Cosmopolitan posted "17 Best Razors for Women (And Everybody) To Get Silky-Smooth Skin" The article includes Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Purvisha Patel shares her expert advice on how to keep your skin smooth and get the most life out of your razors.
Tested and approved, all right here.
Raise your hand if you’ve spent basically your whole shaving life searching for the best razor for smoother, softer skin. Yup, I feel you. Because for those of us who are into the hairless life (which is by no means the ~requirement~; you do you), finding the right razor actually makes a big difference in shave quality. Like, a drugstore disposable razor basically feel like a dull knife against your skin versus the smooth, weighted, eco-friendly razors I’ve come to know and love. Not only does your razor determine the closeness of your shave, it also plays a big part in avoiding razor bumps, razor burn, and your risk of cutting yourself.
And IDK about you, but I’m not out here trying to gamble with a razor and my skin. That’s why I found all the best razors out there right now that literally anyone can use, according to reviewers, dermatologists, and testing by Cosmopolitan beauty editors (ahem, that’s us). More info, ahead.
Meet the experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
- Purvisha Patel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, and the founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in multiple locations across Tennessee and Mississippi. Dr. Patel is also the founder of Visha Skincare, a skincare line that specializes in brightening and fading UV damage.
How to choose the best razor
Look for a flexible razor head
“You want a razor that can pivot, especially if you're shaving your body,” says dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD. “You need something that can move with the different angles.” Think: your ankles, knees, and anywhere else where your razor needs to bend over curves and angles. Having a flexible razor will help prevent any nicks and cuts in the ~dicier~ spots (IYKYK).
Choose one with a moisturizing buffer
Dr. Patel suggests looking for razors that have a moisturizing pad next to the blades to make sure your skin is super-lubricated as you shave. But if you prefer safety razors that don’t have a pad, dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, says to make sure you’re skin is significantly wet beforehand (like, don't just sprinkle on a little water and go to town), and lather up with a shaving cream for an extra smooth surface that will help prevent razor bumps, razor burn, and cuts.
Consider the number of blades
If you shave frequently, Dr. Patel says to go for a razor that has multiple blades, because they won’t dull as fast as a single- or double-blade razor. But regardless of what you choose, she says one of the most important ways to keep them from dulling too fast is to clean your razors between uses, and keep it somewhere where it can completely dry (so, you know, no laying on a damp sponge in the moldiest corner of your shower, k?).
Ready to get into the best razors? Just keep scrolling. But first, a glance at our top picks.
Our top picks for the best razors of 2022
- Best affordable razor: Joy Women's Razor Handle + 4 Razor Blade Refills
- Best disposable razor: Gillette Daisy Classic Womens Disposable Razor
- Best safety razor: Oui the People The Single Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
- Best for bikini line: Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Razor
- Best electric razor: Brori Electric Razor for Women
And now for the details. Keep scrolling to see the 17 best razors, ahead.
1 BEST RECYCLED RAZOR
Preserve POPi Shave 5 Razor System Made With Recycled Ocean Plastic
If you’re into blue beauty (and if you’re not, now's a good time to get into it), welcome to your ideal razor. “Truth: This is one of the few razors that has never cut me,” says Cosmopolitan deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger, “which makes me happy, considering it’s made from ocean-waste plastic—aka plastic already littering the sea.” And DW, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for ocean-friendly—this one’s still equipped with a lubricated pad, five blades, and a quick-release button to easily swap out your razor head.
- ECO-FRIENDLY
- BLADES CAN GET CLOGGED
2 BEST ELECTRIC RAZOR KIT
Remington WPG4020US Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit
“This three-in-one tool is the ultimate multitasker,” says Cosmopolitan deputy beauty director Lauren Balsamo. “It comes with multiple attachments—including a trimmer, foil shaver, and exfoliating brush head—to make any kind of DIY hair removal so freaking easy.” And for an electric razor, it can trim hair pretty close to the skin, so you won’t be going back for touch-ups as often.
- WORKS ON WET OR DRY SKIN
- RUNS OUT OF BATTERY LIFE QUICKLY
3 BEST CORDLESS ELECTRIC RAZOR
Fur Skincare Fur Trimmer Cordless Electric Razor
The best thing about this razor? I mean, aside from the fact that it is cordless and rechargeable and has an LED light to help you see clearly where you’re shaving—it also has rounded blades, meaning they’re basically knick-proof. “I love that this cordless shaver has four trimmer lengths and a three-blade system so I can choose exactly how much hair I want to lose,” says beauty assistant Valeriya Chupinina.
- CORDLESS
- WATER-RESISTANT
- EXPENSIVE
4 BEST SAFETY RAZOR
Oui the People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
While safety razors might need a blade change more frequently than others, they’re my personal fave for three reasons: They’re completely plastic free, they deliver a closer shave than any other razor, and they’re a great sensitive skin-approved product. “Beyond feeling fancy AF while using a chic, rose-gold razor, this one is perfect for sensitive skin because it’s only a single blade,” says Cosmopolitan beauty director Julee Wilson. “Translation: soft, smooth skin, sans ingrown hairs.”
- ECO-FRIENDLY
- GOOD FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
- HAS A LEARNING CURVE
5 BEST RAZOR SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
Billie Starter Kit
My favorite part about this razor subscription service (other than the Insta-worthy packaging) is that it’s super customizable. Regular shavers can get replacement blades as often as once a month, while lazy folks like me get refills every three months (i.e., you’ve got plenty of options here). The starter kit is less than $10 and comes with a retro-colored razor, two five-blade cartridges, and a cute magnetic holder.
