6 Best Electric Razors for Sensitive Skin You’ll Love

In a hurry? Here are our top picks:

 

Having sensitive skin is not a joke, especially when you are shaving regularly. This is because sensitive skin is more prone to irritations, razor burns, and bumps.

If you want to minimize those irritations, you should look for the best electric razors for sensitive skin that offer a gentler and smoother shave.

In this article, we are doing just that: providing you with the best electric shavers for sensitive skin, offering some buying tips, and discussing the differences between foil and rotary shavers.

But we don’t stop there!

At the end of this review, we also provide an illustrated guide on how to use your electric razor to shave and avoid irritations.

Let’s get started with some buying tips.

Quick summary

Before you buy: 9 Things to consider when purchasing an electric razor for sensitive skin

Choosing an electric shaver might seem difficult at first, especially with the variety of options available.

But don’t worry.

We will lay down some of the most important things you should take into account before making your purchase.

Let’s dive right in.

1. The type of razor: Foil or Rotary

Electric razors come into two types: Foil and rotary.

According to many experts, foil razors are more appropriate for shaving sensitive skin types.

However, that is not to say that you can’t shave using a rotary razor. Due to the advancements of technology in the recent years, there are plenty of rotary razors designed with sensitive skin in mind.

However, if you are new to the electric shaving world, you might be wondering. What is the difference between a rotary and a foil razor?

Don’t worry, the difference is easy to spot: a foil shaver has a thin metal foil covering oscillating blades, whereas a rotary shaver has three (or more) circular heads covering a spinning cutter blade.

We will discuss their differences in more detail later in the article, but just know that you can use both types for sensitive skin nowadays with no issues.

2. Motor speed

The shaver’s motor speed is another factor that you need to consider. As a general rule of thumb, the faster the motor, the less likely it is that the shaver will pull your hair rather than cut it.

The speed of a razor motor is measured in cycles per minute (CPM), and faster motors generally run between 10,000 – 14,000 CPM or more.

One thing to keep in mind is that a quicker motor equates to a faster shave and, in most cases, a smoother overall shave without the need for excessive pressure.

Motor speed of the electric razor is super important if you’ve got sensitive skin. You don’t want to use a razor that moves too fast, because that can cause irritation. It’s also important to find razors with more blades for a close, smooth shave. We’ve found 6 electric razors for sensitive skin that do just that—and trust us, you’re going to love using them!

3. The blades

The sharper the blades, the better, especially for sensitive skin types. A low-quality blade that is not sharp enough will increase the chances of irritations as it will not cut the hair efficiently.

This will result in more hair straining which, is painful and damaging to your skin.

A sharper blade allows you to trim parts of your face in fewer passes, reducing the risk of skin irritation.

The majority of electric shavers come with stainless steel blades, while some more premium options come with titanium ones.

4. Is it waterproof?

If you are planning to shave in the shower, make sure your razor is suitable for wet & dry use. Having a waterproof shaver offers many advantages if you have sensitive skin.

For example, you can use it to shave with your favorite shaving cream to reduce irritation even more.

Also, a waterproof shaver is easier to clean as you can easily rinse it under the faucet.

This waterproof shaver is a great buy for you if you are a beginner.

5. Does it come with extra accessories?

Several electric shavers come with accessories, such as trimmer attachments, cleaning brushes, cleaning stations, storage cases, and even charging stations.

Whether accessories are important to you is a matter of personal preference. For example, a shaver that includes a trimmer attachment makes it easier to trim difficult-to-reach areas, such as under the nose or behind the ears, which decreases the chances of irritation.

Additionally, a cleaning station can increase the longevity of both the shaver and the blades.

An important thing to keep in mind though is that an electric razor that comes with accessories is often more expensive.

6. The grip

The grip plays a vital role when you are buying an electric razor for sensitive skin.

A good grip provides more maneuverability and also more precision and steadiness. This means that there is less chance of getting a razor burn or accidental cuts.

7. Battery and charging time

The average battery life you can find in a razor ranges from 40 minutes to an hour. Always make sure that the battery is lithium-ion as they typically hold a better charge.

