The 12 Best Dermaplaning Tools of 2024, Tested by Real People
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The Tweezerman Facial Razor came out on top
If someone told you that shaving your face was the key to smoother, more youthful-looking skin, would you grab your 3-blade razor? As wild as it sounds, this practice — formally called dermaplaning — has been in place for ages (Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe are rumored to have done it).
Dermatologists often employ the technique in their offices, running a razor blade along the skin in short, controlled movements to remove vellus hair (or peach fuzz) and dead skin cells. The exfoliation helps your skin look more even-toned and allows skincare products like your facial moisturizer to penetrate deeper and your complexion products like makeup or foundation to sit better on the skin.
Our testers tried out some of the best dermaplaning tools available, looking at comfort, safety, ease of use, and effectiveness at removing hair and exfoliating skin. One recurring insight: We noticed that even the best dermaplaning tools can cause light irritation, and while we call it out where relevant, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Often, it’s caused by your skin having any contact with a sharp blade, rather than the tool’s design being the issue.
Read on for what PEOPLE considers the best dermaplaning tools of 2024.
Best Overall: Tweezerman Facial Razor
Star Qualities
Seamlessly glides over skin
Removes dead skin without causing irritation
Red Flags
Extremely sharp, so use with caution
Not great for beginners
Earning a perfect score in ease-of-use, post-treatment skin results, and overall performance, the Tweezerman Facial Razor passed our tests with flying colors. Our testers loved how easily it maneuvered around their faces.
While it is an incredibly sharp razor (beginners beware), the blade seamlessly glided over our tester's face, removing dead skin painlessly and leaving her skin smooth to the touch. As someone with sensitive and acne-prone skin, our tester appreciated that this razor didn't cause any discomfort or irritation, though she did note some redness on the untouched side of her face after use.
The Tweezerman razor is compact, made with a durable and rust-resistant stainless steel blade, and is affordably priced. We love this razor for regular facial touch-ups, which should happen every four to six weeks, according to skin experts.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Safety cap for storage | Uses: Removes peach fuzz, dead skin | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
Best Budget: Skin Camp Dermaplaning Beauty Wand
Star Qualities
Budget-friendly at just $5
Solid grip makes it easy to maneuver around the face
Red Flags
Blade seemed duller than others we tested
Our tester compared this dermaplaning tool to a pocket knife because it folds up when you're not using it to keep the blade concealed. As a dermaplaning newbie, they were a little nervous but appreciated how strong the grip was. Made from lightweight plastic, this tool is designed with a shape that's easy to hold in your hand.
Our tester observed some redness after treatment in their jawbone area but was pleasantly surprised with how easily this tool maneuvered over her acne scars. The blade is also slightly duller than others on our list, so while it helps with safety, it also might take a few more passes across your face, which could contribute to post-treatment redness. That being said, it creates a smooth texture on your skin, comes with two additional razors, and sells at an affordable price.
Blade Material: N/A | Safety Features: Collapsible safety handle | Uses: Removes dead skin and peach fuzz, brow shaping | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
People / Jessica Juliao
Related: We Tested Tweezers to Find the Best at Removing Brow Hairs
Best Splurge: Dermaflash Luxe+ Anti-Aging, Exfoliation + Peach Fuzz Dermaplaning Kit
Star Qualities
Full-service spa kit that you can use at home
Includes pre- and post-treatment products as well as the main tool
Red Flags
Blades need more frequent replacement than other tools we tested
Bring the spa home to you with the Dermaflash Luxe Device. Though it certainly isn't a budget-friendly option, the results are worth the investment. This set comes with the tool and two skin products: a pre-treatment cleanser and a post-treatment moisturizer. The tool uses proprietary sonic technology to safely and gently remove peach fuzz by quickly vibrating to get as close to the root as possible. And if you're worried about nicks, it comes with a "Microfine Edge" to guard and protect the skin.
