Did you know that the average man will spend about 45 days of his life shaving? And if you have sensitive skin, it might feel like 45 years, especially with the wrong shaver in hand. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Welcome to your ultimate guide on the best electric shaver for sensitive skin. I know, finding the right shaver can be as tricky as a Sudoku puzzle on a Monday morning, but it’s crucial for avoiding those dreaded post-shave red flags (literally).
Here’s the deal: I’m a grooming enthusiast, just like you, who has braved the jungles of electric shavers. From razors that feel like a cat’s tongue to ones that glide like butter on a hot pan, I’ve tried them all. So, you can trust me when I say I’ve got the inside scoop on the best electric shavers for sensitive skin.
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Our Choice
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N/A
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$299.99
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$405.81
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What causes irritated skin?
Irritated skin or razor bumps are a common issue amongst people who shave regularly. Over 27% of people who have experienced some sort of discomfort after trimming their growth may not be directly caused by the process of shaving itself.
Bacteria
After you have freshly shaved the lack of hair creates tiny pores in your skin. This allows the bacteria to enter your skin. Your body reacts to try and get rid of these foreign bodies and is most often in the form of inflammation. This then leads to small bumps or even ingrown hairs if hair follicles are involved.
Using good quality shaving and after-shave products ensures that you keep your face bacteria-free.
Dry shaving
If you are a person who experiences irritation while shaving it may be due to the lack of lubrication between your skin and the sharp spinning razors. High-quality shaving creams are designed especially with ski lubrication in mind. This helps the electric shaver glide across your face in a smooth manner without irritating the skin. Creams not only lubricate the skin but also soften the tough beard hairs, this allows for the razor to cut through the hair instead of pulling on them.
If you opt-in for a water-resistant shaver you will be able to use shaving cream without any issues and worry that you may damage the device.
Pressing too hard
Many of us men lack the light touch. But it is important to remember that our skin is not as resilient as we may think. That is why it is worth letting the electric shaver do the work instead of pressing hard on the skin.
How to prevent irritated skin?
Once you experience irritated skin there are treatments to help you get rid of the soreness. But you should remember that prevention is the best cure.
Hydration
Before you start shaving, remember to hydrate. This can be done by using specialized products or simply by splashing water onto your face. This ensures that you reduce the number of nicks and cuts and also it softens your hair. Warm water is ideal for softening hair so it may be a good idea to shave right after a shower.
Skin Preparation
Use facial scrubs to remove any oils or dead skin from the surface of the face. This not only makes the shave more comfortable but stops any dirt from getting into your open pores.
It’s also a good idea to use a shaving gel as this will lubricate the surface and treat your skin after the shave. Don’t forget that it is perfectly normal to use shaving cream with an electric razor as long as it is waterproof.
Maintain your razor
Dull or dirty blades can tug and pull your hair instead of cutting them which can damage your skin and cause irritation. Electric razors are designed with a long blade lifetime in mind so replacing the razors may not be needed too often. However, the inside of the razor will need regular cleaning as it will get clogged up with hair and dead skin. This will greatly reduce the performance of the razor and the blades.
Gillette has made an informative video about how to shave with an electric razor without irritation:
The difference between Foil & Rotary shavers
Electric shavers come in many shapes and sizes but there is one key difference between the two and that’s the cutting mechanism. Both mechanisms have their advantages and disadvantages and the way they perform will really depend on the individual and the desired results.
Foil Shavers
Foil shavers contain oscillating blades inside a metal casing. This casing has miniature holes resembling a cheese grater. Your hairs fit inside these holes where they are met with sharp oscillating blades. The foil not only protects your skin from the fast-moving blades but also creates a method to make your hair stable when cutting. This allows for a very close and accurate shave.
Rotary Shavers
As the name suggests, rotary shavers use rotating disks with sharp blades attached to them. These disks spin at fast speeds in a round housing. This housing has channels specially designed for hair to fit into and get cut by the blades. Once the hair finds itself in the canal, the fast-spinning razor cuts through the hair. All of this happens at great speed, making electric shaving a fast process.