Another factor to think about is the charging time. Some charge within as little as an hour, while some others need more time. Make sure to check the charging time, as you don’t want to wait a lifetime for your razor to charge.

New razors have quick charging technologies that allow them to get juice for a single shave with as little as 5 minutes of charge.

8. Price

Buying the most expensive electric razor might have more features or more accessories, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find great budget options that will get the job done efficiently.

If you are on a budget, don’t worry. We reviewed a variety of shavers at different price points to make your choice easier for you. Which one you choose is up to you.

9. Warranty

The average warranty time that brands provide is 1 year. However, it is preferable to look for 2 years or more. This will provide more ease of mind.

Now that we got the buying tips out of the way, let’s take a look at our best electric razors for sensitive skin.

The 6 best electric razors for sensitive skin

1. Best overall: Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 7

What stands out this electric razor

• 5 minute fast charge for a single shave
• Comes with a precision trimmer
• Sharp but smooth blades

The best electric razor for

People who are looking for the best overall foil shaver for sensitive skin that balances price, performance, and features.

Overview

Braun is one of the best brands when it comes to men’s grooming equipment. They produce fantastic razors, and they are not afraid to innovate.

This is evident with their Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 7. This is a foil electric razor that not only does it have great performance but also comes with great accessories.

Let’s begin.

The blades are made with premium stainless steel, meaning they are corrosion resistant and are very sharp. They are definitely able to cut really close without cutting or irritating the skin.

A lot of this goes to their innovative Autosense technology (as Braun calls it). What this means is that the razor has the ability to determine the size of the hair while trimming. Due to that, it automatically adjusts the motor speed to provide a smoother cut. In our testing, it definitely works.

The motor speed is 10,000 cpm which, is definitely on the faster side.

Another advantage of Braun is that the blade head is flexible which, assists in cutting curved areas gentler, such as under your chin.

Another thing that we liked is the fact that you can change blade heads for more precise shaving. For example, it comes with an additional precision trimmer head which you can use to trim overgrown hair from your mustache that goes over your lips. You can even use it as a beard trimmer, making it a very convenient attachment.

But there’s more to like about this electric razor, and these are its build quality and grip design.

We got to say, this is one of the most comfortable electric shavers to hold on hand. It feels steady, lightweight, and has a solid rubber grip, minimizing any accidental cuts while maneuvering.

The battery life lasts around 50 minutes when fully charged.

If you run out of juice and you are in a rush, don’t worry. It features a quick charging technology that lets you get a single shave’s power with just 5 minutes of charging, which is fantastic in our opinion.

Additionally, it is also fully waterproof, which makes it even more versatile and easier to clean. You can even use it with your favorite shaving cream for a smoother shaving experience.

But unfortunately, it also has some disadvantages we need to mention.

While this razor is able to cut really close, other electric shavers on the list, such as Braun Electric Razor for Men Pop-Up Precision Beard Trimmer Series 9, are able to perform a closer cut. However, it is more expensive.

While this razor is not as expensive as other electric razors on our list, the price is still on the expensive side. If you are looking for a cheaper option, consider Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 3 310s Electric Foil Shaver. It might not have some of the innovative features that this razor has, but it can definitely get the job done without causing any irritations.

Warranty: 2 years

Bottom Line

This is an absolute beast of a shaver. It provides a great overall performance and is very versatile. A great choice overall.

2. Best for close shave: Braun Electric Razor for Men Pop-Up Precision Beard Trimmer, Series 9 

What stands out about this electric razor

• Great battery life with LED display
• Very sharp stainless steel blades
• Waterproof

The best electric razor for

People who want the absolute best electric shaver that cuts extremely close and doesn’t irritate.

Overview

Braun Electric Razor for Men Pop-Up Precision Beard Trimmer Series 9 is another great option from Braun. An even more premium one.

This is the go-to if you have sensitive skin and want an absolute close shave at home. Let us explain more.

It comes with premium stainless steel blades that provide astonishing performance.

The shaving head consists of four cutting elements plus a protective skin guard metal.

