Top 10 Electric Shavers for Sensitive Skin [Updated 2023]

When you have sensitive skin, regular electric shavers just aren’t going to cut it. Using the wrong shaving product for your skin type can result in itchy and irritated skin at best, and abrasions and ingrown hairs at worst.

Shaving is an essential part of grooming, and, just like any endeavor, using the right tool for the job is extremely important.

Choosing the right electric razor is all about knowing your skin, your facial hair, and what your specific needs are. What may be the best razor for someone else may not be the best one for you specifically.

Thankfully, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Stay clean-shaven and confident with the best electric shaver for sensitive skin.

Top 10 Sensitive Skin Friendly Electric Razor

Foil or rotary shaver! Which one is the best choice for sensitive skin?

There are two types of electric shaver, the foil and the rotary. Knowing the difference between the two will help you pick out the best one for your needs.

Foil shavers are named that way because of the foil, a thin metal sheet with holes punched into it, which lets the hair through. Behind the foil are oscillating blades, also known as cutters, that cut the hair that goes through the foil.

Generally, foil shavers are gentler on the skin, and offer a close, precise shave. However, foil shavers are fairly noisy, and can’t easily handle thick growths of hair.

Rotary shavers have independent, round shaving heads that handle long, thick hair easily. The round shaving heads are better at pivoting around your jawline and chin, and the operation of a rotary shaver is significantly quieter. However, rotary shavers are much rougher on the face and need careful operation if you have sensitive skin.

Top 10 Sensitive Skin Friendly Electric Shaver Reviews

The Series 9 is Braun’s most premium offering, with a justifiably hefty price tag. If you’re looking to invest in a premium electric shaver that will last you years and give you a close, clean shave every time, then the Series 9 is for you.

Braun makes the claim that the Series 9 is the “World’s Most Efficient Shaver,” and they have the research and testing to back it up.

Boasting five shaving elements, the Series 9 is an absolute showstopper, giving you an extremely efficient and comfortable shaving experience.

Not only do the shaving elements work together to get rid of more hair in a single stroke than any other electric shaver, the Series 9 does not sacrifice your sensitive skin to do so.

The titanium coated trimmers allow you to trim even the trickiest of hairs, and give the Series 9 a truly premium feel.

The shaving elements in this shaver move in ten different directions (yes, ten!) to perfectly adapt to your face and skin, allowing you to really get into those hard to reach places.

Couple that with the Intelligent Sonic and AutoSense technology that automatically adjusts the shaving motor, and the Series 9 becomes a definite powerhouse that doesn’t sacrifice finesse for more power.

The Series 9 is also completely waterproof up to five meters, so you can shave dry, wet, or with foam or gel. You can even shave underwater if you choose!

With a 50 minute battery life and an advanced cleaning and charging station, this shaver is easily cared for and won’t run out of battery when you need it the most.

The Series 9 also has a LED indicator screen for the battery, so you’ll know exactly when to pop it into the charging dock.

Get Braun Series 9 9290cc at Amazon

Pros

• Best Braun shaver on the market.
• Very gentle on sensitive skin.
• Premium feel with premium materials.
• Comes with a nicely designed travelling case.
• Has specialized trimmers to suit any occasion.

Cons

• Is a little expensive in comparison to other shavers in the list.
• Wide shaving surface.

Normally, rotary shavers are rougher on the skin than foil shavers, but Philips Norelco makes exceptions to that rule. The Philips Norelco Shaver 7500 claims the most comfortable shave from the brand, using Comfort Rings with a special anti-friction coating that allows the Shaver 7500 to gently glide over your skin, causing less irritation.

The Dynamic Flex technology that Philips Norelco integrated into the shaver heads allows them to move in five directions, effortlessly following the curves of your face and jaw, allowing for some of the easiest access to difficult to reach parts of your face.

Gentle Precision blades also cut short and flat-lying hairs efficiently, making it one of the closest shaves from a rotary shaver you can get.

One thing I absolutely love about the Shaver 7500 is the LED display that shows you pertinent information, like battery level, when it’s time to clean your shaver, as well as when it’s time to replace the shaver heads.

