Want Baby Smooth Skin? Try One of These Expert-Approved Dermaplaning Tools (2024)

TL;DR

The Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool is our overall favorite. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly effective. The Tweezerman Facial Razor is equally impressive, particularly when it comes to fully de-fuzzing without causing irritation or redness.

If you haven’t yet heard of (or tried) dermaplaning, welcome. The technique, which, spoiler alert, is essentially a fancy word for face shaving, does way more than just remove unwanted hair. “Dermaplaning is a type of physical exfoliation that removes the buildup of dead skin cells and peach fuzz with a blade that glides across the skin,” explains MDr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey. “It helps improve skin texture, leaving it smoother and brighter, and allows better penetration of skincare products and smoother makeup application,” she says. Sounds good, right? Let’s not forget that watching all that hair and gunk come off your face is oh-so-satisfying, too. (And don’t worry, it won’t make your facial hair grow back thicker.)

Even better: While dermaplaning is often performed by professionals, as part of a facial or even as a stand-alone treatment, there are now plenty of good, at-home facial hair removal tools available, notes Chicago-based aesthetician Jenny Fix, who adds that DIY dermaplaning is both easy and cost-effective.

To find the best dermaplaning tools, we tested more than 30 options over eight weeks, evaluating each one on its ease of use, comfort, effectiveness (of course), and overall results. Ultimately, these nine proved to be the best of the bunch.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Tweezerman Facial Razor

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What We Like

  • Slim and lightweight

  • Blade maintains sharpness

  • Easy to maneuver

What to Consider

  • A bit pricey compared to similar options

Type: Stainless steel | Refill Blades: 3 (sold separately)

There was truly nothing that we didn’t like about this standout, which excelled in every category, checking all of our dermaplaning tool must-haves. We loved the slim, lightweight design; it was easy to hold and maneuver around the skin and also didn’t take up too much space in our makeup bag, making it great for travel. The blade itself was sharp enough to fully de-fuzz, but never caused any nicks. It also stayed sharp throughout multiple uses (although it is worth mentioning that it should be replaced monthly and refill blades are sold separately). While it does ring in at a higher price point, we deemed it well worth the investment after seeing just how well it performed.

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Bianca, tester: “The tool effectively removed all my peach fuzz, my skin felt super soft, and my makeup looked flawless after using it.”

What We Like

  • Easy to glide across all contours of the face

  • Leaves skin extremely smooth

  • Didn’t cause any sensitivity or redness

What to Consider

  • Difficult to remove from original packaging

Type: Stainless steel | Refill Blades: 4 (sold separately)

Admittedly, this brand is most well-known for its tweezers (shocker), but they clearly know what they’re doing when it comes to other methods of hair removal, too. Exhibit A: This facial razor, another universal crowd-pleaser. Even though it’s made of high-quality stainless steel, it still feels very light, so our tester could easily maneuver it across her entire face, even on spots where people tend to nick themselves. But perhaps our favorite part was that it didn’t cause any redness or irritation post-use. Rather, our tester’s skin just looked and felt supremely soft and fuzz-free. It was a little tricky to get the tool out of its original packaging, but that was a minor drawback, all things considered.

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Siteloop: Persons face showing difference after using x Tweezerman Facial Razor

Chelsea, tester: “My skin had a glass-like finish after I dermaplaned with this tool. I was shocked by how smooth and texture-free this tool made my complexion look, especially after I applied makeup.”

What We Like

  • Comes with 6 single-use razors at an affordable price

  • Compact size is great for travel

  • Blade is sharp enough to be effective but won’t cause nicks

What to Consider

  • Caused some irritation

Type: N/A | Refill Blades: None, but comes with 6 single-use razors

For those who don’t want to shell out the big bucks on a dermaplaning tool, this six-pack offers a welcome alternative. (Each razor rings in at less than one dollar.) Still, they perform well; our tester lauded them for effectively removing fuzz and dead cells alike, and noted how well moisturizers and serums soaked into his skin after the fact. The compact size was another plus, perfect for taking with you on-the-go. The only con: Using these did leave his skin feeling slightly irritated for about an hour post-use.

