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If you have sensitive skin, finding a razor that gives you a close shave without leaving you covered in razor burn, bumps or irritation can feel almost impossible.
I’ve tried quite a few different women’s razors over the years, including
FFS, Estrid, Gillette Venus and Solimo,
and I’ve found that they can feel surprisingly different despite all doing essentially the same job.
So rather than simply listing every razor I could find online, I’ve put together this guide based on the razors I’ve actually used, along with what I’ve learned about choosing a razor for sensitive skin.
My overall favourite is FFS, although Estrid is a very close alternative if you prefer its design and shaving feel.

Quick comparison: the best razors for sensitive skin
| Razor | Best for | Blades | My verdict |
| FFS | Best overall | 6 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Estrid | Best alternative | 5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/5 |
| Gillette Venus | Reliable high-street option | Varies by model | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Solimo | Budget option | 5 | ⭐⭐⭐1/5 |
Everyone’s skin is different, so what works brilliantly for me might not be perfect for you. If your skin is particularly reactive, your shaving technique and the products you use alongside your razor can be just as important as the razor itself.
1. FFS — My favourite razor for sensitive skin
If I had to choose one razor from the ones I’ve tried, I’d choose FFS.
I’ve used FFS and found it gave me a really close shave while still feeling comfortable on my skin.
FFS has also changed since I originally wrote this article. The current razor has a six-blade head, a weighted metal handle, a Vitamin E lubrication strip and a rubber guard bar.
FFS also offers a built-in bikini trimmer on its current razor.
Even more importantly, FFS was independently tested by Which? in August 2025 and received a Best Buy rating with a score of 82%, the highest score in that test. The test included other well-known razors including Estrid and Gillette Venus. (FFS Beauty)
What I like about FFS
- Gives a close shave
- Comfortable to hold
- The weighted handle feels more substantial than cheaper plastic razors
- The lubrication strip makes it glide easily
- Replacement blades are delivered through a refill service
- The handle is designed to last
- There is a bikini trimmer built into the current cartridge
The current FFS razor is available as a kit and the company offers refill plans that can be paused, skipped or cancelled.
Is FFS good for sensitive skin?
In my experience, yes.
However, I wouldn’t say that any razor can completely prevent irritation. Sensitive skin can react to the number of passes, shaving too closely, a blunt blade, shaving against the direction of hair growth or using products that irritate your skin.
FFS itself says its blades are designed for sensitive skin, with a Vitamin E lubrication strip and diamond-coated blades.
FFS verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — My winner
If you want a close shave, a comfortable handle and the convenience of replacement blades arriving automatically, FFS is the one I’d choose from the razors I’ve tried.
2. Estrid — Best alternative to FFS
Estrid was another one of my favourites.
I’ve used Estrid and really liked the overall design and shaving experience.
The current Estrid Body Razor has five blades, a stainless-steel handle and a vegan lubrication strip containing shea butter and aloe. Estrid specifically markets the razor towards people with sensitive skin. (Estrid)
What I like about Estrid
- Attractive, simple design
- Comfortable handle
- Close shave
- Five-blade cartridge
- Lubrication strip
- Replacement blades available through a subscription
- Easy to get hold of in the UK
Estrid’s current starter kit includes the stainless-steel handle, a five-blade body cartridge and a wall holder. The company also offers a refill subscription that can be skipped, paused or cancelled.
Is Estrid good for sensitive skin?
I found Estrid comfortable to use, although — as with any razor — your experience will depend on your skin and shaving routine.
One thing I particularly like is the lubrication strip, because a razor that glides rather than drags is much more pleasant when your skin is prone to irritation.
Estrid verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — Excellent alternative
If you like the look of Estrid or prefer its shaving feel, I don’t think you would go far wrong with it.
3. Gillette Venus — A reliable high-street option
Gillette Venus is probably one of the most recognisable women’s razor brands, and I’ve used Venus myself.
One advantage of Venus is simply the choice.
There are several different Venus razors available, including options specifically marketed towards sensitive skin. (Gillette)
The current range includes three- and five-blade options, with lubrication strips designed to help the razor glide over the skin. (Gillette)
What I like about Gillette Venus
- Easy to find in shops
- Lots of different models
- Good range of replacement blades
- Familiar and straightforward to use
- Options specifically designed for sensitive skin
- Gillette currently recommends replacing its reusable razor heads after around 5–7 shaves, or when the blade becomes dull and starts dragging.
Gillette Venus verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A solid option
If you don’t want a subscription razor and want something you can easily pick up from a supermarket, pharmacy or beauty shop, Venus is a good option.
4. Solimo — The budget option
I’ve also used the Solimo women’s five-blade razor, which was one of the more affordable options I tried.
The main reason I’d consider Solimo is the price. If you don’t want to spend much money on a premium razor or a subscription, a budget razor can still do the job.
What I liked about Solimo
- Affordable
- Five-blade design
- Easy to use
- Good option if you’re trying to keep costs down
However, compared with FFS and Estrid, I preferred the overall feel and shaving experience of the more premium razors.
Solimo verdict
⭐⭐⭐½ — Best for a budget
If price is your biggest priority, Solimo is worth considering. If sensitive skin is your main concern and you don’t mind spending a little more, I’d personally choose FFS or Estrid.
