Get the Skinny on Dermatologist-Approved Epilators (2024)

Get the Skinny on Dermatologist-Approved Epilators (1)

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If an epilator sounds like life support, you're not entirely wrong—that is, if you're into sleek, hairless skin. An epilator is a hand-held device that removes hair from the roots, keeping your face, arms, and legs hair free for days (that's right, days, even weeks). Although razors are quick and easy, they only reach surface-level hair and leave bumps in their wake, or worse—cuts. "Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.

We won't sugarcoat this; they can sometimes be uncomfortable and slightly painful. You are purposely ripping hair out from the root, damaging the follicles, which in this case is a good thing because the next time hair wants to grow back, it'll come in thinner than before. Garshick suggests prepping the skin with a gentle exfoliation such as Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Liquid Body Wash: "[it] helps the hairs be more easily accessible, which also helps to address ingrown hairs." After epilating, use Vaseline's Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion to soothe the skin.

Pro tip: If your skin is loose, pull it taut so the tweezers don't grab it to avoid pinching. Now, if you just fainted at the very mention of tweezers, try at-home waxing kits, but if you want long-lasting results, consider the epilator. With Garshick's help, we've selected the most effective and comfortable epilators on the market so you can have smooth-to-the-touch skin and weeks of carefree shower time.

1

Best Epilator for Face

Braun FaceSpa Pro 910 Facial Epilator

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1

Best Epilator for Face

Braun FaceSpa Pro 910 Facial Epilator

This dermatologist-tested, editor-approved epilator can reach fine hairs that wax cannot and has a dual washing head that Braun claims to be six times more effective than manual washing.

2

Best Epilator for Face and Body

Emjoi AP-17LT Total Concept 2-In-1 Epilator

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2

Best Epilator for Face and Body

Emjoi AP-17LT Total Concept 2-In-1 Epilator

Glide Technology rolls the tweezer discs over the skin with less irritation and reaches delicate areas such as your lips, eyebrows, and bikini lines. If you press the skin too hard, a built-in safety touch will pause the tweezers.

3

Best Epilator for Eyebrows

Flawless by Finishing Touch Instant and Painless Facial Hair Remover

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Instantly remove hair from your lip, chin, or between the eyebrows with this lipstick-sized epilator, and never worry about nicks, burns, or irritation again.

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4

Best Epilator for Sensitive Skin

Braun Silk-epil 3 3-270 Epilator

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4

Best Epilator for Sensitive Skin

Braun Silk-epil 3 3-270 Epilator

Braun created this epilator to remove hair from sensitive, delicate skin by adding a massage roller head to soothe areas needing a lighter touch. You can either go cordless or plug it in, so you don't need to take epilating breaks.

5

Best Epilator Overall

Braun Silk-Épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Epilator Set

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5

Best Epilator Overall

Braun Silk-Épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Epilator Set

Whether it be massaging the skin to offering a shaver head in more sensitive areas this epilator comes with nine unique attachments to cover your every requirement. It has a flexible head that swivels and glides effortlessly with your body's natural curves.

6

Best Epilator for Pubic Hair

Phillips Epilator Series 8000

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6

Best Epilator for Pubic Hair

Phillips Epilator Series 8000

This is the world's first epilator to use ceramic tweezers—corrosion-resistant (perfect for the shower) and lightweight material. It reaches the shortest of hairs with double-action technology and keeps your skin smooth for weeks.

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7

Best Epilator for Bikini Lines

Remington Smooth & Silky Facial Epilator

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7

Best Epilator for Bikini Lines

Remington Smooth & Silky Facial Epilator

Small enough to pack and battery-powered, this epilator is perfect for bikini lines and other hard-to-reach areas for your upcoming vacation.

8

Best Long-Lasting Epilator

Corded Compact Epilator

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8

Best Long-Lasting Epilator

Corded Compact Epilator

An affordable, effective option, this corded epilator has an ergonomic handle, making it easy to use in hard-to-reach places, and has a detachable head for easy washing.

9

Best Epilator for Wet and Dry Use

Cshidword 2 in 1 Womens Electric Epilator & Shaver

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9

Best Epilator for Wet and Dry Use

Cshidword 2 in 1 Womens Electric Epilator & Shaver

Now 57% Off

If you're on the fence, this product is a safe bet because it provides dual usage: a razor head and an epilator attachment for wet and dry use.

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10

Best Cordless Epilator

Panasonic Premium Cordless Epilator

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10

Best Cordless Epilator

Panasonic Premium Cordless Epilator

Excellent for wet or dry skin, this cordless epilator has five easy snap-on attachments to adjust to your needs. Whether it be for sensitive skin or bikini lines, it covers everything at three speeds.