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Alfredo, tester: “I love that this is easy to use, inexpensive, and fits perfectly into my travel kit. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

What We Like

  • Tool is very gentle and doesn’t scrape the skin

  • Easy to use

  • Didn’t leave skin feeling sensitized

What to Consider

  • Blades are single-use

  • Sound can be a little unpleasant

Type: Electric + stainless steel | Refill Blades: 4

This electric tool proved to be a top choice for anyone with easily irritated skin; it didn’t trigger any kind of redness and always felt gentle, without any scraping sensation. It does a great job at removing peach fuzz and surface-level dead skin cells; our tester could see dead skin on the blade afterward (which is probably why she felt like our skin looked cleaner after use). We also appreciate that it’s easy to use—it’s really intuitive once you give the instructions a read-through.

The one caveat: The blade is single-use, and while it does come with four replacement blades, if you’re dermaplaning regularly, the cost of the blades might soon add up. The buzzing sound also takes a bit of getting used to.

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Samantha, tester: “This product didn’t scrape or irritate my skin at all, unlike other ones, which made my skin feel sensitive.”

What We Like

  • Blade is strong and sturdy, despite being thin

  • Didn’t cause any irritation

  • Improved absorption of skincare after

What to Consider

  • Didn’t make a difference in terms of makeup application

Type: Stainless Steel | Refill Blades: 3

We get it: The idea of taking a razor to your face can be, well, intimidating, to say the least, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s where this winner comes in. A curved handle with a slip-free grip makes it extremely easy to hold. The blade itself is small and thin, ideal for use around the brows but also elsewhere on the face. Despite its small size, our tester was still pleasantly surprised with how effective it was—even on her chin and forehead, areas that historically have been more challenging for her to dermaplane. Candidly, it didn’t necessarily change how makeup looked or went on, although she did note that her skin fully soaked in the serum she applied afterward.

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Keyaira, tester: “I have tried a ton of dermaplane razors but would buy this one again. I didn’t expect to love it so much, but it was sharp, strong, and extremely effective.”

What We Like

  • Weighted handle helps control the tool

  • Blade stays sharp

  • Very effective for removing hair

What to Consider

  • A bit bulky which makes it challenging to move around

Type: Stainless steel Japanese precision blade | Refill Blades: 2

More on what our experts say you should look for in a dermaplaning tool to come, but, spoiler alert, a weighted handle is one of them. It helps you maintain control of the tool while you’re using it. This was our favorite weighted option, which also earned accolades for how sharp and well it worked (particularly for getting rid of pesky chin hairs, in our experience). Our tester also liked how long the results lasted. We just wish the design was slightly more streamlined and a little less clunky to make maneuvering it even easier.

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Keyaira, tester: “This was super effective at removing my chin hair, I noticed a difference right away.”

What We Like

  • Very easy to use

  • Has customizable speeds

  • Slim design can access hard-to-reach spots

What to Consider

  • Blade is very sharp and better for those more experienced at dermaplaning

Type: Electric + medical grade stainless steel | Refill Blades: 7

Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. We likened this to a tool the pros would use during an in-salon dermaplaning session, thanks to three speed settings that let you customize the experience as well as how sharp the blade is. (To that point, however, it does bear mentioning that our tester inadvertently sustained a few nicks and deemed this better for more seasoned DIY dermaplaners.) Her skin was instantly smoother post-use, and both makeup and skincare applied better after the fact. And because the tool is very slim, it was also easy to reach even tricky, smaller spots, like around the nose and upper lip.

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Bianca, tester: “I was so impressed with how my skin looked and felt after using this. It was smoother instantly. This felt very close to a professional-grade tool they’d use in a spa.”

What We Like

  • Short blade makes it easy to target small areas of the face

  • Thoroughly removes hair and dead skin

  • Comfortable grip

What to Consider

  • Caused some irritation

Type: N/A | Refill Blades: None, but comes with 3 single-use razors

This three-pack (which is also very affordable) touts a slightly smaller blade, making it ideal for more precise dermaplaning. In related news, it comes with a blade guard that makes it even smaller, perfect if you want to use it to clean up your brow shape, for example. We were big fans of the lightweight feel and ergonomic design, likening it to holding a pen. But fair warning: The razor is super sharp, and nicks are likely if your shaving process isn’t methodical and specific.

