is still hope for you. Here is the good news, there are razors and the likes of Merkur Futur that are great for sensitive skin when compared to other razors and shavers.
In this post, we shall focus our sights on a bunch of these razors. We believe that the selection will serve you well and will not irritate your skin.
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, you do appreciate a grooming kit full of the best quality tools right?
Some Factors to Consider When Choosing Razors for Sensitive Skin
In theory, a razor should be great on all skins regardless of their sensitivity levels. However, practically, some prove to be better on sensitive skin than others. That said, it should be noted that some of the qualities that make a razor of high quality are the same qualities considered when picking the best shaving razor for a comfortable shaving experience.
Below are some factors that you should consider when you are shopping for a razor.
1. First of All – Do You Even Need a New Razor?
Skin irritation after a shave can be caused by several factors, including; poor wet shaving technique, poor preparation, applying a lot of pressure when shaving, using dull blades and having sensitive skin. It could also be caused by an allergic reaction to specific shaving product ingredients or going against the grain, especially around the neck.
So before you get a new razor, determine the actual cause of the irritation. Also, assess your shaving routine and ensure you follow the right shaving steps. Adhering to the correct steps to the ‘T’ and wielding the right shaving razor will drastically improve your shaving experience.
If you follow the shaving routine and have the right shaving products in hand but still get irritations after a close shave, getting a new razor with better design and technology might help your cause.
2. Safety, Disposable, or Cartridge Razor?
The best part about good cartridge razors is the fact that they are readily available. You just might find them in every store you walk into. This is to mean that if you forget to pack it before you leave home, you should not stress out. You can rest easy knowing that you will find a disposable option in any store, pharmacy, mini-mart, or local supermarket that you waltz into.
Guy’s struggling with skin issues love these razors. And here is why. With cartridge razors, there is a little, if any, learning to do during your first use. Additionally, they prove easy to use and handle. They will leave minimal cuts, and nicks. If your skin is sensitive, the last thing you will be looking to do is irritate it further.
That said classic double-edged razors are slightly more complex. They do require a bit of time to learn the correct handling and technique. But even then, compared to disposable and cartridge razors, blade razors provide clean and closer shaves. Theoretically, you will need to make fewer glides and passes over your skin while shaving. This reduces the number of times the blade can irritate the skin. And if you do proper maintenance of your safety razor, it will last you years – maybe even a lifetime!
More to this, the best razor blades for sensitive skin tend to last longer compared to cartridge blades. And as you might be aware, while cartridge replacement with multiple blades is readily available, they can prove to be costly. Yes, these razors require a larger initial investment but in the long run, they prove cheaper to maintain.
3. The Shaving Head
In essence, you can alter the blade’s angle to match the contours of your face for a good shave. Making this adjustment makes the blade more aggressive or milder depending on what you are looking for. The mild setting is best if you have sensitive skin. The shaving is not only close but it is zero irritation.
Other razors, especially the disposable kind come with shaving heads predesigned at ‘optimal’ shaving angles.
4. Price
Truth be told, you will always get what you pay for. Whether the product is great or bad.
And while it is difficult to accept, most of the expensive razors available are usually worth the price they retail at. They are carved from high-end materials, feature unique designs targeted to make shaving a breeze, and above all, cause fewer troubles. Additionally, most of these last a long time. So the initial large investment you make will be worth it when the unit serves you for many years.
On the other hand, low-priced, or cheap razors feature a cheaper quality. This is especially true for the disposable types. A genuine disposable razor, the kind that you will throw out in your trash can after use will turn dull after a single-use. It will not have a huge impact on your wallet (finances), and it will provide you with a quality shave experience without causing your skin to flare up.
5. Moisturizing
There are very few razors that feature a moisturizer gel reservoir or a lubrastip (lubrication strips). These features are present in some razors and are designed to ensure your face remains well lubricated throughout your shaving process. A lubricated face, a well-lubricated face at that, results in far fewer skin issues. But this is not to refute the role the adjustable shaving head plays in making a razor good for sensitive skin.