The Shaver 7500 comes with its own charging dock and cleaning station, so you’ll never have to worry about running low on battery life, or having a dirty, unlubricated shaver unit.

The Shaver 7500 is more than just a rotary shaver, though. The rotary heads are detachable and it comes with a SmartClick precision trimmer that you can attach for neat beard, sideburn, and mustache trimming.

The AquaTec technology also means that the Shaver 7500 is completely waterproof, meaning that you can do your entire morning routine in the shower with this electric shaver.

This unit is also pretty good for travel, with a 50 minute to an hour of cordless shaving time, as well as a deluxe travel case that is designed to take up less space, as well as drying your shaver on the go with its built-in ventilation chamber.

Get Philips Norelco 7500 at Amazon

Pros

• The shaver itself is quite & gentle.
• Follows all contours of your face.
• Clear and bright LED display.
• Small and convenient: perfect for travelling.
• The shaver is waterproof which allows for easy washing.

Cons

• Quite weighty despite its size.
• It’s not very user friendly; it requires of maintenance and upkeep.

Braun is one of the most trusted brands of electric shavers in the world. Millions of men trust Braun for their daily grooming needs. The Braun Series 7 is their first smart shaver, with technology that reads and adapts to your beard and face.

In practical, everyday use, the Braun Series 7 is extremely reliable, with a guaranteed close shave, thanks to all the technology that Braun has squeezed into this package.

The Series 7 unit itself is completely cordless, and comes with a 2-in-1 charging dock and cleaning station so you’re always guaranteed a clean, fully charged, and ready to go shaver in the morning.

The Series 7 is one of the best electric razors for sensitive skin because of its three shaving modes that you can activate at the push of a button. From Turbo to Gentle, you can adjust the power of the shaver to your liking, and your skin’s liking. This feature is amazing for adjusting your shave to your comfort level.

This shaver boasts 4 synchronized shaving elements that help capture more hair per stroke than other electric shavers, and Braun backs this claim up with a study from the IPI research institute.

The more powerful the motor, the closer and easier the shave is, and the Braun Series 7 produces 10,000 micro-vibrations, making it an extremely easy and fast shave.

Accessing some parts of your face can be difficult for some foil shavers, but not for the Braun Series 7. With a precision head and eight directions of contour adaptation, you can reach any place on your face with ease and efficiency.

To top it all off, the Braun Series 7 has a 50 minute cordless shaving time, but is only supposed to be used dry, in order for it to last longer.

Get Braun Series 7 790cc at Amazon

Pros

• One of the most gentle shavers on the market.
• Smart shaver reads and adapts to your beard and face.
• An extremely reliable shaver with no common reported issues.
• Cordless and convenient shaver design.
• Comes with charging dock and cleaning station.
• Great battery life.

Cons

• Not very portable.
• Heavy for an electric shaver.

One of my personal favorites on this list is the Panasonic ES-LV65-S Arc5 Electric Razor. Panasonic is a consumer favorite brand that rarely disappoints, and the Arc5 is no exception. Named after the five ultra sharp nanotech blades, this electric shaver is an absolute beast of a device.

The Arc5’s shave is extremely close, yet very gentle and comfortable thanks to the ultra sharp precision blades hiding just under the foils. They cut hair riight at the base, due to the angle of the blades. The foils are also super thin and have different patterns to capture and cut different kinds of hair efficiently.

The linear motor also provides up to 14,000 cutting actions per minute per blade, which totals up to 70,000 cross cutting actions!

A cool feature is the active shave sensor technology, which senses different hair densities and adjusts the motor speed accordingly. The shaver automatically ramps up the power levels when it gets to thick patches and levels off when dealing with less dense areas.

The multiflex pivoting shaver head flexes from side to side and back and forth, following the curves and lines of your face, neck, and jaw easily, giving you access to difficult to reach places.

The pop-up trimmer is also a great touch for quick and easy detailing of sideburns and mustaches, giving you a clean look.

The battery lasts 40 mins of shaving time, and is easily charged with the included cleaning and charging dock. However, there is no way to set the charging dock to just clean/dry or just charge, a feature that can damage the battery life in the long run.

The Arc5 is also fully waterproof and works best with a wet shave, but still performs well when dry.