So, which is the best razor for women with sensitive skin?
After trying all four, FFS is my personal winner.
It’s the razor I’d reach for when I want a close shave without feeling like I’m dragging a blunt blade over my skin.
The fact that FFS was subsequently rated a Which? Best Buy in 2025, scoring 82% in independent testing, is also a pretty strong bonus.
That doesn’t mean FFS will automatically be the best razor for everyone.
If you prefer Estrid, I’ve also had a good experience with it. If you want something you can easily pick up in a supermarket, Gillette Venus is convenient, while Solimo makes more sense if you’re shopping primarily on price.
How to choose the best razor for sensitive skin
The number of blades isn’t the only thing you should consider when choosing a razor.
Look for a good lubrication strip
A lubrication strip can help the razor glide over your skin rather than dragging.
Both FFS and Estrid use lubrication strips on their current razors.
Don’t assume more blades automatically means better
A five- or six-blade razor isn’t automatically going to be better for everyone.
A close shave can be great, but if you have very reactive skin, repeatedly going over the same area can cause irritation.
I’d focus on finding a razor that gives you a close shave without needing lots of passes.
Choose a comfortable handle
This sounds like a small thing, but it makes a difference.
A handle that feels secure in your hand gives you more control and makes it less tempting to press too hard.
Change your blade regularly
A dull blade can drag rather than glide, which can make shaving much less comfortable.
Don’t wait until a blade is visibly rusty or completely unusable before replacing it.
How to shave sensitive skin without getting razor burn
Your razor isn’t the only thing responsible for irritation.
A few simple changes to your shaving routine can make a big difference.
1. Soften your skin first
Shaving after a warm shower can help soften the hair and make it easier to shave.
2. Use shaving cream or gel
Don’t dry shave if your skin is prone to irritation.
A dedicated shaving product gives the razor something to glide over and can reduce friction.
3. Don’t press too hard
Let the razor do the work.
Pressing harder doesn’t necessarily give you a better shave and can increase irritation.
4. Shave in the direction of hair growth
If your skin is particularly sensitive, shaving with the direction of hair growth is generally gentler than repeatedly shaving against it.
5. Don’t keep going over the same area
Once you’ve removed the hair, resist the temptation to keep shaving the same patch repeatedly just to get it absolutely perfect.
6. Moisturise afterwards
Once you’re finished, rinse your skin and apply a gentle moisturiser.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best razor for women with sensitive skin?
Based on the razors I’ve personally tried, FFS is my favourite.
It gives me a close shave while feeling comfortable on my skin. FFS was also independently rated a Which? Best Buy in 2025, scoring 82% in its women’s razor test.
Is FFS better than Estrid?
I personally prefer FFS, but this is subjective. Both are refillable razors designed for women, and both have lubrication strips. FFS currently has six blades, while Estrid’s current Body Razor has five.
Is a five-blade razor better for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily. Blade count is only one part of the equation. The quality and sharpness of the blades, lubrication, shaving technique and how many passes you make can all affect irritation.
How often should you change a razor?
It depends on how frequently you shave and how quickly the blade becomes dull. Gillette currently recommends changing reusable heads after around 5–7 shaves or when the blade begins to drag. FFS recommends changing its blades after around 5–6 shaves.
How can I stop getting razor bumps?
Try using a fresh blade, shaving with lubrication, avoiding excessive pressure and reducing the number of times you go over the same area. If you regularly get painful or persistent bumps, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional rather than simply changing razors.
Is FFS worth the money?
For me, yes. I prefer the shaving experience and handle compared with cheaper razors I’ve tried. It also has the advantage of a refill system, so you can have replacement blades delivered rather than remembering to buy them.
Is Estrid good for sensitive skin?
I found Estrid comfortable to use. The current Estrid Body Razor has five blades and a vegan lubrication strip containing shea butter and aloe, and Estrid specifically markets it as being designed with sensitive skin in mind. (Estrid)
Final verdict
I’ve tried FFS, Estrid, Gillette Venus and Solimo, and if I had to recommend just one, I’d pick FFS.
🥇 Best overall: FFS
🥈 Best alternative: Estrid
🥉 Best high-street option: Gillette Venus
💰 Best budget option: Solimo
But remember that sensitive skin is personal. The best razor for you is ultimately the one that gives you the closest shave you want without leaving your skin irritated.
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This is so great.. I usually wax or use shaving cream because I’ve always had some reaction from shaving stick. Someone recommended estrid and I am really tempted to try it ..
I use the Venus ones, but I am looking for something more sustainable. Very informative article, lots of great options!
This is a great post. I have been looking for a better razor as I do suffer from sensitive skins. I think I need to try estrid and ffs. In the past, I use the Gillette but did not like it.
Charlotte
goalofhappiness.com
Great tips in here! I usually use an electric razor and sometimes those creams that make your hairs fall out, but this seems really convenient actually and the fact that it’s cruelty free and relatively good for the environment does help! I think I might try the Estrid when holidays are back on the table.
Wow, Estrid and this new Gillette release looks fabbbb and expensive! I have dry skin and my old Gillette still works for me so I’m good with it. But great recommendations!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
I really want to get a refillable razor and haven’t been able to decide between FFS or Estrid but I really like the sound of FFS having the send back blades so I think I’ll go with them. Great post Amber xx