The two outer ones are called Optifoil and are the foil cutters that shave the hair that is extremely close to the skin. Their foil holes are hexagon-shaped which provides less pulling and smoother capturing of hair.

The two inner elements are called: 1) the HyperLift & Cut trimmer and 2) the Direct & Cut trimmer. The HyperLift & Cut trimmer is specific to Series 9 and not included in the previously mentioned Series 7. It is a built-in trimmer that is designed to cut flat-lying hairs. It is golden in color is because it is coated with titanium which maintains its sharpness and increases its rust resistance.

The Direct & Cut trimmer is a built-in trimmer designed to capture hair that is facing in multiple directions without pulling or snacking.

As for the skin guard metal, we found that it does a phenomenal job protecting the skin.

 

But there’s more for our sensitive skin readers.

It also features synchrosonic technology. It is a feature that allows the shaver to read the density of the hair and adjust the power in relation to that. This not only saves battery life but also accidental cuts.

Additionally, the blade head is also flexible, allowing for an easier shave on curved areas. If you want to lock the head in a steady position, just use the slider button on the shaver’s body.

The battery lasts around 60 minutes with continuous use. Like the Series 7, it needs one hour to charge and features a 5-minute quick charge for a single shave.

It is also fully waterproof, making it more versatile and easier to clean.

Lastly, the grip is great, and it is lightweight.

The only drawbacks I could mention are that: firstly, it is very expensive, and secondly, it feels a bit cheaper than its price tag as it is made of plastic. It is also a bit loud.

Other than that, this is a fantastic razor.

Warranty: 2 years

Bottom Line

One of the best electric shavers for sensitive skin that money can buy.

3. Best rotary: Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 7500 for Sensitive Skin 

What stands out about this electric razor:

• Waterproof
• ComfortGlide Rings provide extra comfort
• Comes with a cleaning station

The best electric razor for

People looking for the best rotary razor for sensitive skin

Overview

When Philips Norelco says the 7500 produces the brand’s “most comfortable shave” it’s hard not to pay attention. Like Braun, Philips Norelco is a major player in the world of electric shaving, and hardly a newbie regarding products that raise the bar for quality.

Yes, while foil shavers are more gentle on sensitive skin, Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 7500 is the perfect example of a rotary shaver made for this task.

How does it achieve that? Let us explain.

The most notable feature of this rotary razor is the comfort rings around the blades. While the blades are super sharp, the rings protect the skin from accidental cuts and minimize the amount of pressure upon the skin while shaving.

Additionally, its GentlePrecision blades (as Philips Norelco calls them) are able to collect hair comfortably in the optimal cutting position reducing friction and discomfort. In our testing, we’ve found that they can cut even a 5 days stubble comfortably, without any hair pulling or irritations.

Philips Norelco’s DynamicFlex Technology is another feature we’ve enjoyed. It allows the shaving heads to move in five directions, following this way every shape of the user’s face and neck. As a result, you are able to catch facial hair in even the most difficult-to-shave locations.

Comparing it to the previously reviewed Braun Series 7 and Series 9, we found that even though Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 7500 is designed for sensitive skin, the Braun’s shavers were a bit gentler and produced less friction while shaving. Nevertheless, not by much. You will benefit from this razor, especially if you have thicker stubble.

Moving on, let’s talk about the battery.

It lasts around 50 minutes which is decent enough, and charges within one hour. Unlike the Braun shavers, however, it doesn’t have the 5 minutes quick charge. Also, while there is no LED screen to show how much battery is left, it does have a battery icon that starts blinking when the battery is low.

Furthermore, it is completely waterproof and includes a second trimmer head making it more versatile and easier to trim smaller areas such as under the nose.

You will find that cleaning it is also very easy because of the included cleaning station. It also comes with other accessories such as a precision trimmer and a travel pouch, making it easier to store or travel around with.

Lastly, the only disadvantage we found is that the shaving head replacements are pretty expensive. However, you only need to change them once per year – depending on how much you use them, and the performance of the blades.

The other disadvantage is that it doesn’t cut as close as, for example, the Braun Series 9. However, it is still close enough for most people.