Pros

• Efficient in removing ingrown hairs.
• Lightweight at 7 ounces.
• Extremely close shave, leaving that smooth and clean look.
• Comes with a pop up trimmer.
• Powerful and automatically adjusting motor.
• Works best with a wet shave.
• Comes with universal voltage, safety lock, and pouch; ideal for travelling.
• LCD display to check the status of the shaver.

Cons

• Not the best charging station.
• Big head makes shaving upper lip and sideburns tricky.

Many electric shavers are designed to be left at home, with heavy shaver units and bulky charging stations. The Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Rechargeable Shaver/Shaper is not one of them.

This electric shaver is compact and perfect for men on the go. Without all the bells and whistles that come with most electric shavers, the Wahl Professional 5-Star Shaver is all about portability and convenience, with a price tag that won’t break the bank.

The Wahl Professional 5-Star Shaver comes in an attractive maroon and gold color scheme, with a hypoallergenic gold foil.

While it may not provide the most efficient shave, the small overall package of the shaver is a big pro for those of you who want a hassle free shaving experience, while still receiving a close, neat shave.

The gold foil is very gentle on your skin, but, due to the construction of the motor, may pull on longer hairs. It takes a little bit of time to get used to the operation of this shaver, but once you master the function of it, you’ll get a shave that is almost the same closeness as that of an actual razor.

A few good tips: don’t press too hard against your face, try to shave WITH the grain of your hair and not against it, and don’t go over the same area too much.

Such a simple machine must come with a few downsides, though, and in this case, the  noise levels are very high, and if used incorrectly, the hypoallergenic gold foil may lose effectiveness after a while. While the noise is something you’ll have to live with, proper care and cleaning will help your shaver’s parts last longer, and there are replacement parts available to purchase as well.

Pros

• Super close shave.
• Convenient and portable.
• Hypoallergenic gold material.
• Easy to clean & maintain.
• Great value for money.
• No frills experience.

Cons

• Makes a lot of noise when in use; especially when shaving close to ears.
• Not a lot of flexibility with the foil.

While the Braun Series 7 790cc is a classic that became the unofficial benchmark of the industry, the following units of the Series 7 built on its success, adding great features to make the ultimate smart shaver. The Series 7 7865cc is one of the updates to the Series 7 line that continues to be one of the best reviewed electric shavers on the market.

Braun added two major new features to this model of the Series 7. Firstly, they made the 7865cc completely waterproof, meaning you can use it as a dry shaver, a wet shaver, or with shaving gel or foam. You can even take it into the shower if you so desire. In my opinion, this is a huge step up from the first Series 7 shaver, since wet shaving is amazing for sensitive skin.

Secondly, there are now five different power settings, for a more powerful or a gentler shave, according to your preferences. Personally, I prefer to use the most powerful setting, as the rest of the shaver is catered to sensitive skin anyway, and the highest setting is no issue.

Braun also updated the LED display on this shaver to more accurately reflect the battery life of the unit. This is a big change for convenience, as it shows you exactly when you should start charging your 7865cc. The battery still lasts for 50 minutes of shaving time, but now you don’t have to guess when your battery is low.

Aside from those changes, this is still the amazing Braun Series 7 that many men have grown to love and rely on, with the same degree of reliability and convenience that people have come to expect from Braun.

Pros

• Same close, gentle shave.
• Still extremely reliable.
• Cordless and waterproof up to 5 meters.
• Updated bright LED screen.
• Comes with charging dock and cleaning station.

Cons

• The device itself is a little weighty.
• More expensive than the older Series 7 models.

Once again, Philips Norelco comes into this list with a rotary shaver. Not surprising, considering that Philips Norelco makes rotary shavers that specifically cater to sensitive skin. The Philips Norelco 9700 is the option for people who want the very best that Philips Norelco has to offer.

Although the 7500 is the best for sensitive skin, the Norelco 9700 is the best overall shaver, but it doesn’t compromise in the comfort department.

Winning the iF Design Award in 2015, this shaver is an excellent performer, and is duly recognized as such.

First off, the blades of the 9700 are upgraded from the previous models of Philips Norelco, and cut much closer, as well as self-sharpening to give you consistently close shaves.

