Let’s talk about hair removal. While you certainly don't need to get rid of the hair that naturally grows on your body, there are plenty of ways to maintain or remove it if you choose to do so. Some options are more permanent (think: using an at-home laser hair removal device), while others are easy to do on your own, like using one of the best electric razors.
You probably already a tried and true drugstore razor, but I swear by the fact that electric razors are the most underrated beauty tool. They’re not just meant to be used by men to shave their faces; electric razors can provide an irritation-free shave on your legs, bikini line, and even your arms.
These nifty devices are typically battery or plug-in-operated and use rotating blades to effectively cut any unwanted hair. They're fast, can be used on dry skin, and are often considered better for sensitive skin types since they make less contact with the skin compared to a traditional manual razor.
But don’t just take my word for it—I spoke to board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D. at Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Caitlin Orszulak, Senior Scientist P&G Grooming—the company behind well-known shaving brands like Gillette—about why electric razors are great tools to keep in your shaving arsenal, as well as how to use them and the best electric razors on the market.
The Best Electric Razors
- Best Electric Razor Overall: Philips Beauty Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000
- Best Electric Razor for Travel: Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver
- Best Wet-or-Dry Electric Razor: Panasonic Close Curves Electric Shaver
This electric razor from Philips can be used on wet or dry skin, features a rechargeable battery, and comes with four accessories to customize your shaving experience, including a trimming comb and a "soft glide cap" for a closer shave. Reviewers say that it has a long battery life, too, which is a huge plus if you want to tackle your legs, arms, and bikini line.
Number of razor blades: 1
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: All over
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Rechargeable; Comes with several accessories; Costs less than $50
What I Don’t: Works better on wet skin than on dry skin
Review for MC: "I had always thought of electric razors as scary, cutting machines, but I was pleasantly surprised by this device. I used it dry on my armpit when I was running out the door and forgot to shave, and it was a lifesaver! I only needed to do a couple of passes for a smooth, close shave, and it didn't irritate, tug, or skip against my skin at all. It's also easy to hold, durable, and a charge lasts for a long time. I now keep this in the shower as my go-to razor because it's so easy to use." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger tests the Philips Beauty Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000
If you need an electric razor that you can use while on-the-go, this one from Remington is perfect. Not only has it garnered over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon lately, but those reviews also claim that it’s great for sensitive skin and is easy to use—all essential qualities when you’re not showering at your own place. This compact electric razor is cordless, can be used wet or dry, and is battery-operated, so you don’t need to pack yet another charger with you.
Number of razor blades: 3
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: All over
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Compact size; Can be used wet or dry; Good for sensitive skin; Gives a close shave
What I Don't: Some reviewers say it’s better for the bikini line than the legs.
Review for MC: "I'm very prone to ingrown hair, so the razor I use is everything. This little guy may be small, but it's mighty. It really gets rid of all the hair in just one to two passes and leave my skin stubble-free. Plus, I've noticed a huge reduction in my ingrown hairs on my arms and armpits compared to regular razors." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender tests the Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver
This four-blade shaver from Panasonic can remove hair in both directions and is waterproof. With nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's clearly a best-seller for a reason. Reviewers note that it's more effective on dry skin than on wet skin, and that you may need to apply it to the same area multiple times to achieve the best results, especially if you have thicker hair.
Number of razor blades: 4
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: All over
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Has four blades; Can be used wet or dry; Waterproof; Can be used in both directions
What I Don't: Costs more than $20; You have to go over the same area more than once if you have thicker hair
Review for MC: "When I'm in a rush to make it out the door (always) and realize I forgot to shave my legs, this Panasonic razor is my savior. I can be somewhat chaotic with my technique because it has razors that work both ways, while also having safety features so I don't cut myself." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano tests the Panasonic Electric Shaver
Other Electric Razors I Love
Dr. Nazarian recommends this electric razor from Conair because "the hypoallergenic foils are great for sensitive skin, and it has several different trimmers to pretreat even small areas, like upper lip or bikini." Given the over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's clear that shoppers agree. It's battery-operated, comes with several attachments, and reviewers say it's painless and causes fewer nicks and bumps. They also note that it doesn't catch your hair as you move over the skin. To get the best results, the brand recommends exfoliating beforehand.
Number of razor blades: 1
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: All over
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Painless to use; Causes fewer nicks and bumps compared to a regular razor; Comes with attachments
What I Don't: Some reviewers say that it's flimsy
Customer Review: "I've owned many trimmers like this over the years and this is by far the best. It operates so smoothly and does NOT catch and pull hairs pr cut you. Excellent value for the money." — Amazon
This is me saying that spending $74 on an electric razor might be worth it. Available in six colors, this bestseller features ceramic blades that handle all types of hair on the body—but it’s especially helpful for coarse or curly hair. It comes with two guides measuring 3-6mm and 9-12mm, and is waterproof for wet or dry shaving. It’s cordless and rechargeable, with one charge lasting you 90 minutes of use. The ceramic blades are meant to be safer on the skin and lead to less nicks and cuts.