11

Best Epilator for Legs

Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator

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11

Best Epilator for Legs

Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator

This cordless epilator has two settings to help you find a comfortable speed while removing your hair. It has 40 tweezers working simultaneously, and this set includes a massaging cap with aloe vera to help soothe the skin after use.

12

Best Epilator for Underarms

Emjoi eRase 2-in-1 e60 Disc Precision Hair Removal Epilator

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12

Best Epilator for Underarms

Emjoi eRase 2-in-1 e60 Disc Precision Hair Removal Epilator

Now 35% Off

This vibrantly patterned epilator has staggered, dual-opposed heads that can remove hair from the roots effortlessly. It works well for both fine and coarse hair. Plus, it's easy on the eyes.

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Emma Sutton-Williams

Freelancer

Emma is a New York-based writer focused on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion. When she’s not scribbling novel ideas (pun intended), she’s off performing on Broadway and recording movie scores as a Juilliard-trained violinist. Her bylines have appeared in Rolling Stone, Parents, InStyle, Oprah Daily, and well, you get the idea.

Get the Skinny on Dermatologist-Approved Epilators (2024)

FAQs

Do dermatologists recommend epilators? ›

"Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.

Which brand epilator is the best? ›

Our top pick for the best epilator overall is the Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator. We love this one because it's not only a great budget-friendly option, but it also comes with two different speed settings and a massaging cap and precision tip to get a more customized hair removal experience.

What are the cons of using an epilator? ›

It can be uncomfortable or painful, especially at first. According to a popular epilation blog DenisaPicks, if you go too fast or move the device against the direction of hair growth, you may break the hair rather than pull it out from the root. These shorter, broken hairs may become ingrown or infected.

Do epilators make hair grow back thinner? ›

Epilation provides lasting smoothness

Plus, when it does grow back it's softer and finer than before.

Why not to use epilator on face? ›

Epilators are safe to use on your face but need to be used with caution. The skin on the face can be quite fragile so it is important that you are using these correctly, especially if you have sensitive skin. Otherwise, you may experience ingrown hairs and skin irritation.

How many times do you have to epilate before hair stops growing? ›

To prevent your hair from growing, you may have to perform between two and four cycles of epilation in conjunction with applying the FRÉNÉSIES cream. In extreme and very rare cases, the treatment may take up to 6 cycles to achieve the permanent results.

Is it safe to use epilator on pubic area? ›

Small and portable epilators can easily be used on privates. An epilator is any device that removes body hair by pulling it out from the roots. Small and portable epilators can easily be used on privates.

Can epilator damage skin? ›

We do not recommend using it on your face or head, because you will not get desired results, and it may also damage your skin. Some products come with additional attachments to use on sensitive areas, like your bikini or pubic region.

Is it better to use an epilator wet or dry? ›

We recommend that you use most products on dry skin, as wet hair tends to stick more to the skin. Also, if you are aiming to do an on-the-go session, try using the product on dry skin instead. Be certain that your skin is clean and completely dry before using the appliance.

Does epilating stop strawberry legs? ›

While an epilator might be uncomfortable or even painful (like waxing), anecdotal evidence suggests that this form of hair removal can prevent strawberry legs from occurring. Skipping shaving cream may also be causing your symptoms, so be sure to carefully moisturize the area before it comes in contact with a razor.

Do epilators leave stubble? ›

A: Yes it will cause stubble you notice it. Whenever you cut hair - with a razor or this device, when the hair grows back it feels blunt and sharp like stubble does. Even if it's 3 hairs.

Which is better, an epilator or an IPL? ›

IPL is more effective than waxing, shaving, and epilating all together because it's faster, easier, and it doesn't hurt. But scientifically speaking, it's the best method of permanent hair removal out there.

Do epilators cause scarring? ›

The following are some of the minor risks associated with epilating: Skin redness. Swollen or inflamed skin. Scarring.

Does epilator cause inflammation? ›

Some women with sensitive skin can suffer swelling in certain areas of the body post-epilation. This normally happens in the areas such as the upper lip, underarms, or bikini area.

Does epilation damage hair follicles? ›

Electrolysis epilators, also known as medical electrolysis devices, destroy hair using a shortwave radio frequency. Since this type of epilator destroys the hair follicle, you can use it to get rid of unwanted body hair permanently.

Do epilators cause more ingrown hairs than waxing? ›

Though longer lasting than shaving and easier to DIY than waxing, epilation—in which the hair is pulled directly from the root by an electric or manual device—does come with a catch: Because of the way the hair is removed, you're more likely to deal with ingrown hairs after the fact.

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