The rotary heads of the Philips Norelco 9700 also have Contour Detect technology, swiveling the heads around to adapt to your face’s shape and curves.

It also comes with an adjustable power system, giving you control over the comfort and speed of your shave.

The LED display in the 9700 is also new, featuring a percentage-based battery display, letting you know exactly how much juice you still have in your shaver. Speaking of juice, it also has a Lithium-Ion battery, which provides 60 minutes of shave time after 60 minutes of charging. A quick 5-minute charge also supplies enough power for a full shave.

The accessories in this package are extraordinary, coming with the standard charging and cleaning dock, a travel case, and featuring the tried and tested SmartClick precision trimmer, and a new accessory: the SmartClick cleansing brush, that you can attach onto your 9700 and use with any facial cleansing product to lather and clean your face. This adds more convenience and flexibility to the 9700, making it an indispensable tool for your everyday grooming routine.

Pros

• The best that Philips Norelco has to offer.
• Adjustable speed settings for a gentler or faster shave.
• Each shaving head moves 8 directions.
• Percentage-based battery indicator LED.
• Lithium-Ion Battery.
• NEW cleaning brush accessory for facial cleansing.

Cons

• One of the pricier shavers.
• Some users may not like the various attachments.

For the Braun lover on a budget, the Series 3 ProSkin remains a solid choice for sensitive skin and travel. The Series 3 is one of the more portable and budget friendly options of the Braun brand, but does not compromise when it comes to a good, close shave. Though not as heavy duty as the Series 5, 7, or 9, this shaver is nothing to scoff at.

The Braun Series 3 features three specialized shaving elements that work together for an exceptionally close but gentle shave.

The precision German engineering on the ultra-sharp blades ensures that you’ll get a good, clean shave every time. The ultra-sharp blades reside under the thin but durable SensoFoil, guarding your skin from irritation while eliminating unwanted facial hair.

The ProSkin Micro Comb also plays its part, catching more hair on average for a faster, more efficient shave.

The ultra-sharp blades are very sensitive to pressure, and retract automatically, lurking just beneath the surface of the foil to cut down any hair that dares to enter.

The head of the Series 3 is also fairly thin, allowing you to reach hard spots with precision, like under the nose. It’s also fairly light compared to the other offerings by Braun, coming in at a good 14 ounces.

The Series 3 ProSkin is also fully waterproof, and is equally comfortable shaving wet or dry. The NiMH battery lasts 45 minutes of shaving time on a full charge, and a quick, 5-minute charge is enough for a full shave.

It also comes with a pop up trimmer for precise sideburn or mustache trimming.

It comes with a cleaning brush and a top cover, as well as a cleaning and charging dock, but can also be bought and charged with just the wall charger, giving you the option to forego the cleaning dock.

Pros

• Lightweight and waterproof shaver.
• Easy to use, everything you need and nothing you don’t.
• Most portable Braun electric shaver.
• Comes with extra long precision trimmer.

Cons

• Not as efficient as a Series 7 or Series 9.
• Does not pivot or curve around your face.

Yet another entry from Braun on this list is hardly surprising. All of Braun’s shavers are amazing in quality, and value. The Series 5 is the little brother of the Series 7, but don’t be fooled, this bad boy is still a great buy if you’re just getting into Braun shavers and don’t want to commit to a Series 7 or 9, but also feel like the Series 3 is a bit too casual for you.

The Series 5 5190cc comes with the Braun AutoSensing motor that speeds up when it detects a dense patch of hair, and eases out when the hair thins out. I do really like this feature, as it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin but thick facial hair, like me.

The two SensoFoil blades do a great job of shaving close to the skin, cutting hair as close as 0.058mm away from the surface of your skin.

The specialized ActiLift trimmer in the middle also lifts up and cuts flat-lying hair and hair that grows in different directions.

Like its big brother, the Series 5 has a head that moves in eight directions, letting the shaver be in constant contact with your skin, especially in harder areas that many shavers can’t reach.

The Braun precision trimmer is also present in the Series 5, giving you the option to get neat, exact cuts on your beard and sideburns.

The Series 5 is also waterproof and gives a great wet or dry shave.