Number of razor blades: Not listed
Power: Batter Powered
Area it's for: Pubic area; All over
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Made with ceramic blades that are better for your skin; Waterproof; Rechargeable; Cordless; Ergonomic design
What I Don't: Costs more than $30.
Customer Review: "Great trimmer with multiple trimming length options. Easy to maneuver and rechargeable!" — Meridian
The name of this product from Finishing Touch says it all: It's made to be used on your legs and does a damn good job of it. The smaller shape fits in the palm of your hand (also making it great for travel) and it's outfitted with an LED light for precise use.
Number of razor blades: 4
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: Legs
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Quiet; Long-lasting battery; Travel-friendly shape; Charges quickly; Reviewers said using this tool was relatively painless
What I Don't: Reviewers noted that using it on the parts of the body were more painful than using it on the legs
Customer Review: : "I didn't expect this to work as well as it does. I have pretty thick hairs, and this gives me nearly a smooth close shave every time. It is easy to hold in your hand and I haven't dropped it once, which is great for hard-to-reach spots like the back of your legs or thighs. You can charge it too so that is definitely a huge plus side." — Amazon
Orszulak approves of this versatile little device from Gillette Venus because "you can use it anywhere," she says. "Since you don’t need to use water or shave cream, this is a great product to throw in your bag and use anytime, anywhere." It's also outfitted with a small light on the top that will help you spot and remove even the smallest, finest hairs on your face, and it's small enough to keep in your makeup bag for on-the-go care.
Number of razor blades: 1
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: Face
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Small size; Has a light for precise use; Painless to use; Suitable for use on the face
What I Don't: Battery-operated.
Customer Review: "This is a very practical device for you. Easy to carry and use." — Amazon
This trimmer from Gillette Venus is great because it "protects the skin from tug and pull so there is less irritation," says Orszulak. It's designed to specifically fit into the grooves and curves of the bikini line, avoiding nicks, cuts, or burns. It can be used either wet or dry, and has a cordless design for easy use. While gentle on the skin, the blades are specifically designed to work with coarse hair that's common in that area of the body.
Number of razor blades: Not listed
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: Bikini line
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Cordless; Gentle on skin; Good for coarse hair
What I Don't: Battery-powered; Not rechargeable
Customer Review: "This trimmer is a godsend! It's easy to use, lightweight, and doesn't tug at hair. Perfect for the bikini area and delivers a pretty close shave for a trimmer. Definitely recommend!!" — Target
A set of floating, independent cutters and foils makes this rechargeable shaver from Conair a lifesaver for hard-to-reach spots like your bikini line or under your arms. The razor is also ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable hold that fits comfortable into every crevice. After using this, I never even feel the slightest bit of stubble.
Number of razor blades: 1
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: Bikini line; All over
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Rechargeable, Cordless; Comes with a cleaning brush; Ergonomic design
What I Don't: Some reviewers say the battery doesn't last very long per charge
Customer Review: "This electric wet/dry shaver does a great job shaving legs. Smooth and close with or with out shaving cream. I use it in and out of the shower. Works great! I would buy it again or get it for a gift for a friend." — Walmart
"This is the electric razor that I keep in my shower at all times. It's double-sided, so it's really the only shaving tool I use in a pinch. It's waterproof which is a huge bonus, and comes with one re-fill of the blade so I don't need to run out to buy a new one once I feel the blade getting dull," says E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla. "I'm a bit forgetful when it comes to using shaving cream, so the hydrating serum in the head of the razor is a godsend, especially when my skin is on the dryer side."
Number of razor blades: 5
Power: Batter Powered
Area it's for: Pubic area
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Double-sided; Costs less than $20; Waterproof; Editor-recommended
What I Don't: Can't replace the battery; Can't be charged
Customer Review: "The only razor I use. The five blades give you a close shave, without any nicks or cuts even possible. Absolutely the best razor on the market!" — Target
This cordless razor from Philips has racked up over 7,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Shoppers love it for the fact that its head is smaller than some other electric razors on the market, making it great for quick, precise hair removal around the bikini line. It can used either wet or dry, has an easy cordless design for in-shower use, and comes with two attachments and a travel-friendly pouch to keep it clean. It’s battery-operated, though, so you’ll need to have those on hand.
Number of razor blades: 1
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: Bikini line
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Good for travel; Good for precision; Can be used wet or dry
What I Don't: Battery operated
Customer Review: "Gentle yet effective. They get the job done quickly." — Amazon
An LED light isn’t something you would necessarily believe is vital for a great experience with an electric razor, but this pick from Brori is here to prove you wrong. Not only is it designed to remove most hairs courtesy of its three-bladed design, but the LED light also helps you remove even the peskiest, faintest of hairs. It’s also quieter than other devices, is cordless, and can be either wet or dry. It’s rechargeable using a USB cord, too, so you’ll already have one on hand.
