Best Electric Shaver for Sensitive Skin: Foil vs. Rotary Shavers | 2022 Buyer’s Guide

Although electric shavers are easier on sensitive skin, they may cause irritation, too. This may happen if you apply excessive pressure. That is why the best electric shaver for sensitive skin is the one that glides smoothly over your skin, effortlessly following your face contours. At the same time, it should be powerful enough and have quality blades. In this guide, we will provide a detailed insight into the two types of electric shavers, their main differences, and compare the 8 best shavers for sensitive skin available on the market.

How Do Electric Shavers for Sensitive Skin Differ? Foil vs. Rotary Shavers

Foil electric shavers remove hair with the use of oscillating blades. Positioned underneath the foil, these blades move back and forth at high speeds. Foil is a slim sheet of perforated metal that traps hair, bringing them closer to the blades. The main advantage of foil shavers is the ability to cut closer to the skin and more smoothly. If speed is your priority, go with this type of device as it has a higher vibration rate of up to 14,000 cycles/minute.

This method is more suitable for those who shave very frequently or need precision. If you have fine hair on your face, a foil electric shaver will be the best choice for you, too. Anyway, it works great with any type of hair. And more importantly, it is the best option for sensitive skin. That said, a foil shaver has a significant downside: it may not be easy to move along the contours of the face. With this shaver, you can go left to right or up to down, but not in a circular motion. However, some top-notch products like the Braun Series 9 9370cc feature multi-direction heads for better flexibility.

Rotary electric shavers like the Philips Norelco SP9820/18 contain three discs with razors spinning around. The peculiarity of this type of machine is that it easily follows your face contours, delivering a comfortable shave.

Unlike foil shavers, it cuts hair in a circular motion, with the heads pivoting 360 degrees and flexing inwards. This makes rotary shavers easier to maneuver and more appropriate for more challenging areas like the chin. They are great for people with coarse and thick hair but may not work well for those who have sensitive skin. If you shave not so often — approximately once in two or three days — and need to cut longer hair, a rotary shaver is the best bet for you.

8 Best Shavers for Sensitive Skin Compared

Choosing between high-quality branded shavers may be a daunting task. To make the right choice, we advise you to focus on your priorities. For example, the Braun Electric Razor will give you a gentle shave with utmost efficiency. The Philips Norelco SP9820/18 Shaver contains NanoTech blades delivering maximum precision. If your skin is too sensitive, you may like the BaBylissPRO Foil Shaver engineered with hypoallergenic gold foils. While the ultra-fast Panasonic Electric Razor with a powerful motor is ideal for men who need quick shaves.

1. World’s Most Efficient Shaver — Scientifically Proven Gentleness

Ideal for a gentle shave, the Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 9 9370cc uses the most advanced technology of this brand. Equipped with an adaptive shaving motor, this foil shaver delivers as many as 10,000 micro-vibrations, trapping a greater amount of hair in a single stroke. The device features four shaving elements and one SkinGuard for better efficiency, while the two included trimmers boast top-quality titanium coating. The flexible head moves in 10 directions, which makes this foil shaver a good choice for eliminating hair in hard-to-reach spots. You can use this grooming tool in the shower as it is waterproof up to 5 meters underwater.

Made in Germany, the product was successfully tested on 3-day beards for efficiency. According to the study results, Series 9 has proved to be the world’s most efficient shaver providing exceptional gentleness. Namely, it has gained better customer satisfaction as compared to models from other brands.

Braun Series 9 9370cc: Check the current price

2. Best Precision Blades

If you are looking for the highest possible precision, opt for the Philips Norelco SP9820/18 Shaver 9000 Prestige. Built with NanoTech precision blades, this rotary shaver cuts hair closely, even a week-old beard.

The blades feature sharp edges with an enormous amount of nanoparticles. Additionally, there are SkinComfort rings around the heads made with a protective coating layer for smooth shaving. One of the perks of this product is the BeardAdapt Sensor. This technology works by detecting hair density and adapting to you automatically. Another beneficial feature is the multi-direction ContourDetect system enabling the heads to move in 8 different directions. This is particularly helpful for shaving areas like the jawline. The product includes a skin-friendly trimmer for a quick makeover and a storage case.