The Li-Ion battery lasts 50 minutes on a full charge, and comes with a charging and cleaning station. Thankfully, this shaver can also be charged with just the wall charger, which gives you the option to leave the charging dock at home when travelling.

Pros

• Solid and reliable with a great, clean shave.
• Designed to minimize pressure for sensitive skin.
• Super easy to use and very user intuitive.
• Waterproof design up to 5 meters.
• Cheaper than Series 7 shavers.

Cons

• Not much different from the Series 7 in terms of features.
• Does not come apart easily for cleaning.

The Philips Norelco 4500 is the best budget rotary shaver for sensitive skin on the market. Previously, we covered two of Philips Norelco’s premium options, but this budget shaver is just as good if you’re looking to get your first electric rotary shaver for cheap.

A lot of the 4500’s features are a step down from the pricier options that Philips Norelco offers, but it is by no means a bad shaver.

It still offers a close, comfortable shave with the Dual Precision shaving system that deals with short stubble and long hairs equally well.

The patented Super Lift and Cut system also ensures that flat-lying hairs are dealt with easily.

The Pivot, Flex, and Float system also moves in four directions, which helps you shave those not-so-easy to reach spaces on your face.

The AquaTec seal makes sure that the important parts of your shaver don’t get wet, so you can use it for either a dry or wet shave, though I recommend shaving with a foam or gel for maximum effectiveness. This also means that the shaver heads are fully washable, which is great because the 4500 doesn’t come with a cleaning dock, unlike the other premium electric shavers.

The pop-up trimmer works wonders for detailing sideburns and mustaches, and unlike the other Philips Norelco rotary shavers, does not require you to remove the head of the shaver.

The 4500 is the most basic, no frills rotary shaver from Philips Norelco, only coming with the shaver itself, a protection cap, a wall charger and power cord, and a cleaning brush.

Though the 4500 is the most simple out of the rotary shavers on this list, its simplicity is elegant, and is makes for the best rotary shaver for the man on the go.

Pros

• Simple and easy to operate.
• Very budget friendly option.
• Super portable design with all the essential features.
• Long lasting Lithium-Ion battery.

Cons

• Takes a little bit longer to shave than other Philips Norelco rotary shavers.
• Charges for 8 hours for 50 minutes of shaving time.

Things to consider while buying an electric shaver for sensitive skin

• 
  

  Types of Shaver

Most of the time, your shaving habits will determine what kind of shaver will best suit you. If you shave everyday or every other day, then foil shavers are most likely the best option for you.

However, if you let your facial hair go wild for a few days before doing anything about it, rotary shavers are much more suited for your style.

You can also consider trimmers if you just want to trim your facial hair instead.

Ultimately, the way that you’re comfortable shaving should dictate what shaver you buy, not the other way around. In other words, buy one that’s right for you, don’t adjust to one that you just bought, or you won’t be able to use your shaver to its full potential.

• 
  

  Wet and Dry Shavers

For sensitive skin, the best option is to always go for a wet shave with water, foam, or shaving cream. While some shavers are still gentle with a dry shave, the rule of thumb is that moisturized skin is less easily irritated. Look for shavers that have the Wet/Dry tag, as those are great for sensitive skin. You can also look for a fully waterproof shaver that you can take in the shower.

If you have extra sensitive skin, it’s also advisable to invest in a good shaving cream or gel to pair with your shaver, as the extra moisturization from the foam will keep your skin from getting too irritated. If you insist on a dry shave, then be careful and gentle when using the shaver, as too much pressure can cause redness because of the vibrations from the shaver.

• 
  

  Mobility — Cord or no cord?

Being able to move your shaver around your face plays an integral part in getting a neat, good-looking shave.

A corded shaver is harder to maneuver around your face, especially if the wall outlet is far from your sink.

A cordless, battery powered or plug-in charged shaver is the way to go here, for the easiest shaving experience, and the best results. Cordless shavers are also great for travelling, and most of them come with travel cases.

Corded shavers are outdated, but do have the added convenience of never having to worry about charging your shaver, but it comes at the cost of having to adjust to the location of your wall outlet if the cord is short, as well as having to deal with pulling the cord around while using it.