One tester loved the thickness of this rechargeable machine and said it was comfortable and easy to grip while swiping. Their skin felt the "softest it's ever been" after using this tool, and that was before applying the moisturizer. Another tester loved how smooth this tool made their skin feel, and though they did notice a slight redness after use, the result was glowing.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Blade is concealed when not in use | Uses: Removes peach fuzz, dead skin, smooths skin texture | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
Best for Peach Fuzz: Sephora Collection Metal Facial Razor
Star Qualities
Ergonomic design gives a solid grip
Easy and effective, leaving skin feeling smooth
Red Flags
Blade is quite sharp so you have to be careful
Beloved for its feel and ergonomic design, this razor has a little finger divot on the side, which makes it perfect for gripping. Our tester dermaplaned their left cheek, chin, and the side of their forehead and boasted about how easy and effective this razor was to use. "It left my skin with a smooth, glowing finish," our tester said, adding how much of a feat that is due to their sensitive skin.
Though this razor is very sharp, it never irritated our tester's skin, even on dry patches. The sharpness also allows for a closer shave, which makes this razor ideal for removing peach fuzz and other fine hair.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Safety covers | Uses: Removes peach fuzz | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
Best for Eyebrows: Kitsch Dermaplaning Tool
Star Qualities
Removes thick brow hairs easily
Great precision due to the delicate blade
Red Flags
Didn’t have clear instructions, which could be problematic for beginners
If your brows need a little grooming, this eyebrow razor can trim them into shape in no time. One tester loved this razor's ability to remove the peach fuzz on their face but noticed more of a textural change than a visual one. Specifically, they were pleased with how well it shaped their brows’ arches. Despite the poor instructions, there wasn't much to dislike. "I would buy this and use it again in a heartbeat," our tester said.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Plastic cap for storage | Uses: Removes peach fuzz and dead skin, exfoliates | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
Related: The 7 Best Epilators of 2024, Tested by Real People
Best Design: Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Facial Exfoliation Tool
Star Qualities
Lightweight and comfortable to hold and grip
Plastic safety tip helps prevent nicks
Good for all expertise levels
Red Flags
Caused slight redness and irritation
A beauty tool should be functional and well-designed, and this pick from Stacked Skincare meets both criteria. "This product is pretty lightweight but easy to hold and position along the face," said one of our testers. They used the tool along the right side of their face — forehead, cheek, and chin.
Showing immediate results, it was effective as an exfoliation and hair removal tool, though it did cause some redness and irritation. There is also a plastic tip at the top of the blade to prevent stray nicks (a bonus for users of all levels). Though functional, it was the tool's appearance that ultimately won over our testers.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Comfort handle, snap design for easy blade replacement, plastic safety tip | Uses: Exfoliation, hair removal | Replacement Blades Included: No
Best for Beginners: The Skinny Confidential Hot Shave Razor
See at Shopskinnyconfidential.com
Star Qualities
Comfortable handle makes it easy to use and grip
Plastic storage case and ergonomic grip ensure safe usage
Red Flags
Caused slight irritation on dry and dehydrated skin
If you want to give dermaplaning a try, this is a great tool to start with. According to our tester, the Skinny Confidential razor is comfortable to hold and easy to use. The small and thin tool comes with refillable blades, so you can swap them out when the blade starts to dull.
The tester did note that the razor has a slightly jagged edge, which caused mild irritation on their dry and dehydrated skin. That being said, the device is probably best suited for normal to oily skin types. They said they would recommend this tool for first-timers because the blade isn't as sharp as other options.
It includes safety features like a plastic storage case and a finger divot for better control. That said, you should still be cautious when using it — our tester noted they nicked their face slightly when moving the tool too quickly.
Blade Material: N/A | Safety Features: Plastic case, finger divot for control | Uses: Removes peach fuzz, smooths skin texture | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
Best for Experts: Ennva Dermaplane Facial Razor
Star Qualities
Comes in pack of six, so you can replace the tool when needed
Highly effective performance
Sustainable option thanks to biodegradable materials
Red Flags
Caused mild irritation on our tester’s skin
This razor is most friendly to those experienced in dermaplaning. Given the angle and sharpness of the blade, our team thinks this razor is perfect for eyebrows and smaller areas of the face like the chin or upper lip.