6. The Handle
It is often easy to overlook the importance of the razor’s handle in the entire process. Don’t just pick any handle as not all handles feel great in your hand. Some have great ergonomic form and others, well, not quite. Some have a secure grip while others are quite slippery especially when handled with soapy hands.
Pay close attention to the handle you pick. It should make the shaving process easier without resulting in nicks and cuts.
7. Electric Razors
What about an electric shaver, are those ok? Sure – we have a separate review for electric razors.
8. Straight Razors
What about the ultimate men’s tool – a straight razor – is that ok with sensitive skin? Straight-cut razors involve a bit more – so I recommend you to check out our best straight-edge razor article or our straight razor kit guide if this is something you are considering.
Best Men’s Razor for Sensitive Skin (Summary)
Last update on 2024-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Merkur Adjustable Double Edge Razor – Best Safety Razor for Sensitive Skin
There is no doubt about it. Merkur double-edge safety razor is designed and created as a man’s tool. All its superb features are included to handle the very manly task of shaving. But be it as it may, it is still gentle enough to work its magic on troubled skin. This might come as a shock to many, but it is the truth. Most wet shaving experts and enthusiasts can attest to this.
This product is made in Germany. If you have been doing your research for a while now, you must have come across a phrase like ‘German craftsmanship.’ Its quality, features, and performance are rivaled by very few (if any) in the industry. The beauty of this razor is its versatility. It can handle shaving jobs ranging from mild to close smooth shaves.
While most razor types that can vary the setting have not been available that long, the Merkur is the exception. Its first debut was back in the early 1980s and they have been in the game for quite some time. The company has honed its skills and has a firm understanding of what sensitive-skinned men are looking for.
As mentioned above, the Merkur razor is adjustable. It is designed with six impressive settings. For a not-so-aggressive shave, one that is best for sensitive skin, the #1 setting will work great. However, if you are looking for an aggressive shave, rather than a close and smooth one, you should prefer the #6 setting. However, with the latter setting, be careful not to exert intense force. At this level of aggressiveness, any undue force could lead to a bit of blood sipping out of your skin following nick.
In case you are wondering why this feature is a big deal, consider this. To get your desired shave, you will not need to invest in multiple razors. Merkur is all you need for every shaving style you have in mind. This is why the Merkur razor is also a Top Pick.
So it is versatile. Is this all it has to offer? Of course not.
Below are some features and benefits you stand to gain from the Merkur safety razor.
- Most safety razors on the market are unfortunately not kind to beginners. And for those that are, there is a learning curve that goes into getting the best outcome without experiencing nicks and cuts. Merkur Futur, however, is perfect for beginners and shaving experts alike. That said, you should test it and be comfortable using it before switching it to the higher settings.
- It weighs 4.4 ounces. This is without a doubt heavier than most units. The beauty of this is that you get to exert very little power and still get a close shave. It is worth noting that it is balanced and as such, provides its user with great maneuverability and control.
- It is 4-inches long. At this length, the handle is best for guys with large hands as it provides additional control.
- The handle lacks knurling. Instead, it features an indentation close to the head. This gives you great control.
- Most razors make use of screws to hold the sharp razors on the head. Merkur, however, sports clips. These make it easy to replace and load fresh blades.
- Evenly distributed weight
- The matte finish adds to the longevity of the razor
- Features 6 settings
- The head is bulky and may pose a problem for some while shaving around the lips and close to the nose
Read review: Merkur Futur
2. Braun Series 9 Pro 9477cc – Best Electric Razor for Sensitive Skin
Braun has been the go-to brand for many men looking for quality shavers. The Original Series 9 is a favorite for many, with the Series 9 Pro 9477cc being one of the recent releases. The Series 9 Pro 9477cc sports significant changes bound to pique your interest.