• 
  

  Power Supply — Batteries, Plug-in Charger, and Corded

Electric shavers operate on three kinds of power supply: battery powered (AA batteries usually), plug-in charged (most modern electric shavers) and corded (obsolete and inconvenient).

The best kind is a plug-in charged shaver, as you don’t have to deal with a pesky cord or have to buy separate batteries every now and then.

Battery powered shavers are ideal for travelling, but you sacrifice the convenience of recharging them easily. Thankfully, most plug-in shavers are still good for travelling.

There are a lot of battery powered shavers out there that are decent and cheap, while keeping a quality shave. However, most battery powered shavers are designed for travel, and often don’t have the extra features and accessories that most plug-in shavers possess.

• 
  

  Ergonomics

When you choose an electric shaver, you want one that just feels right. A shaver that feels good and well balanced in your hand leads to an overall more pleasant grooming ritual every morning.

Some people prefer a more substantial, heavy feel to their shavers, while other find more dexterity with lighter models.

The grips are an important factor as well; a comfortable grip prevents slipping and results in a more precise shave.

If you can hold the unit before buying it, I highly recommend doing so. Knowing exactly how an electric shaver fits in your hand and how you’re going to be shaving with it is imperative to actually using it.

Some shavers take a little bit to get used to, and sacrificing a few days to get the hang of it is completely fine.

• 
  

  Simplicity of Cleaning — All-in-one Cleaning and Charging vs Manual Cleaning

Most modern electric shavers come with a cleaning and charging station, and these are very convenient for the user. However, most of them use proprietary cleaning cartridges and can be harmed if the shaver has shaving foam or gel on it. This is easily remedied by rinsing off the residue before placing your shaver in the cleaning dock.

Many people prefer to manually clean their shavers, and many shavers can be taken apart to be cleaned fairly easily.

If you do get a shaver with a cleaning and charging station, make sure to stock up on cleaning cartridges or cleaning solution. Some charging docks won’t function without cleaning the shaver first, and having a cleaning cartridge handy will keep your shaver nice and hygenic.

• 
  

  Price Range — More expensive doesn’t always mean better

One of the big things you have to think about when buying an electric shaver is the price. Many electric shavers are premium items, coming with all sorts of bells and whistles, with a hefty price tag to match. These shavers are an investment and can last years if cared for properly.

Some cheaper options can also have the same longevity for a more affordable price, but they don’t come with extra add-ons such as a charging and cleaning station.

When you buy an electric shaver, you plan to use it for the foreseeable future. As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for. Generally, the more you invest into a good shaving system, the longer it’ll last you, granted you give it the proper care and cleaning.

Though large price tags are intimidating, most expensive shavers offer a lot of bang for your buck. Think of it as an investment into your self-care and confidence, and that purchase will be much easier to justify.

• 
  

  Sharp Blades

Sharp blade is one of the crucial trademarks of a shaver appropriate for your sensitive skin. A low-quality blade will quickly wear off which will cause pulling and tugging of your hair, and it will not shave as close as it normally would.

This will ultimately lead to more pressure being applied on your skin and will make you go over the same area several times that will cause razor burn and irritation.

• 
  

  Extra Part Availability

Electric shavers usually have two to three replaceable parts. From foils and blades to rotary heads and sometimes even the entire motor, you’ll want to have a couple of replacement parts ready just in case.

Some shavers tend to degrade over time with heavy use, and having the right replacement part can be a lifesaver. Most replaceable parts are available online wherever shaver units are sold, but the price tag of the parts is an important thing to consider.

You don’t want to be paying upwards of $50 a year just for replacement parts. Of course, with proper use and care, this will be less of a problem.

Conclusion

All in all, electric shavers are a great alternative to safety razors for men with sensitive skin. Though it may take some time getting used to an electric shaver, it’s well worth the money and effort when you come out of the bathroom every morning clean-shaven and confident.

The best electric shavers are designed to be used on sensitive skin, and the top brands are well aware of their audience. Each shaver that we reviewed here has its own unique features, and hopefully, we’ve enlightened you as to which electric shaver is just right for your skin.

Change your morning routine. Be more efficient, and look better doing it.

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