The base of the razor is made from a biodegradable material, so it's encouraged to detach the blade from the base in order to recycle the majority of the tool. This particular set comes with six tools, so when you've used one up, you have five more in stock before needing to buy more.
Our tester was pleased with the overall performance and said that although it created a touch of redness along their jawline, this tool removed all their peach fuzz and hair.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Protective cover, anti-slip grip | Uses: Exfoliation, hair removal | Replacement Blades Included: No
Related: The 8 Best Facial Hair Removers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Mature Skin: Versed Instant Gratification At-Home Dermaplaning Tool
Star Qualities
Heavier weight makes it comfortable and easy to grip
Included clear instructions and was easy to use
Caused no noticeable irritation
Red Flags
Wand was somewhat bulky and the blade was too long for some areas
This dermaplaning tool has a simple design that's easy to use. Our tester felt the weight of the blade (which is mostly covered for safety) created a sense of control when moving across the skin. Plus, it was user-friendly from the start. The design is actually geared towards dry and aging skin, which makes this option a good choice for those with mature skin.
However, they noted that since they have small hands, the wand felt rather bulky, and the blade's length made it tricky to use across the cheekbones. The long blade is designed to create a close exfoliation, removing any excess skin cells for a smooth surface (so it might work better across the smoother parts of one's cheeks and forehead instead).
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Mostly enclosed blade, slip-free grip | Uses: Hair and peach fuzz removal, exfoliation | Replacement Blades Included: No
Best for Exfoliation: Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Razor
Star Qualities
Effectively removes hair and exfoliates skin
Smooth feeling lasts until your next session (up to a few weeks!)
Drastically improved how skincare products worked
Red Flags
Has a bit of a learning curve
Our tester used this dermaplaning tool every two to three weeks and was pleased with the results. While there was a slight learning curve, it’s very effective at removing hair and exfoliating the skin. The design includes micro-guards as a safety measure to reduce nicks and irritation, but as our tester was learning how to use the tool, they did nick themselves a few times, and there was some irritation following the treatment (even with lotion).
The trick is to use light pressure and be cautious while moving the blade in downward, repetitive strokes. Our tester was happy with the results because all of the hair was evenly removed. There was a little stubble after a few days, but it was subtle, and our tester didn’t feel the need to do the treatment again for several weeks.
Our tester also noticed that once the peach fuzz had been removed, their moisturizer made their skin glow. The best quality was how well the tool exfoliated and the level of skin smoothness after use.
Blade Material: Not listed | Safety Features: Has micro-guards | Uses: For facial skin | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
Best Electric: Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover
Star Qualities
Easy to use, long-lasting, and effective at removing hair
Compact design is portable for travel
Only took one pass to remove hair (which didn’t grow back for a month)
Red Flags
Could benefit from a silicone grip for more traction
If you’re wary of using a traditional blade tool for dermaplaning, consider an electric alternative. The Gillette Venus facial hair remover was easy to use, had a long-lasting battery, and was highly effective. Our tester only had to do one pass and didn’t experience any discomfort. After the initial treatment, the tester didn’t have to use the tool again for another month.
While the design and compact size make it easy to throw in your bag for any touch-ups on the go, our tester wished the tool had more of a silicone grip for a little more traction when holding it, but admitted it was still pretty easy to hold. They only used light pressure, and the tool worked well, removing hair quickly, evenly, and without irritation. Our tester really couldn’t find any major cons with this tool, and they loved how soft their skin felt after using it.
Blade Material: Not listed | Safety Features: Thin protective foil, LED light | Uses: Facial skin | Replacement Blades Included: N/A
Best for Travel: Tweezerman Prep & Plane Facial Razors
Star Qualities
Immediately removed peach fuzz with ease
Compact size makes it great for travel or carrying in a bag
Didn’t cause any discomfort or redness
Red Flags
Short handle makes it more difficult to grip
Though the handle was tricky to grip because it was so short, this tool immediately went to work and quickly removed all of our tester’s peach fuzz. The tester didn’t experience any discomfort when using the razor and said their skin looked super smooth after. They also mentioned that the tool helped to remove dead skin cells and general buildup.