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Alfredo, tester: “If you like instant gratification, this is a must in your beauty routine. Skin texture is instantly smoother.”

What We Like

  • Blade lasts three to four uses

  • Easy-to-hold handle

  • Made skin feel very smooth after

What to Consider

  • Some online reviewers found the blade to be almost too sharp

Type: Stainless steel | Refill Blades: 2

Many dermaplaning tools, if not meant to be entirely single-use, often come with blades that need to be swapped out after every or every other dermaplaning session. But the blade on this winner lasts three to four uses; you get two replacements also, meaning the whole kit and kaboodle could last you anywhere from two to six months. Our favorite part? The comfy, easy-to-grip handle, which made maneuvering a breeze and also gave the entire tool a nice heft that made it feel solid and sturdy. It was no match for peach fuzz, instantly improving the texture of our tester’s skin. She liked it so much that she specifically said she planned on using it long after the testing period ended.

While our tester had no issues with it, it’s worth noting that some online reviewers found the blade to be super sharp and prone to creating little nicks.

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Keyaira, tester: “This felt nice in my hand and was effective at removing peach fuzz.”

What to Look for When Buying a Dermaplaning Tool

  • Stainless Steel Blade: Dr. Garshick recommends seeking out a sharp, single, stainless steel blade for the utmost precision. Stainless steel is also more hygienic , not to mention might even help reduce inflammation, making it a great material for any type of facial tool. Fix adds that you also want to choose one that has replaceable blades to keep things hygienic. (Single-use versions are another option, though they’re admittedly less sustainable.)
  • Protective Guard: Both experts we spoke with agree that built-in safety features, like a protective guard, are imperative for helping to avoid nicks, particularly for dermaplaning beginners.
  • Easy-to-Grip Handle: Make sure your tool feels good in your hand. “A comfortable, easy-to-grip handle is key for ensuring smooth and controlled movements,” says Dr. Garshick. And that translates not only to increased efficacy, but fewer nicks and less irritation, too.

How We Tested Dermaplaning Tools

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We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would—which is why we make it a priority to test products in real-life settings.

  • Dermaplaning Tools Tested: 30+
  • Testing period: 8 weeks
  • Methodology: Dermaplaning tools were tested at home according to manufacturer instructions at least two times during the testing period. Our testers ranged in age and had different skin types and levels of previous dermaplaning experience.
  • Factors Considered: Ease of use (did it feel comfortable, did the blade stay sharp), effectiveness for removing both peach fuzz and dead skin, comfort and whether or not it caused any irritation, and how our skin looked and felt overall, including how makeup and skincare went on afterward.

FAQ

  • How do you use a dermaplaning tool at home?

    “Start by cleansing your face thoroughly. Hold the skin taut, and use short, light strokes, holding the blade at a 45-degree angle and moving in the direction of hair growth,” says Dr. Garshick. Fix adds that you can also prep skin with a lightweight oil, which will further help the blade glide against the skin more seamlessly. You’ll also want to keep cotton rounds on hand to wipe off any hair during the process, she says. Finish by using a clean cloth and warm water to wipe away any residue.

  • Is dermaplaning safe for all skin types?

    Dr. Garshick says that while it can be done on all skin types, it’s not necessarily the best choice for those who are experiencing an acne flare, as it can exacerbate breakouts. Fix agrees: “It’s best to avoid dermaplaning active breakouts or inflamed areas, as it might cause irritation and make things worse. But if your acne is under control or you just have some mild congestion, it can help by getting rid of dead skin cells and smoothing out post acne scarring,” she notes.

  • How often should you use a dermaplaning tool?

    “I recommend using a dermaplaning tool every three to four weeks,” says Fix. “This allows your skin to regenerate fully in between sessions and prevents over-exfoliation, which can lead to sensitivity or irritation.” Dr. Garshick says it’s best to go a little bit longer, citing four to six weeks as the ideal timeframe.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she is admittedly not a DIY beauty-type of girl, she does occasionally dermaplane at-home, largely because it’s so satisfying to see all of the hair and dead skin cells come up.

For this article, she also reached out to Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey, and Jenny Fix, a Chicago-based aesthetician specializing in holistic and high-tech skincare treatments.

Want Baby Smooth Skin? Try One of These Expert-Approved Dermaplaning Tools (2024)
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