Commonly, rotary shavers come with 3 disks arranged in a triangle. Each disk is independently articulated which allows the blades to fit the contours of your face.
Below you will find our full list of best mens electric razors for sensitive skin.
Best Electric Shaver For Sensitive Skin
Braun Series 9 Pro
The Braun Series 9 Pro electric shaver features a flexible ProHead, designed to handle various beard lengths and navigate challenging areas efficiently.
It incorporates ProLift trimmer and Sonic Technology, aiming for a fast and gentle shave, even in difficult spots like the upper lip and neck.
This cordless shaver charges fully in an hour, providing 60 minutes of use, and offers a quick 5-minute charge for emergencies.
Constructed in Germany for durability, it's waterproof and compatible with shaving aids, ensuring a lifespan of up to 7 years.
Braun is known for its foil shavers, and series 9 is their flagship model. Foil shavers have the advantage of giving you a very close shave without making the blade come in contact with the skin. This, of course, helps you prevent skin irritation.
This electric shaver is packed with technology to make your shaving experience as flawless as possible. One great example of this is the addition of sonic vibrations which cause your shaver to glide across your face.
Previously in this article, I have mentioned that keeping your shaver well maintained and clean will ensure you get the best performance, well Braun came out with a charging station that is able to clean your shaver at the same time. This will not only ensure that you get less irritation and a long-lasting device but also your shaver will always be ready to tackle your growth.
Unfortunately, some users of this particular shaver have reported that their skin became irritated after using it on 2-week old beards. Making us think that foil shavers are not so good on long growth
It is worth mentioning that this particular foil shaver is recommended by the Skin Health Alliance, suggesting its great performance on the skin.
Philips Norelco Series 9400
The Philips Norelco 9400 features Dual SteelPrecision blades, designed for a close shave with up to 150,000 cutting actions per minute.
It includes an intelligent sensor that adjusts to facial hair density, ensuring a gentle and efficient shave.
Equipped with ComfortGlide rings, the shaver minimizes skin irritation, providing a smooth experience.
Versatile in use, it allows for both dry and wet shaves and offers up to 60 minutes of shaving time per hour of charging, with a quick charge option available.
So, I recently switched to the Philips Norelco 9400, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for my sensitive skin. I’ve been on the hunt for a shaver that doesn’t leave me looking like I’ve wrestled with a cactus, and this one fits the bill. The Dual SteelPrecision blades are seriously impressive — they’re like tiny ninjas performing 150,000 cutting actions per minute, yet so gentle on the skin. It’s almost like they know exactly how much pressure to apply, thanks to the intelligent sensor that adjusts to your beard density.
The ComfortGlide rings are the real MVPs here. They create this smooth barrier between the blades and my face, reducing irritation significantly. I’ve used it for both dry and wet shaves, and it’s equally effective. The convenience of shaving in the shower is a plus, especially on those rushed mornings.
And the battery life? Stellar. I’ve gotten about 20 shaves on a single charge, and the quick charge feature is perfect for when I forget to plug it in. The only gripes I have are about its size — it’s a bit bulky, especially for those tricky spots around my beard. And the proprietary charger is a bit of a downer, especially since I’m all about that USB-C life.
Panasonic Arc 6
This shaver includes six hypoallergenic stainless steel blades, influenced by Japanese blade crafting, aimed at providing a thorough shave.
It features magnetic levitation technology for high-speed cutting and a flexible head that adapts to facial contours.
The beard sensor adjusts power for varying beard lengths, aiming to minimize irritation.
Suitable for wet and dry use, the product is accompanied by a station for charging and cleaning, emphasizing functionality and design.
As someone who’s always on the lookout for the perfect shave, especially with my sensitive skin, I had to see if the Panasonic ARC6 lived up to its hype.
First things first, this shaver feels like the luxury car of electric shavers. The matte black finish and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to hold, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for something that feels so substantial.
When it comes to performance, those six blades are not messing around. It’s like they’ve packed centuries of Japanese blade expertise into this tiny, high-tech gadget. The shave is incredibly close, yet, remarkably, my skin didn’t throw a tantrum. No redness, no irritation – just smooth sailing.