It took about a week for our tester’s hair to grow back, so we would suggest using this tool weekly. Given its efficiency, affordability, and quick speed, this tool received a glowing recommendation from our tester.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Comes with 3 safety caps | Uses: Facial hair removal, exfoliation | Replacement Blades Included: Yes
What to Know About Dermaplaning Tools
Skin Concerns
Sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin may not be the best candidates for dermaplaning. "Avoid areas of active inflammation for those with acne or rosacea, and remember to always moisturize afterward to keep skin healthy and strong; the blade can be somewhat irritating to sensitive skin," Dr. Rachel Nazarian warns.
Over-Exfoliation
Dermaplaning is an exfoliation procedure, so you shouldn't do supplemental exfoliation before or after treatment. If you regularly use acidic or exfoliation skincare products, Marissa Perman, MD, suggests pausing your routine leading up to your dermaplaning session. She also says to be mindful of what products you use after dermaplaning because your skin will absorb them better.
Grip
You're dealing with a sharp blade, so you'll want a tool with a solid grip so you can hold it steadily as it glides across your skin. Plastic and silicone materials are ideal, as are tools with a thicker base for gripping.
Durable Blades
Try to find a tool with a surgical-grade stainless steel blade. Not only is it easy to clean, rust-resistant, and generally more hygienic than other metals, it's also highly durable, meaning you won't have to replace it as often.
Safety
Whether you're a pro or a novice, using a dermaplaning tool requires important safety measures. If you're a beginner, you might consider a tool with a wider base or a concealed blade to avoid injury. For more confident or experienced users, a thinner or more exposed blade works well to get fine hairs.
People / Kelly Meehan Brown
Behind the Scenes
Our team engaged in two tests where we tested these types of tools — one focusing on traditional dermaplaning tools and one with an assortment of facial hair removers.
For the dermaplaning test, we created side-by-side comparisons of 15 top-rated dermaplaning tools in our lab to see which ranked best in comfort, ease of use, grip, and performance. For the facial remover test, we tested 24 top-rated products (including a few of the same products from the other test) such as electric razors, waxes, manual shavers, and creams.
Design: In the dermaplaning test, our testers dermaplaned their left cheeks, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions so as not to cause injury. They considered how easy the tools were to maneuver and whether it was suitable for a beginner. In the facial hair remover test, the testers also considered the design of each type of remover.
Performance: For the dermaplaning test, using their untouched right cheek as a comparison, the testers also determined how well the tool worked, evaluating the smoothness of their skin and the level of exfoliation. With the facial remover test, our team considered which types of products worked best to remove hair with the least amount of irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?
No, this is a myth. Dermaplaning is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment and does not affect the thickness or color of your hair. However, because fresh hair growth has not thinned out or worn down over time as grown-out hair does, you may initially feel as though the hair is "thicker" as it begins to grow back.
How do you prepare your face for dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning should be done on a freshly cleansed, dry face. Applying oils or gels can interfere with the tool's ability to exfoliate properly.
What should you avoid doing after dermaplaning?
After dermaplaning, avoid direct sun exposure and extreme heat; do not use scrubs or exfoliants; and stay away from chlorine and swimming pools, as all of these things can irritate the area.
Is dermaplaning different than shaving?
Dermaplaning is a combination of shaving and exfoliating. In addition to removing the soft vellus hairs on your face, dermaplaning also removes dead skin cells to even the texture of your skin.
What angle is best for dermaplaning?
The best angle for dermaplaning is a 45-degree angle.
People / Jessica Juliao
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE with a focus across beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. She’s covered the best of skincare, makeup, haircare, and more, including the best detanglers, mascaras, press-on nails, and setting sprays. For this story, Madison used testing insights from two of our tests: one for dermaplaning tools and one for facial hair removers.
Our Expert Panel
Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
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