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The market for women’s razors has grown past just the standard pink drugstore blades. Now subscription models offer refills delivered to your door, there are single-blade safety razors, and there are plenty of electric razors to choose from, too. With all of these options out there, I sought out advice from six dermatologists on how to shop for a women’s razor. Turns out, the number of blades is a bit of a controversial subject (more on that below). From there, I asked for their personal recommendations and tested some out for myself. I’m still a fan of the multi-blade cartridge razors with lubrication strips for my dry, sensitive skin, but I included a range of other options for different needs and budgets. Below are the best women’s razors, from convenient subscription packs to supersharp safety razors. (And, if you’re in the market for shaving cream, we have you covered here.)
Update on September 20, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Razor type
To narrow down your search, first start with the type of razor you’re looking for. The most common you’ll find at a drugstore are disposable and cartridge razors. Disposable razors are exactly what they sound like: They’re meant to be used just a couple of times before tossing them. These can come in handy when traveling or if you’re an infrequent shaver. Cartridge razors are made with reusable handles and disposable heads or cartridges. The number of blades on both cartridges and disposable razors varies, and experts I spoke to disagreed on the “best” number of blades a razor should have. The most common response I got — and what I found to be true in testing — was that more blades can help with a quicker and closer shave, but they’re more likely to cause irritation and ingrowns.
On the other end, there are single-blade safety razors, which have become more popular in the past couple of years for women’s razors. They’re more sustainable, because they’re typically made without any plastic pieces, and are generally less irritating since they minimize the razors passing over the skin. There is a slight learning curve with these, and in my opinion, they’re not as convenient as quickly shaving with a disposable or cartridge razor. Then there are electric razors. Dr. Naana Boakye says these are also best for anyone prone to irritation and razor bumps. The one potential downside is that you may not get as close of a shave compared to the other options.
Extras
Here I’ve detailed any extras that come with the razors. Disposable and cartridge razors typically come with lubrication strips. They aren’t necessary for getting a good shave, but they can help with calming irritation, if you have dry or sensitive skin. Other extras include things like refill blades, shower holders, and cases. Electric razors can also come with extras like brush cleaners and replacement blades.
Price
Disposable and cartridge razors are typically inexpensive, floating around $5 to $15. Just remember that you’ll have to repurchase razors or cartridges once they dull. Safety razors and electric razors are more expensive, but they’re meant to last much longer. I’ve sorted the razors into the following categories: below $15 ($), $15 to $30 ($$), $30 to $70 ($$$), and above $70 ($$$$).
Best women’s razor overall
Razor type: Cartridge razor | Special features: Hyaluronic-acid serum lubricating strip, magnetic holder, two extra blades | Price: $
Athena is one of the many direct-to-consumer razor-subscription models to pop up in the past couple of years. What makes it stand out is the sharp blades and weighty handle. I felt like I got the closest shave with this razor, and I never had to go over spots on my legs more than once. As for the handle, I appreciated how substantial it felt compared to the other disposable and cartridge razors I’ve tried in the past that are mainly made of plastic. Athena’s aluminum handle feels like it’s meant to last, and its silicone coating was grippy, so I never worried about it slipping out of my hands in the shower. I also found the magnetic holder to be one of the strongest, compared to others that would eventually fall. The one area I found it falling a bit short was the lubricating strip, which was slightly less hydrating than some of the other razors. Other than that small qualm, which could easily be fixed with applying lotion right after my shower, I thought the Athena stood out above the rest. The value is hard to beat, too, since the starter pack is just $10 for the razor, two extra cartridges, and the holder.
Best women’s razor for sensitive skin
Razor type: Cartridge razor | Special features: Aloe lubricating strip, magnetic holder, two extra blades | Price: $
Billie is similar to Athena in its pricing and what its starter kit comes with: a razor, two extra cartridges, and a magnetic holder. I did really enjoy shaving with the Billie, however, the Athena beat it out because of its weighted handle and slightly sharper blades. However, Billie’s aloe lubricating strip seemed more hydrating, which is why I think it’s best for sensitive skin. It’s also been recommended by two dermatologists I spoke to — Dr. Brendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology and Foy Skincare founder Dr. Kristina Collins — and our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton. Viera-Newton notes that it’s the only razor she’s used that doesn’t cause eczema flare-ups. Like Athena’s starter kit, Billie’s costs just $10.