Number of razor blades: 3
Power: Battery Powered
Area it's for: All over
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Cordless; Rechargeable; Has an LED light; Quieter than other razors
What I Don't: Some reviewers had to go over with a traditional razor for the closest shave
Customer Review: “Waited to review until I had had it awhile. It's been 6 months. Still loving it. I wanted a more environmentally friendly option than razors for shaving. This shaver charges quickly, shaves close, and cleans easily. It can be a bit slippery if you use it in the shower but otherwise a wonderful thing to have in your beauty arsenal. It does take some getting used to on how to hold it appropriately for shaving different areas, and I have nicked myself once or twice but that just proves it's sharp. The light on it is crucial for me to get a close shave." — Amazon
Should I Use an Electric Razor?
Before you buy an electric razor and start using it for yourself, it’s important to know why and when you may want to use one over a traditional manual razor. Ultimately, it depends on the finished look you’re after and the type of electric razor that’s available to you. “Electric razors tend to pull hair up before cutting, making them a little bit more efficient than manual razors, and require fewer additional tools, such as shaving cream,” says Dr. Nazarian. They're also better for sensitive skin as they provide a close shave while minimizing irritation.
Where to Use an Electric Razor
“For women, using an electric razor on the pubic area tends to be a popular choice due to the hair in that region being thicker than other places,” says Orszulak. This is because the hair in your pubic area tends to be thicker, coarser, and follow a different curl pattern or texture compared to other hair on your body. Electric razors can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs in that area because the hair isn’t cut as close to the skin.
“An electric razor also can be easier to control the amount of hair you want to remove, which can differ from person to person—some may opt to only trim around the “bikini line” and keep hair everywhere else, in which case an electric razor is a great choice for,” she continues.
Electric razors also are a great option for women who do choose to shave their face and who may not be as comfortable using a traditional razor blade on delicate skin there. “An electric razor is a great solve here [on the face], as it can feel less invasive due to it not having an exposed sharp edge,” says Orszulak.
When to Use an Electric Razor
Dr. Nazarian says that electric razors "can be used on either dry or wet skin, allowing for more flexibility in your routine," she says. However, it's important to note that you'll get a closer shave with manual razors—Dr. Nazarian says that this is because they "have more surface tension as they glide across the skin," whereas electric razors do not cause the same surface tension. If you plan to use an electric razor in the shower, ensure that you purchase one that is waterproof.
What Are The Different Types of Electric Razors?
As with most beauty tools on the market these days, there are different options for you to choose from. For electric razors specifically, that means that you can pick from one of three common types: rotary, foil, and single-blade razors. Ahead, Orszulak quickly breaks down exactly what each style is and how they work.
- Rotary: “This will have blades that spin in a circular direction,” she says. “There are usually multiple rotating blades, which are covered by a circular foil, on a single head; these may be able to follow contours of the face more easily versus a foil shaver.”
- Foil: “The cutting blades are covered with thin sheets of metal foil, essentially acting like a cage over the sharp blades,” Orszulak tells me about this kind of razor. “The “cage”—foil—protects the skin from coming into direct contact with the sharp blades. As the shaver moves over the skin, the foil can lift hairs and direct them to the blades.”
- Single-Blade: Single-blade trimmers “will have a guard that remains stationary, contacting skin while a cutting blade oscillates left and right above it, cutting the hairs being fed into the blades,” says Orszulak.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire editors tested five electric razors, evaluating their efficacy on different parts of the body. We also assessed customer reviews, amazon reviews, and the razor blades on each device.
Meet The Experts
Dr. Rachel Nazarian joins Schweiger Dermatology after years of practicing various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, general dermatology and dermatologic surgery.Dr. Nazarian has written many published articles in medical journals as well as widely respected dermatology textbooks, such as Treatment of Skin Disease. Dr. Nazarian serves as a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, where she completed her dermatology residency. While completing her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Nazarian was awarded a grant from the Women’s Dermatology Society. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Caitlin joined P&G in September 2009, becoming a member of the Venus Blades & Razor R&D team. Over the last fourteen years, Caitlin has been involved in the development of multiple female projects including Venus Quench, Venus & Olay, Venus Embrace Sensitive, Venus Swirl, and Venus Platinum. In the last two years, she has broadened her scope to also include Gillette Innovation, focused on improving the wet shaving experience for men. Specifically, she has spent much of her time focused on claims innovation and strategy. She works to ensure products come to market with compelling claims and visuals that are rooted in robust consumer and technical data. Her role allows her to stay very close to the consumer which has ultimately resulted in a sound understanding of habits and practices in the grooming category. She is located at the South Boston Manufacturing Center, also known as the Gillette World Shaving Headquarters. This site has been the technical center for developing and manufacturing the newest wet shaving technology platforms, using state of the art proprietary technology since 1903. Caitlin studied at James Madison University in Virginia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