Warranty: 2 years

Bottom Line

The 7500 is another quality razor in Philips Norelco’s line of great products. It provides a close, comfortable shave without irritating skin.

4. Best for barbers, travel, battery: GAMMA+ Absolute Zero Men’s Forged Cordless Foil Shaver

What stands out about this electric razor:

• Compact size
• Aesthetically pleasing premium design
• Comes with extra blades

The best electric razor for

People who travel a lot or professional barbers who would like something compact that cuts really close and has great battery life.

Overview

There is a lot to love about GAMMA+ Absolute Zero Men’s Forged Cordless Foil Shaver. It is a premium razor that is very compact and packs a lot of innovative features and power.

Let’s discuss a bit more on why it earned a spot on our list.

First of all, we found it to have a great cutting performance. Honestly, it cuts very close, which can be compared to the previously mentioned Braun 9. Plus, it is very suitable for sensitive skin types.

How does it achieve that?

It features gold titanium forged blades and foils, which are not only hypoallergenic (reducing this way possible irritations) but also, provide a close cut that is less aggressive. The foil is extra thin, allowing the blades to cut very close without any nicks.

Because of the titanium, the blades and foils last longer than other electric razors.

As for the motor, it is supercharged at 9000 rpm, making it stronger than other electric razors of this size. While using it, we didn’t experience any hair dragging or pulling which, is a huge plus.

Another great benefit of this razor is its battery life, as it can operate cordlessly for up to 2 hours.

And, if that wasn’t enough, it features wireless charging capabilities that increase convenience and ease of use.

It can also be used cordless and corded and features a quick charging technology that lets it fully charge in only 30 minutes. Awesome!

The long battery life, battery features, and compact size make it really convenient if you are a barber or traveling a lot. It also includes a removable cap, which also makes its storage easier.

The only drawbacks we need to mention about this shaver are the facts that 1) we found it a bit noisy and 2) it is not waterproof. If you are looking for a waterproof electric razor, the Braun Series 7,9 or Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 7500 are great options depending on what you are looking for in terms of performance.

Warranty: 1 year

Bottom Line

An amazing razor that surely impresses with its innovative features and great performance.

5. Best affordable: Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 3 310s 

What stands out about this electric razor

• Stainless steel blades
• Waterproof
• 45 minutes battery life

The best electric razor for

People who are looking for the best affordable electric razor for sensitive skin.

Overview

Back to Braun.

As you can see, we can’t get enough of this brand. We just love the quality of their products, and we can 100% assure you that we are not sponsored by them.

Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 3 brings many features that other more expensive foil razors have, at an affordable price, making it more accessible to everyone.

Let’s dive right in.

Like the more premium versions, it comes with two outer foil cutters and a single trimmer in the middle whose main purpose is to cut longer flat-lying hairs, preventing this way hair pulling and dragging.

However, unlike Braun 7 and 9, it doesn’t come with a flexible head, so you might find shaving the curved areas of the skin a bit more difficult. Nevertheless, the blades move up and down, according to the curve of your skin, and automatically retract if you put too much pressure, protecting this way the skin.

Upon our testing, we found that this razor is great for shaving up to 4 days’ beards, no problem. And, it provided really close shaves, as well. Although not as close as its more premium versions.

The battery is also solid and lasts around 45 minutes of continuous use. However, it needs 1 hour and a quarter to charge.

Despite Braun mentioning that it only needs 5 minutes of charge for a single shave, we think that realistically it needs around 10 minutes. While it might not be a deal-breaker, it is something to keep in mind.

As for the build quality, we found it to be really solid for the price. It is made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap as it is robust and tough.

While the grip is ok, it would have benefited more if the body had a rubber outer. Nevertheless, it feels solid to the hand and not slippery.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t come with any accessories. For example, there is no precision trimmer in the box, so you might need a separate beard trimmer or razor to shave smaller areas such as under the nose.

Warranty:  1 year

Bottom Line

The Braun Series 3 offers everything you’d expect from a Braun electric razor: a close comfortable shave and ease-of-use. All that at an affordable price.