Best disposable women’s razor for sensitive skin
Razor type: Disposable razor | Special features: Aloe and chamomile lubricating strip | Price: $
For a disposable razor that won’t irritate sensitive skin, go for Schick Hydro’s Silk razors. Dr. Ife Rodney of Eternal Dermatology likes that the lubricating strip is made with soothing such as aloe and chamomile, which should help with calming any irritation. The handle’s made with textured rubber for extra grip, so you shouldn’t have any issues with it slipping in the shower. It’s also inexpensive at just $10, which gets you three disposable razors.
Best safety razor
Razor type: Safety razor | Special features: 5 extra blades and silicone razor cap | Price: $$
As we mentioned before, safety razors are a good option if you’re prone to skin irritation and razor burn, since only one blade is gliding over your skin. But, compared to the disposable and cartridge razors above, there’s a bit of a learning curve with safety razors. Since they lack a pivoting head, you have to hold the razor at a 30 degree angle and make sure not to apply too much pressure while you shave. Dr. Rodney recommends Kitsch’s safety razor because its comfortable, long stainless-steel handle helps with control. While I haven’t tested it out for myself, I think it comes at a reasonable price of $22, especially given that five extra blades and a silicone razor cap are included.
Best less expensive safety razor
Razor type: Safety razor | Special features: 10 extra blades | Price: $
For a less expensive option, you can go for Kinghood’s safety razor, which was also recommended by Dr. Rodney. Like the above, it has a long weighted handle to help control your shave. Instead of just five extra blades, this comes with ten. Just note that it does not include a silicone razor cap like Kitsch’s.
Best plastic-free multi-blade razor
Razor type: Pivoting razor | Special features: 10 extra blades | Price: $$$$
The Leaf razor is somewhere in between a safety and cartridge razor. I like that it’s a plastic-free option, and it doesn’t have as much of the intimidating learning curve that comes with a safety razor. When I tested it out, I was able to get a pretty close shave, but my skin did miss the hydration from a lubricating strip. Changing out the blades takes a bit more time than popping off the traditional cartridges on the ones above, but it’s not too complicated. And lastly, the price is one of the highest on the list, but it’s worth noting that this comes with a lifetime warranty and 60-day return policy. With all of that said, the Leaf is still a more accessible plastic-free option that’s worth looking into if you’re hesitant about a safety razor.
Best electric razor
Razor type: Electric razor | Special features: 2 adjustable combs | Price: $$$
An electric razor is another way you can prevent ingrown hair and skin irritation. Dr. Camp likes this one from Meridian because it’s waterproof and made with ceramic blades, meaning you can use it in and out of the shower without any issues. The ceramic blades are meant to be replaced every three to four months, which is less frequent than the options above.
Best bikini trimmer
Razor type: Electric razor | Price: $$
Shaving the bikini line with a manual razor often leads to irritation because the hair’s generally thicker in the area. This waterproof electric razor (our top favorite bikini trimmer) has a trim comb a few millimeters from the skin to help protect from irritation and cuts. It’s designed specifically for tackling thick hair, complete with a retractable head for easy cleaning, and has fins on the side for further skin protection. It’s even a favorite of Whittney Anela Soares, a certified personal trainer and lifelong surfer based in Hawaii, who uses this in between sugaring.
Our experts
• Dr. Naana Boakye, dermatologist at Bergen Dermatology
• Dr. Brendan Camp, double board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology
• Dr. Kristina Collins, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Foy Skincare
• Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, dermatologist at Laser NY
• Dr. Ife Rodney, dermatologist at Eternal Dermatology
• Dr. Divya Shokeen, board-certified dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute
• Whittney Anela Soares, certified personal trainer and lifelong surfer based in Hawaii
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