Now, let’s talk tech. The Mag-Lev technology here is not just a fancy term; it actually delivers. It powered through my stubble as if it were butter, and the responsive beard sensor is like having a smart co-pilot, adjusting power on the fly to tackle different beard lengths and densities.
I especially appreciated the wet/dry feature and the cleaning station. Easy maintenance is a big win in my book. But, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price. It’s steep, and I can see why some might balk at it.
Braun Series 3 ProSkin
The Braun Series 3 electric razor features a 3-blade, free-floating system that adapts to facial contours, ensuring a close and comfortable shave.
It includes a middle trimmer for tackling tough hairs and 2x SensoFoil elements for skin comfort.
A precision trimmer and MicroComb technology aid in capturing more hair per stroke, especially effective on 3-day beards.
This durable shaver, designed for use with water, foam, or gel, offers a cordless experience with a rechargeable battery, providing 45 minutes of shave time and a quick 5-minute charge for one shave.
This is the second cheapest electric shaver for sensitive skin that I have reviewed on this list. But it absolutely does not mean its the worst. In fact, looking at the name of this shaver you can tell that Braun paid particular attention to the treatment of the skin, by including “ProSkin” in the name.
This is a cordless shaver that is also 100% waterproof making cleaning simple and allowing you to use shaving creams and gels to reduce skin irritation. A specialized micro-comb ensures that more hair is directed towards the cutting blades making shaving much faster and reticular gentle.
The shaving elements are designed in such a way that when you press too hard the blades retract inside of the shaving head preventing any undue irritation. The intelligent design ensures you’re able to shave the difficult to reach areas making your skin feel smooth and preventing ingrown hairs.
Thanks to its lightweight design and the cheap price I would happily recommend this to a beginner who has experienced razor burns and irritated skin with manual shavers. This is a great gateway shaver to the world of electric shaving.
Many customer opinions about this shaver praised the great ergonomic design however they are not so happy about the quality of the shave. Some of the reports state that the shave is simply not close enough. So maybe if you’re looking for a very close and precise shaver you should look at the other devices I have reviewed in this article.
MANSCAPED The Handyman
The Handyman is a compact face shaver featuring a dual-action SkinSafe blade head, combining a long-hair leveler and a foil shaver for precision grooming.
It boasts a quick-charging Li-ion battery, offering up to 60 minutes of use, with a 5-minute quick charge option for urgent grooming needs.
Designed for portability, this shaver includes a magnetic protective cover, making it ideal for travel.
Additionally, it's IPX7 waterproof, allowing for easy cleaning under running water.
Alright, let’s dive into the MANSCAPED The Handyman shaver.
This little gadget is a lifesaver for those with sensitive skin, like me. It’s compact, but don’t let its size fool you. The dual-action SkinSafe blade head is a game-changer; it handles the tricky balance of getting a close shave without turning your face into a battleground.
The long-hair leveler deals with longer stubble, and the foil shaver gets up close and personal for that smooth finish.
Using it is a breeze, really. It’s like it’s made for those mornings when you’re rushing to get out the door. The battery life is a standout feature – 60 minutes of run time means I’m not constantly charging this thing, and the 5-minute quick charge has saved my skin (literally!) on more than one occasion.
It’s great for travel, too, lightweight and with a magnetic cover that keeps things tidy. Waterproofing is a big plus, making it shower-friendly.
However, a word of caution: some folks have mentioned dull baldes I didn’t experience this, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re heavy-handed or new to electric shavers. As for value, it’s a bit of a mixed bag among users.
Our Choice
Looking at the list of the electric shavers I can see that they come with many bells and whistles which will ensure you get the best shave without damaging or irritating your skin. Although all of these additional gadgets may improve your chances when fighting razor burn it is also important to consider learning the correct shaving technique as well as post-treatment. All of these put together will improve your chances and can eliminate the soreness once and for all.
However, I was most impressed by the Braun Series 9 which seems to have specially designed features at every corner to improve your shaving experience and to reduce irritation.
