:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/peo-dermaplaning-tools-aug-24-test-tweezerman-facial-razor-before-after-1-170e72334ec54b34ba92203c14d99fe2.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "We Tested Dozens of Dermaplaning Tools, and These 9 Gave Us Baby-Smooth Faces")
If you aspire to a baby-soft face, dermaplaning tools can make your smooth skin dreams come true. We, too, hope for softer, clearer skin, so we turned to these small-but-mighty skincare devices. Goodbye, peach fuzz and dead skin!
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a skincare technique where you run a razor blade along the face in short, controlled movements to remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells. Dermatologists and estheticians often employ the technique, though in recent years, many people have begun to use the technique at home, too.
After dermaplaning, you’ll likely find your skin to be even-toned and smooth, and your facial moisturizer, anti-aging products, and other skincare favorites will absorb more easily into the skin. Even complexion products like foundation will sit better on the skin after dermaplaning.
We tested 26 dermaplaning tools, and these are the best dermaplaning tools for achieving a smooth face.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/venus-5ac4997503bd4fc0ad38c55078dab8e9.jpg)
-
Easily removes dead skin and peach fuzz
-
Doesn’t cause any irritation or discomfort, so it’s great for sensitive skin
-
Leaves skin smooth and even-looking
This Gillette Venus tool was the only dermaplaner to earn a perfect score during our testing. Not only did it shave off dead skin and hair with precision, but it did so without causing any irritation or discomfort. During our tests, the tools often left our skin red, but not with this product. It’s one of the best options for sensitive skin.
It has a super sharp blade, which makes it less abrasive and more effective for hair removal. We love that it was easy to maneuver, so we think even beginners could handle this tool. We were so impressed with how even our skin tone looked after use — even over acne spots.
Blade Material: Not listed | Safety Features: Skin defense guard prevents nicks | Number of Blades Included: 5
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Schick-Hydro-Silk-Touch-Up-Razor-0ba62e59a7b34238a8df8ab134b6ac47.jpg)
-
Lightweight and easy to maneuver around the face
-
Removes peach fuzz easily
-
Cheaper than many other options we’ve tested
These disposable tools are effective, gentle, and unintimidating. We appreciated how lightweight the plastic tools are, which makes for super easy maneuvering around the face. It easily removed peach fuzz from the face, leaving smooth skin. We noticed that the skin was slightly red after use, though the tool never felt abrasive or uncomfortable to use. These razors are a great option for travel, and we also recommend them for anyone looking to test out dermaplaning on a budget.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Micro-guards to protect against nicks, blade cover | Number of Blades Included: 3
Pro Tip!
You should replace your dermaplaning razors frequently. Most brands recommend you replace the razors anywhere from every four uses to every new use. Many dermaplaning tools come with multiple replacement blades, and some even offer blade subscriptions.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/billie-dermaplane-starter-kit--d8eaf36381614054b02f949d1ba4c9d3.jpg)
-
Stainless steel blades give a smooth, close shave
-
Leaves skin smooth and calm
-
We only need one pass to get noticeable results
The Billie dermaplaning razor is sharp enough to clear away hair and dead skin cells in a single swipe. The sharp, stainless steel blades give a smooth, gliding shave, so you won’t experience any snagging or pulling on the skin. While our tester noticed that their face looked a bit red after use, they didn’t notice any other signs of irritation or discomfort, instead finding that they were left with smooth, calm skin. It’s great for all skin types, since it won’t irritate even sensitive skin.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Protective micro-guards | Number of Blades Included: 3
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jill-starter-kit-w-pre-shave-magic-wipe-c68aafaa2f1d46769d0abea0fbdcd1b1.jpg)
-
Removes lots of peach fuzz, leaving skin noticeably smoother
-
Different size blades allow for a precise shave on large and small areas of the face
-
Comes with a travel case, pre-shave wipe, and a gunk pad
This is the ultimate starter kit. The blade is smaller and less sharp than some other tools, while also being super gentle on the skin, making it a safe starting point for beginners. After testing, our skin was left noticeably smoother. However, since the blade is less sharp, it wasn’t the most thorough tool we tested, and we noticed some leftover peach fuzz on our face.
Plus, this kit comes with special additions like different size blades, a pre-shave wipe, a travel case, and a “gunk pad” to clear any dead skin and hair off the blade. If you’re new to this type of skincare ritual, you’ll be able to jump right in.
Blade Material: Not listed | Safety Features: Not listed | Number of Blades Included: 2
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-skinny-confidential-hot-shave-razor-db0144b960634fbdaf92fa151e7214f1.jpg)
This tool is effective and stylish — but beginners beware! Even experienced users proceeded with caution when using this tool, particularly around the nose and mouth. Since the tool was sharp enough to warrant caution, it was therefore sharp enough to swiftly and effectively remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. Our skin looked and felt so much smoother after using this tool. We were also impressed that we didn’t experience any irritation or redness after dermaplaning.