Below is a quick overview of what the Series 9 Pro offers and why it’d make a nice addition to your men’s shaving kit.
New Shaving Head
Braun pushes the idea that their star Series 9 shavers have 5 shaving elements. However, the 4+1 Pro-Head consists of 4 active shaving elements; the wording is just marketing. With that said, the Series Pro 9 sports a redesigned element called the ProLift trimmer, which shaves beard length up to 7 days long and has improved reliability.
A Flexing Shaving Head and Locking Switch
The head moves up and down to provide a better range of motion and contact with the skin. This allows you to achieve a closer shave with minimal effort. But if you prefer the head stays in place, Braun added a precision switch below the thumb rest.
Sonic + Autosense Technology
The Series 9 Pro blades make 10,000 oscillations a minute, ensuring a faster shaving experience. Moreover, it sports AutoSense technology that adjusts shaving power according to beard density.
Wet and Dry, Cordless Use
Given that it’s a wet and dry shaver, it’s only available in a cordless option. The rechargeable batteries afford 60 minutes of shaving, which is quite impressive.
Power Case
In addition to the lengthy cordless use, Braun included a power case with a built-in heavy-duty Li-Ion battery that can charge your shaver for 6 weeks of use.
Precision Trimmer
The slide-out trimmer comes in handy for shaving sideburns and trimming flat-lying hairs.
- Powerful and fast
- Great performance with excellent closeness
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- A little pricey
3. Gillette SkinGuard Cartridge Razor – Best Cartridge Razor for Sensitive Skin
The Gillette SkinGuard Cartridge Razor is made for men with sensitive skin and those prone to razor bumps. The ‘SkinGuard’ is a new and practical tech added to the razor to protect the skin and provide a decent shave with minimal pulls and tugs.
From a design perspective, the Gillette SkinGuard Cartridge Razor looks like the Gillette ProShield but with:
- A SkinGuard
- Lubrication strips sandwiching the blade sets
- Only two blades spaced far apart
- Five pre-tensioners
- A trimmer blade set on reverse
- Lather channels
The ‘SkinGuard’ design helps to reduce skin irritation and razor bumps by:
- Absorbing pressure applied while shaving and minimizing exerted on each blade
- Smoothens the skin to protect it from the sharp blades
- Raises the blades from the skin to reduce contact with sensitive skin
The fact that the Gillette SkinGuard Cartridge razor only has two blades means you’ll work with a narrow cutting head that’s easier to work under the nose on the sideburns and chin without problems. The detail trimmer on the back proves useful when getting precise cuts on the sideburns and hard-to-shave spots.
Like most cartridge razors, this Gillette SkinGuard features a pivoting head. And while this means you can use it to shave your underarms, chest, groin, and head, the movement is limited compared to the FlexBall technology.
- Light at 1.6 oz (45 grams)
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Textured rubber coating on the handle for superior grip
- Pricey cartridge refill
- Not the closest shave
4. Schick Hydro 5 Razor with Flip Trimmer – Lubricates & Moisturizes Your Skin
When fighting against irritated and sensitive skin, moisture is key. Moisture is your friend when trying to prevent irritation. There is no other way to explain it.
Hydrated and lubricated skin lends itself out to a close shave but it also experiences reduced friction as the razor glides over it.
This Schick razor is one of the best cartridges available for sensitive skin. This razor is all about lubrication and moisture. But then again, and in all honesty, any blade that features hydrating gel reservoirs as this Schick razor does, guarantees real lubrication during a shave.
The Hydrating Gel reservoir that this unit boasts of enables it to deliver a smooth 40% reduced friction in comparison to a standard lubrastrip. It increases the lubricating surface by a whopping 80%. It is also said that it keeps the skin lubricated, the Schick maintains its lubrication for at least one hour following the shave. It is designed with Vitamin E and aloe vera which help in replenishing and nourishing the skin.
This Hydro 5 is designed to be well above the competition with a further bunch of features.