Philips Norelco SP9820/18: Check the current price

3. Best Hypoallergenic Shaver with Gold Foils

Available in gold, rose gold, and silver colors, the BaBylissPRO Barberology Cordless Metal Double Foil Shaver has an incredibly chic design. One of the reasons why we recommend this product for people with sensitive skin is its premium hypoallergenic gold foils.

The device offers a three-hour runtime on a full charge. Nevertheless, if you have a skin allergy, be sure to first test it on your arm or leg. This foil shaver is made with a potent rotary motor, metal housing, and an auto shut-off feature. It has an impressive quality and feels professional.

BaBylissPRO Barberology: Check the current price

4. Most Powerful & Fast

For those who need a fast shave, the Panasonic Electric Razor for Men, Electric Shaver, ARC5 will be the best choice. Made with 5 stainless steel blades, it features a high-output 14,000 CPM motor delivering up to 70,000 cross-cuts per minute.

The flexible head pivots in 16 directions, conforming to your natural contours. For smoother results, there is the Advanced Intelligent Shave Sensor that checks hair density 220 times per second to adjust power while you are shaving. The product can be used both wet and dry and includes a pop-up trimmer for detail grooming.

Panasonic ES-LV97-K ARC 5: Check the current price

Best Electric Shavers for Sensitive Skin Under £100

Below, you will find the best affordable electric shavers with prices ranging from £60 to £80. All of them are manufactured by trusted brands and use quality materials like titanium and stainless steel. And yet, each product has its strengths and peculiarities, which we are going to focus on.

5. Ultra-Sharp Blades for a Quick Shave

One of the biggest selling points of the Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8103S Arc3 is its three Nanotech blades with a 30-degree angle. Made from stainless steel, these blades are very sharp and deliver utmost precision. They float independently and are hypoallergenic, meaning you won’t experience skin irritation.

Another advantage of this model is a flexible head that pivots easily to effortlessly follow your face contours. The motor is pretty fast, running at 13,000 cycles per minute. What adds to convenience is an illuminated display that will let you know when the device is running out of battery.

Panasonic ES8103S Arc3: Check the current price

6. Five-Directional Pivot for Curves of Your Face

For shaving problem areas like the chin and neck, pick the Philips Norelco Shaver 2300 S1211/81. The five-directional pivot gives flexible movements, making the whole experience enjoyable. You can use it dry or wet with a smoothing gel, including in the shower.

The device contains as many as 27 blades that are self-sharpening and glide freely over the skin. Built with a durable Li-ion battery, it charges in just one hour and has a runtime of 60 minutes. The trimmer for mustache and sideburn finishing is included. The product also comes with a charging stand and a carrying pouch for travelers.

Philips Norelco 2300 S1211/81: Check the current price

7. Waterproof up to 5 Meters

If you are looking for a reliable cordless shaver to use in the shower, choose the Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 3 3040s. Built with rechargeable NiMH batteries, the unit provides up to 45-minute shaving time after one-hour charging. It is waterproof up to 5 meters and can be safely cleaned under running water.

The product has an intelligent design with a thin head that easily reaches hard-to-access areas. It also features 3 shaving elements and the patented SensoFoil technology protecting your skin from nips and cuts.

Braun Series 3 3040s: Check the current price

8. Titanium Blades

This versatile Andis 17150 Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver can be both plugged into a socket and used cordless. While being the cheapest product on the list, the device is engineered with a long-lasting Li-ion battery giving you up to 80 minutes of non-stop shaving.

With a weight of just 3.2 ounces, it is compact and easy to maneuver. The blades are made from sturdy titanium material and are hypoallergenic. This foil shaver is good for all types of skin and is safe for sensitive skin in particular.

Andis 17150 Pro: Check the current price

Popular Electric Shavers for Men in the UK | Comparison Table