- CLOSE SHAVE
- AFFORDABLE
- NO RUBBER GRIP
6 BEST FLEXIBLE RAZOR
Flamingo Women's 5-Blade Razor
There’s a reason Flamingo razors have so many glowing reviews: Not only are they prettier than your average razor, but they’re also significantly easier to use (thanks to the flexible body and five-blade cartridges). Prepare to never miss an inch of hair again.
- GREAT FOR HARD-TO-REACH SPOTS
- GOOD FOR COARSER HAIR
- BLADES DULL QUICKLY
7 BEST WET AND DRY RAZOR
Philips SatinShave Advanced Wet & Dry Cordless Shaver
The coolest thing about this electric razor is that you can comfortably use it on wet or dry skin (which, BTW, makes it particularly great for quick touch-ups). “If you want an electric shaver, this is the best there is,” writes one reviewer. “[It has] every attachment you will need, holds its charge well, and cuts extremely close for an electric shaver.”
- WORKS ON WET OR DRY SKIN
- NOT AS EFFECTIVE ON COARSE HAIR
8 BEST LUXURY RAZOR
Maapilim Safety Razor
PSA: No one should have to spend $50+ on a razor, but if you are looking for something suuuper pretty and don’t mind dropping some extra cash, you’ll love this rose-gold option. The sleek body is topped off with a smart, double-edged blade that helps you get a close shave every time.
- CLOSE SHAVE
- ECO-FRIENDLY
- EXPENSIVE
9 BEST RAZOR AND BIKINI TRIMMER
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor for Women with Bikini Trimmer
Don’t have room in your shower for a razor and a bikini trimmer? Consolidate your space with this double-sided option from Schick, which includes a hydrating razor and a super-effective trimmer in one sleek stick. “What would usually take me 15 minutes took me less than 5,” writes one reviewer.
- MULTI-TASKING
- EASY TO USE
- DOESN'T COME WITH A REFILL
10 BEST BIKINI LINE RAZOR
Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Razor
Heads up: You shouldn’t be using a traditional razor when shaving your bikini line—you need something super gentle, like this pick from Gilette Venus. The ultra-precise blades are specifically designed to help protect skin from irritation and ingrowns, and it’s even got a trimmer on the back of the blades for hard-to-reach areas. Just make sure you prep with shaving cream and follow up with moisturizer to keep your skin as soft as possible.
- GREAT FOR HARD-TO-REACH SPOTS
- ONLY TWO BLADES
11 BEST FACIAL RAZOR
Schick Silk Touch-Up Retouche
Face-shavers, rejoice: This skinny lil razor is basically a godsend for peach fuzz and eyebrow touch-ups. “It’s almost impossible to cut yourself with these, and it took the peach fuzz right off my face,” writes one reviewer. Each $5 pack comes with three micro razors that will make shaving your face at home almost...enjoyable?
- GOOD FOR FINE HAIRS
- NOT AS EFFECTIVE ON COARSE HAIR
12 BEST TRAVEL RAZOR
Gillette Venus Snap with Extra Smooth
No one likes traveling with a clunky razor, which is why this teeny-tiny pick from Gillette Venus is so popular. The compact body is small enough to throw in your toiletry bag and it actually works.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
- BLADES DULL QUICKLY
13 BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY SAFETY RAZOR
Zomchi Safety Razor for Women
If you’re ready to make the shift to safety razors, prepare for the closest shave of your life. As one reviewer writes, “I get a close shave every time, and I’ve had less ingrown hairs! Easy to use once you get hang of it.” Heads up, though, that safety razors definitely take a minute to get used to—they require a lighter pressure than traditional razors—so just take your time and go slow (might I suggest also watching a tutorial or two?).
- CLOSE SHAVE
- TAKES GETTING USED TO
14 BEST AFFORDABLE RAZOR
Joy Women’s Razor Handle + 4 Razor Blade Refills
For a v reasonable $13, you can get this top-rated razor and four blade refills. Cost aside, this option has five-blade cartridges for a comfortable (and close) shave, and a cute minimalist design. No wonder it’s got more than 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon right now.
- CLOSE SHAVE
- CAN BE SLIPPERY
15 BEST ELECTRIC RAZOR
Brori Electric Razor for Women
This electric razor is perfect for anyone looking to speed up their shaving routine. It’s got three speeds and stainless steel blades, and it leaves your skin with a smooth, close shave every time. Bonus: It also comes with an LED light that makes reaching fine hairs, like, 100 times easier.
- LONG-LASTING CHARGE
- HARD TO CLEAN RAZOR HEAD
16 BEST RAZOR FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
BIC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Women’s Disposable Razor
Got sensitive, easily irritated skin? Feel ya. This drugstore razor comes equipped with gentle blades that won’t leave behind any bumps or redness. As an added bonus, each razor head is spiked with hydrating ingredients, like aloe vera, to moisturize your skin as you shave.
- SHARP BLADES
- BLADES DULL QUICKLY
17 BEST DISPOSABLE RAZOR
Gillette Daisy Classic Womens Disposable Razor
While I don’t love disposable razors, there’s definitely a time and a place for them—like keeping a bag of them in my apartment for when friends crash at my place (if I had a dollar for every time someone asked if they could borrow my razor...🤢). The bag is loaded with 18 single-use razors that actually get the job done (and for $12, no less). “I was tired of paying higher prices for disposable razors that were doing a basic job, so I decided to buy these and save some money,” one reviewer writes. “They are better than the others I’ve been spending more money on.”