6. Best for head shaving: Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO

What stands out about this electric razor

• Specifically designed for head shaving
• Stainless steel blades
• Wet and dry use

The best electric razor for

People who are looking for an electric razor to shave their sensitive heads.

Overview

If you are going for a bald look but you are afraid of shaving because your scalp’s skin is sensitive, look no further. Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO has you covered.

It is an electric rotary razor that is specifically designed to make the act of shaving your head really easy and comfortable.

Let’s discuss a little bit more about its design.

It has a patented design that allows you to hold it between your fingers with the palm facing your head. This ensures a comfortable grip, especially when you shave the back of your head.

It is so easy to hold and provides a steady grip when maneuvering around your head. This minimizes any accidental cuts or pulling, which is especially important if you have easily irritated skin.

But there’s more.

It features stainless steel blade heads that are pivoting to provide extra comfort around the curved areas, which also minimizes irritations.

The blades are sharp and provide a really close shave, similar to the Philips Norelco 7500.

In addition, it is water-resistant, which allows you to shave with your favorite shaving cream, adding to the minimization of irritation. A huge plus.

In our testing, we found that the battery lasts around 60 minutes – despite the 90m that SkullCandy advertises. Nevertheless, it is more than the average battery life of premium razors.

And it needs only one hour to fully charge, which is not bad. As an added plus, it features an LCD display that clearly states the battery percentage, so you never run out.
What we think that can act as a drawback is its build quality. The plastic feels more on the cheaper side, in our opinion. If you don’t mind that, then it definitely provides a decent shave.

If you are not looking for an electric razor for shaving your head, you can also consider Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 7500. It is also rotary, but its blades feature added protective rings that provide more protection for sensitive skin.

Warranty: 1 year

Bottom Line

This is a great shaver for anyone looking to get a bald look.

How we chose the best razors for sensitive skin

Our goal was to provide a list of some of the greatest electric razors for sensitive skin that answer the call in a lot of categories, such as close shave, travel, battery life, head shaving, affordability, etc.

After testing a lot of razors, we categorize them into the above categories to make it easier for you to select the one that is more suitable for you.

In addition to that, we have also thoroughly checked the customer reviews in order to double-cross our findings.

Nevertheless, because of the variety of products on the market, there is also the possibility that we missed reviewing some other great ones. If you think that is the case, let us know in the comments section below.

How to use an electric razor to avoid skin irritation (A simple, illustrated guide)

If you have sensitive skin, it is very important that you get educated on the right way of using an electric razor.

While some of the irritation might occur by the type of razor you are using: rotary, foil, cheaply made, etc., most of the reasons that nicks or pulling occur are because of the user’s misuse.

In this section, we are going to provide you with an illustrated guide on how to use an electric razor to avoid skin irritation.

Preparation is key

A lot of guys actually skip this step, but preparation is key if you want an irritation-free shaving experience.

Firstly, use a pair of beard scissors to cut down difficult to shave hair that is harder to shave with your razor for example hair beneath the jawbone or around your Adam’s apple. This will minimize hair pulling later on.

If you are dry shaving, make sure your razor and skin are completely dry before you shave. If you are wet shaving, make sure that you choose the right shaving cream. Higher quality shaving creams not only do they protect you more from accidental cuts but also don’t irritate your skin if it is sensitive. Always check the ingredients before applying something to your face. The more natural, the better.

Make sure your electric razor has enough battery life for a single shave. A lot of razors lose some motor power if they are not charged fully. A slower, less powerful motor usually leads to the blades pulling and tugging on hair.

One last thing is to make sure your facial hair length is at a reasonable length. Use a beard trimmer beforehand, if you have long hair. This is one of the main reasons that nicks happen.

Getting started

Because the skin around your neck, near your ears, and on your Adam’s apple is softer and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your face, you should shave those regions first. This is because most electric razors heat up after long use, which can cause irritation.

If your electric razor offers a ‘sensitive’ setting or one with a comparable rating, use it.

