The Best Women's Razors for Silky Smooth Skin
Experience your best shave yet with these top-tested razors.
Reviewed by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab Director
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Anyone who shaves their legs, underarms or pubic areas has probably experienced razor bumps once or twice (and that's an underestimate). Razors for women have evolved over the decades to provide closer shaves without bumps or painful nicks. That's why chemists and product analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab evaluate almost every type of razor and hair removal product you may have in your rotation. We sent the best women's razors to consumer testers who provided feedback on ease of use and overall satisfaction. From there we narrowed down the top-performing razors, including options for your face and sensitive skin.
Pros
- Five-blade razor
- Easy to maneuver
- Designed to hydrate skin as you shave
Cons
- May feel heavier to some
Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Five | Features: Aluminum handle coated with non-slip silicone and a hyaluronic acid serum strip
Minimize shower time with a razor that 89% of our testers agreed was best at shaving hair in one pass. The GH Beauty Award winner also earned a perfect score for maneuvering around hard-to-reach areas. The five-blade razor comes with a silicone handle for easy gripping while its skin guard comes coated in hyaluronic acid that aims to hydrate as you go.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Multiple testers appreciated the close shave this razor left behind. "I like that it got around my knees and ankles well and gave me no razor burn," one tester reported, while another added, "It left my skin incredibly smooth with not a hair left." Note that one tester found it heavier than other razors.
Pros
- Glides over hard-to-reach areas easily
- Gives a close, long-lasting shave
- Gel/lotion band around blaze for a smooth shave
Cons
- Lubrication around the blade can become sticky
Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Five | Features: Twisting handle and a water-activated moisturizing ribbon
Uniquely designed with a ball to allow the razor to twist side to side and pivot more easily, this refillable option from Gillette performed very well in our testing. It was able to maneuver around tricky areas with ease: All testers agreed that it glided over skin easily, and nearly every tester said that it easily moved around difficult areas such as knees and ankles.
The blade has a gel/lotion band around it for smooth lubrication, but some testers found that it became sticky. We recommend frequently changing the cartridge to avoid that.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Some of our testers reported they could shave less frequently when using the Venus Extra Swirl Razor. One tester liked "the super close shave and the fact that I shaved less often yet still had smooth skin."
Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair and Skin
Pros
- Gentle
- Easily shaves fine and coarse hair
- Doesn't cause redness or irritation around delicate areas
Cons
- Some wish it provided a closer shave
Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Four | Features: Ergonomic handle and irritation defense bar
With a rubbery ergonomic handle and a patented "Irritation Defense Bar," this razor puts you in control of your shave. It is able to easily slice through both fine and coarse hair, leaving your skin feeling nice and smooth. Some online reviewers say it doesn't shave super close to the skin, so you might not get the closest shave with this one.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One of our testers called this razor a "real game-changer, especially for delicate areas." She didn't experience redness or irritation while shaving with the Gilette Venus razor and added, that it "is so gentle that I barely felt anything."
Pros
- Doesn't irritate skin
- Won't nick skin
- Easy to maneuver and hold
Cons
- Can feel flimsy
Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Four | Features: Aloe and vitamin E conditioning strip
For around $10, you can get this razor plus three additional refill blades. A great deal, it also performed well in Lab testing, earning the highest score among all razors (disposable and reusable) for gliding over skin easily, not irritating skin, avoiding nicks and providing long-lasting smoothness. It features a pivoting head that is easy to maneuver. While it's designed to be lightweight some testers shared the razor felt a bit flimsy in their hands.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Our testers said they didn't have to go over areas more than once, with one saying they would "continue using it for sure." Multiple testers also found the razor comfortable to hold in their hand while shaving.
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle
Pros
- Maneuvers easily, even around difficult areas
- Provides a very close shave
- Waterproof
Cons
- AAA battery will need to be replaced
Type of razor: Cartridge and electric razor | Blades: Five | Features: Battery-powered bikini trimmer
Taking the top spot in Lab testing for refillable razors, this Schick two-in-one razor and bikini trimmer was a favorite among testers. Earning the highest scores for easily maneuvering around difficult areas and providing a close shave, users don't have to take multiple passes to fully remove hair, making it great for thicker, coarser hair.
This waterproof multitasker scored highly for ease of use as well, but take note that the trimmer is battery-powered. One is provided, but you will need to put in a new one once it dies.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One tester shared that the Hydro Silk TrimStyle is a "must-have razor. It provides a smooth shave experience." Another found the two-in-one design helpful because she didn't have to switch between razors.
Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand
Pros
- Removes face fuzz without irrtiation
- Leaves behind no nicks or cuts
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Takes practice to learn how to use
Type of razor: Facial razor | Blades: Not listed | Features: Metal handle
Sweep away dead skin cells with Schick's refillable face razor tool. The GH Beauty Award Winner safely and effectively removed thick facial hair for smooth skin, with no nicks or cuts experienced, based on Lab expert evaluations. A few online reviewers noted that there's a bit of a learning curve that comes with it — ease into use as it may take a few tries to get the hang of it.
One purchase includes six refill blades, making this another great value pick thanks to its budget-friendly price of under $15 (when on sale).
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: “Maneuvering it around my face felt natural, and it removed my fuzz with ease and without irritation," said one tester.
Pros
- Works great on underarms
- Can be used on dry skin without irritation
- Includes a travel cap and pouch
Cons
- Need to go over the same area multiple times to fully remove hair
Type of razor: Electric razor | Blades: Four | Features: Includes a bikini comb
If you prefer an electric shaver to a traditional razor, try out this one that features four rotating blades designed to help you cover large areas faster. Great for those who have sensitive skin, it can be used on dry skin without razor burn or irritation. Although pricier compared to most picks on our list, the shaver comes with a bikini comb, cleaning brush, and a travel cap and pouch.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: GH Beauty Lab testers loved it on their armpits, with one saying it gave them the "closest shave ever in my underarm area." However, testers did find it a little difficult to use since it doesn't have a pivoting head and had to pass over their legs multiple times to fully remove hair.