First, it features skin guards. These control the flow of the skin and help in reducing friction while you shave. There is a unique protection bar that stretches out the skin and encourages a smooth shave.
On the current Hydro 5 razor, the guide bar has been redesigned. It is larger than it is on the models that came before.
The number 5 included in the name of this razor represents the 5 razors that it features. Now it is true that the 5 blades do not necessarily mean that the unit will provide for a better shave. But all the same, the blades are one of the greatest features and strengths of this unit.
Another distinctive feature of this razor is the flip trimmer its features. This is usually designed to get to the hard-to-shave areas like under the nose and around the neck. This is the leading razor for shaving the sensitive skin of your neck. The trimmer is easy to use. It is activated by a simple flip using the thumb.
The handle of this unit also has great ergonomics. With this handle, you have great control and it fits perfectly in the hand.
The razor comes inclusive of 2 extra cartridges and they are easy to find when it is time to buy more.
- Has a hydrating gel reservoir
- Has state of the art Schick blades
- Features a flip trimmer that gets to the otherwise hard to shave areas
- While the handle is good, it does not beat that of other brands
How to Get a Close Shave with No Problems – A Quick Guide with Recommended Accessories
Now that you know of some of the best razors for men that are available that are great for sensitive skin, let us have a look at some techniques that will ensure you get a shave without annoyance.
Prepare the Skin with Some Hot Water
The best time to shave is after taking a hot shower. If you cannot take a shower wet a cloth with some hot water and wash your face with a good face wash or cleanser. This softens hair and makes it easy to shave off. In addition to this, it helps to exfoliate the skin. But I strongly recommend that you start the process by taking a warm shower.
Use a Shaving Brush with a Quality Soap or Cream
One of the most important parts of getting a good result is using a quality shaving brush and a good cream or quality shaving soaps – rather than a canister of gel full of chemicals. Put the brush in warm water before you jump into the shower and let the bristle in the brush soak up water and heat.
Shave Using a Sharp Blade
This is pretty obvious, right? You stand a better chance of delivering a close non-irritating shave with a sharp blade. If it is dull, be sure to replace it. Speaking of sharp blades, even though we haven’t touched upon it here – a good quality classic straight razor kit might be something to consider.
Shave along the Grain
There are some instances where shaving against the grain will provide a super close shave. However, if you have sensitive skin, this could cause irritations, razor burns, and ingrown hair. As such, experts advise that you shave along the grain for the first pass and then if you wish, you could go against it.
Perfect the Shaving Technique
To improve your technique, there are several things you need to be aware of:
- First, you should let the weight of the razor do all the work. This is especially important with DE razors. With cartridge razors, you might have to apply some small pressure.
- Have the blade at the correct angle. For an irritation-free shave, this should be about 30 degrees. Move your arm instead of the wrist as this will help in maintaining a genuine and consistent angle.
Clean the Blade Often
For people with sensitive skin, cleaning the blade regularly is imperative. This should be done with every stroke. It might increase the shaving time but the buildup of hairs and your shaving cream could lead to skin irritation.
Use Moisturizing Cream
Don’t miss out on this step: When your skin dries out, bumps and pimples may develop. As such, you must apply a moisturizer and a good aftershave for sensitive skin. This will help you feel comfortable.
Check out our article about the best skincare products for men for more information on how to take care of your skin.
What about Subscription Sites?
You can also sign up at Dollar Shave Club for a monthly subscription of blades for sensitive skin.
How Did We Make Our List of the Best Men’s Razors for Sensitive Skin?
The industry is full of all kinds of razors. We did not have the time to go through all of them. However, this article focus on the best razors for sensitive skin. We believe that the selection will serve you well. Our method allowed us to gain insight into most of the units available. We also ensure we chose reputable name brands to increase our chances of picking the best and keep unwanted surprises to a minimum.
And with that, our long review of the best men’s razor for sensitive skin comes to an end. Hopefully, you found some information helpful. Use this information to add value to your grooming process.