Blade Material: Not listed | Safety Features: Micro-guards | Number of Blades Included: 3
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Tweezerman-Facial-Razor-a4e51ef739e541b59b7529f8e9ae57b4.jpg)
-
Causes a bit of irritation, which quickly calms after use
-
Sometimes requires a second pass to remove all the hair
We were shocked at how much peach fuzz and skin were removed by this Tweezerman at home dermaplaning tool. Before using it, we thought our face looked smooth and hairless, but the razor told a different story, swiftly swiping away clumps of peach fuzz. The razor glided easily across the face, never snagging or pulling on the skin. We did notice a touch of irritation after use, which quickly faded back to calm skin. At times, the razor did require a second pass, though we were impressed overall with how easily it shaved away unwanted hair and dead skin cells.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Safety cap for storage | Number of Blades Included: 3
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Dermaflash-Luxe-Anti-Aging-Exfoliation--Peach-Fuzz-Dermaplaning-Kit-f53d1594d0fd423caabfa5824f9e39d5.jpg)
Bring the spa home to you with the Dermaflash Luxe Device. This set comes with the tool, a charger, and two skincare products: a pre-treatment cleanser and a post-treatment moisturizer. The electric tool uses 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.
Our testers loved that the tool left their skin super soft, though they disagreed on whether the tool was easy to maneuver because the thick handle was sometimes difficult to grip. The button placement was also less than ideal, which sometimes caused our testers to accidentally eject the razor blade — so proceed with caution when the tool is close to your face. We also thought the charging base was a bit inconvenient, since you have to remove the blade each time you charge.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Blade is concealed when not in use | Number of Blades Included: 5
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ennva-dermaplane-facial-razor-d54f708bc8fd457487a5d2c4b772c23c.jpg)
-
Comes in a pack of six, so you can replace the tool when needed
-
Highly effective performance
-
Sustainable option thanks to biodegradable materials
This razor is perfect for smaller areas of the face, like the eyebrows, chin, and upper lip, given the angle and sharpness of the blade. It effectively removed all our unwanted peach fuzz and hair.
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.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Protective cover, anti-slip grip | Number of Blades Included: 6
People / Jessica Juliao
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kitsch-pro-dermaplaner-tool-set-6157d2476ee14143856e888e4ce44ef1.jpg)
-
Removes thick brow hairs easily
-
Great precision due to the delicate blade
-
Small size fits in small areas of the face
-
Not great for traditional dermaplaning
-
The blade can be tricky, so we have to be careful as to not nick our skin
If your brows need a little grooming, this eyebrow razor can trim them into shape in no time. During testing, our tester loved how well it shaped their brows’ arches and how easy the tool was to maneuver. However, we wouldn’t recommend this tool for traditional dermaplaning: The blade is a bit dull, which caused some discomfort and made us worry that we might nick ourselves. We also loved that you get 12 razors for under 10 dollars, which is an unbeatable price.
Blade Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Plastic cap for storage | Number of Blades Included: 12
What to Know About Dermaplaning Tools
Skin Concerns
Sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin may not be the best candidates for dermaplaning, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. “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,” 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, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marissa Perman 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. Regardless of which tool you use, be sure to closely follow the product’s instructions (if not included in the kit, these instructions should be available online).
People / Kelly Meehan Brown
Behind the Scenes
Our team engaged in three tests where we tested these types of tools, two focusing on traditional dermaplaning tools and one with an assortment of facial hair removers.
For the dermaplaning tests, we created side-by-side comparisons of 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.
- Effectiveness: In our dermaplaning tests, our testers shaved their faces in order to consider how well each product worked. In our most recent dermaplaner test conducted in August 2024, we used a hair-illuminating spray to capture before and after images of our faces, bringing extra attention to the tools’ ability to remove hair and dead skin.
- Ease of Use: Our testers considered how easy the tool was to use, keeping in mind which products would be good for beginners and which should be reserved for experts. We paid extra attention to how easy it was to maneuver the tool around the face.
- Comfort: Dermaplaning should cause no pain and preferably no discomfort, either. We paid attention to whether the tools scraped, scratched, snagged, or pulled on the skin. Ultimately, we chose only the products that we felt were safe and caused little to no 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.
Shopping writer Genevieve Cepeda most recently updated this article after PEOPLE conducted further testing. In our PEOPLE Tested lab, we tested new products and re-tested previously evaluated products to ensure we are recommending the best of the best.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.