Pros
- Top scores for gliding over skin
- Gives a close and long-lasting shave
- Won't irritate skin
- Sustainable design
Cons
- Can be tricky to assemble and learn how to use
- Expensive
Type of razor: Stainless steel safety razor | Blades: Not listed | Features: Weighted and angled
Razor sharp, indeed. Oui the People's razor offers a nice, clean shave. Ideal for more advanced razor users, our experts say there's a learning curve to using this weighty razor, and it takes time to ace it. But once you've perfected it, the razor will effectively remove leg hair with an impressively close shave.
Made from stainless steel, it's more sustainable than other razors that are designed from disposable plastics, so though it's pricey, it can be reused multiple times. We recommend storing the razor outside of the shower to prevent rusting.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I like how smooth my skin [felt] after shaving, and it takes longer for new hair to show up," said one tester. The razor also earned high scores for gliding easily over skin without irritation, but some testers had trouble assembling it.
Pros
- Colorful, stylish design
- Non-irritating
- Testers agreed it shaves closer than other razors
Cons
- Moisture strip can get sticky once dry
Type of razor: Refillable razor | Blades: Five | Features: Magnetic holder and aloe moisturizer
Billie can be your one-stop shop for hair removal. Upon your first order, you'll find a durable razor in the color of your choice, two refill cartridges and a magnetic holder for your shower. From then on, you'll get four five-blade cartridges as you need.
In our evaluations, 100% of testers agreed that the Billie razor excelled at shaving closer than other razors they tried. It was also a top choice for hair removal in the leg and pubic area and got extra points for not irritating skin. Its aloe-infused strip moisturizes skin in the razor's wake, but if not left on its magnetic holder, can stick to other objects once dried down.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One tester said it "glided smoothly, [was] pretty to look at, [and] using the holder was a reminder to shave!" Another tester said they "would definitely switch to this brand in the future."
Pros
- Easily navigates around skin
- Effectively removes hair from bikini line
- Durable and luxurious handle
Cons
- Blades sold separately
Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Not listed | Features: Bamboo holder
Navigate around skin, even the bikini area, with ease thanks to this reusable razor handle with a pivoting head. Overall, our testers praised it for its easy trip over skin, and it earned the highest score in our roundup of razors for removing hair from the bikini line.
Its sturdy bamboo handle offers a luxurious feel while its pack of four blades, though sold separately, won't nick your skin. Note the razor doesn't come with a blade cover and when wet, the handle can become slippery at times — so store it safely.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I appreciate that the handle seems long-lasting, therefore, better for the environment, and the overall look is more stylish," said one tester. Multiple testers reported a close shave without any nicks.
How we test the best women's razors
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab test all kinds of hair removal tools from epilators and IPL devices to hair removal creams. To find the best razors, our analysts sent products to a panel of 191 consumer testers who gave detailed feedback on ease of use, performance, safety and satisfaction. Testers used their razors at least twice and monitored their results for one week before recording their results. To put together the final list, our editors also consulted top dermatologists for their expert shaving advice and considered recent GH Beauty Award winners.
What to consider when shopping for women's razors
✔️ Number of blades: No matter if you prefer refillable or disposable, make sure the razor is multi-bladed. "Single-blade disposables are likelier to drag against the skin," says New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Neal Schultz, M.D. For that reason, refillable and disposable razors that have three to five blades in the head are the best razors when it comes to hair removal, grip comfort and maneuverability.
✔️ Maintenance: Besides using a good razor, a smooth and long-lasting shave depends on how you take care of your razor, regardless if it's refillable or disposable. It's important to replace your razors as soon as the blades dull or you feel discomfort to achieve an optimal shave. Subscriptions like Billie cover this for you without a second thought. For the best results, post-shave, rinse off your razor and store it in a clean, dry space to avoid microbial growth. After about five to seven shaves, toss the old blades to prevent irritation.
How can you avoid razor bumps?
Sometimes a good shave is just as much about the preparation and technique in addition to using the right tools. According to Vancouver-based board-certified dermatologist Monica Li, M.D., and former Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., these are the shaving skincare steps you should take to get your best shave:
✔️ Wet skin to help soften hair. This makes it easier for the blade to glide across. For a manual razor, Dr. Li advises never to shave on dry skin because it can increase the risk of irritation and cuts, which is why shaving in the shower or near the end of a bath is prime time.
✔️ Use shaving cream, gel or a warm compresses. Doing so prompts a smoother shave and supports optimal hair removal. For peak softness, Dr. Li recommends letting the product sit on the skin for a few minutes.
✔️ Don't shave too hastily. Moving the razor over your skin too quickly can cause irritation, cuts and bumps, notes Aral. You'll have to pass over the same area multiple times which can add to irritation.
✔️ Always shave with the grain of the hair. Otherwise, the tapered ends of just-shaved hair can poke back into the skin and cause ingrown hairs. Avoid stretching the skin completely taut when shaving, Dr. Li adds.
✔️ Splash skin with cool water after a shave to reduce potential skin irritation. Dr. Li also recommends moisturizing to keep cleanly shaven skin hydrated and smooth.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Researching and testing thousands of products for nearly a decade, Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann spearheads our guides to hair removal and evaluated razors in our Lab tests. Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin teamed up with the Beauty Lab to update this roundup with our most recent picks. She also interviewed Dr. Monica Li for a comprehensive guide on how to best use these skincare tools.
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
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