The technique

When shaving with an electric razor, some of the most essential things to remember are the following:

• You don’t need to apply too much pressure. The most common cause of razor burn and pimples is using too much pressure. You may need a higher-quality razor or, at the very least, new blades if you have to press harder or make extra passes over a certain area on your face.
• While shaving with the grain is vital when using a traditional razor, the reverse is true when using an electric razor. You must shave against the grain in order for the foils and shaving heads to effectively capture your whiskers.
• Use circular motions if you are using a rotary shaver. The circular motions generate an overlap, resulting in a more effective shave. It’s also a good idea to trim hairs that are growing in opposite directions by using both clockwise and counterclockwise movements.

Take advantage of additional trimmers

Many electric razors come with trimmers (built-in or as an attachment) that are meant to handle detail shavings, such as cutting longer hair on the neck or trimming mustaches and sideburns.

Instead of continually going over the same region with your foil or rotary shaver, use specialist trimmers for shaving hard-to-shave places (if available).

Post-shave

When you’ve completed shaving, wash your face with cold water to relax the skin and tighten pores, as well as eliminate any remnants of pre-shave lotion, soap, or powders used during the wet shaving procedure.

After drying your face, use a moisturizing aftershave to help reduce or avoid razor burn.

Aftershaves that are alcohol-free and feature calming, natural ingredients are recommended. Apply a tiny amount and spread it evenly.

Some additional advice to get the most out of your shave

Here are some more tips to get the most out of your shave:

Shave more often if your electric razor struggles with flat-lying hair

Lesser quality shavers might not be as good and thus, miss shaving flat-lying hair. If that hair gets longer, there is a higher risk of pulling or tugging in the blades.

Make sure to shave more often to minimize this risk. Or you can just buy a more advanced shaver.

Allow your skin to heal if you suffer from serious irritation after a shave

It’ll just make things worse if you shave your skin again while it’s irritated.

Make sure the irritation goes away before shaving again, otherwise you will make your skin’s condition worse.

Clean your shaver after every use and lubricate the blades regularly

Make sure to clean your electric razor after every use. This will minimize the chances of irritation on your next shave, while also increasing the blades’ longevity and sharpness.

Foil or rotary shaver: Which is best for sensitive skin?

There are two types of electric razors: foil and rotary.

We briefly explained each type when examining the things you should consider before buying an electric shaver. Here we will discuss in more detail their differences.

Here’s a closer look:

Foil shavers

Foil shavers feature a thin, curved metal foil that covers oscillating blades (oscillating blades move back and forth, rather than in a circular motion).

So, why are foil shavers preferable for sensitive-skinned men?

It all boils down to the strip of foil that covers the blades, which gives more surface area and reduces exposure to the blades beneath.

A good foil shaver glides across your face more smoothly and causes less irritation than a rotary shaver.

There are a few other things to know about foil shavers:

• The noise level of a foil shaver is usually higher than that of a rotary shaver.
• The whiskers are lifted from your face by the metal foil before being guided into the cutting blades. Under the foil cover, the blades oscillate back and forth, cutting the hair.
• When using an electric foil shaver, users are limited to up and down movements. In other words, instead of using circular motions like a rotary razor, you must shave in a straight line. There’s nothing keeping you from shaving in a circular motion with a foil shaver, but be prepared for some razor burn.

Rotary shavers and sensitive skin

Rotary razors typically feature three circular heads that cover a spinning cutting blade, while an outer guard guides your beard stubble to the blade.

One of the cool things about rotary shavers is that they’re designed to follow the contours of your face as you move the foil heads (and blades) in a circular motion over the shaving surface. As a result, the ability to pivot makes it easier to trim parts of your face that are difficult to reach.

Rotary shavers, however, are often harsher and less gentle on the skin than foil razors. They’re well-suited for many men, especially those with “regular” or tougher skin, or with thick, coarse whiskers.

If you want a close, everyday shave with less risk of irritating your face, then a foil razor is your best option. However, there are plenty of rotary shavers that are designed to shave with less irritation as we mentioned in our review.

Conclusion

Well, this is it, friends!

What is your favorite electric razor? Do you own any of the shavers we’ve reviewed today? Is it gentle for sensitive skin? What other shavers do you think we should include in our list?

We always welcome your feedback and suggestions.