Facial hair removal products can be a game-changer if your go-to razor isn’t cutting it — or if you’re unsure what’s actually safe to use on sensitive areas of your face. If you’re searching for the best facial hair removal products, know this: body hair is completely normal, and removing it is always a personal choice (we’re just here to help if you do).
From peach fuzz to thicker, coarser hair, different formulas and tools deliver very different results. And choosing the wrong one can mean irritation, bumps, or wasted money. That’s why we, with the help of board-certified dermatologists, tested and vetted top options to help you find the facial hair removal product that fits your skin type, comfort level, and beauty goals.
Credit: Target
The small tube on the Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream mimics a lip balm tube with its angled tip, making applying it to treatment areas more straightforward than ever. Testers found that with this feature (and the static formula that stays in place once applied), there was no risk of accidentally spreading the facial hair removal cream to unwanted areas. It took just five minutes to remove the fine peach hair from testers’ faces fully, and about three weeks for it to finally grow back. With the absence of pesky peach fuzz, testers noticed that their makeup applied more seamlessly, as no tiny hairs were getting in the way.
Two things to mention: First, the Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream has a strong scent — there’s no getting around it. Thankfully, it takes five to ten minutes to process, and the scent disappears once the product is rinsed off. Second, although it’s a pain-free treatment, we did notice that our skin looked the tiniest bit flushed post-use, but it subsided shortly thereafter. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to patch-test on your skin before applying it to your face.
Size: 1.35 fl oz | Method: Hair Removal Cream
Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream has an angled tip for easy application and works in minutes.
Shape
Credit: Barefaced
Why We Like It
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Guardless for a closer shave
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Reusable up to four times
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Safety tip at top of blade to prevent nicks
If you’re unsure how dermaplaning could fit into your routine, imagine yourself with the smoothest, most glowy skin imaginable — at all times— and see if that influences you. After a little bit of practice, Barefaced’s facial razor (and the brand’s Perfectionist Facial + Shave Oil) seamlessly eliminated peach fuzz and dead skin cells from Shape writer Maddie Barber’s face, leaving behind a finish she could only compare to “glass skin.” Prepare to be complimented post-shave, but don’t forget to read the how-to guide to dermaplaning before using your razor, especially if it’s your first time. “Definitely go slowly, whether or not it’s your first time dermaplaning,” says Barber, who attempted the practice for the first time using the Barefaced razor (and a good amount of oil as a precaution).
Why It’s a 2024 Shape Beauty Award Winner: Barefaced’s Facial Razor makes achieving smooth, glowing skin an easy feat with its stainless steel blade (and no guard) that provides an ultra-close shave.
Size: N/A | Method: Dermaplaner
The Barefaced Facial Razor is guardless for a closer shave and has a safety tip at the top.
Shape
Credit: Amazon
Sometimes, classic beauty brands earn their status for a reason: they just work! “Nair is still the tried and true depilatory cream,” says Lora Condon, a New Jersey-based licensed esthetician. “This product will soften the hair to either remove it at the surface or soften it enough to remove it from the root,” she explains. For best results and to prevent any burns or irritation, she stresses the importance of closely following the directions for application. “You can test it on parts of the body that don’t show just in case there’s a reaction,” suggests Condon. “Most prefer behind the ear, the back of the neck, thigh, or even the inside of the wrist.” Stop using it immediately if you develop itching, raw or burned skin, or red bumps (cortisone cream can help soothe skin irritation). Condon also recommends avoiding this product if you take prescription acne medications, including Retin-A, because the combo could make your skin hypersensitive and potentially lead to irritation.
Condon isn’t the only skincare expert partial to this facial hair remover. New York- and New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, also recommends it. She says: “This nourishing facial hair remover can be applied to the face, including the upper lip, chin, and cheeks, to help remove hairs, including those that are fine to coarse.” And since it’s made with sweet almond oil, she says it’s less likely to cause irritation than other hair removal options. A gentle formula is important when choosing a hair removal product, whether for the face or body, like Shape’s 2023 Skin Awards winner Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream.
Shape’s testers found that the Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream specifically worked wonders on areas with thick hair. Requiring about ten to 15 minutes of processing time and a few swipes to fully remove the product, this cream left those with notably thicker hair with hairless, ridiculously smooth skin. Be sure not to let this product overprocess if you don’t want any irritation.
Size: 2 oz | Method: Cream
Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream is a tried-and-true option for either fine or thick hair.
Shape
Credit: Walmart
While Shape’s testers tried out the GiGi Hair Removal Cream, it quickly became clear why the product had become a TikTok sensation with over 15 billion views surrounding discussion of its effectiveness. The easy-to-distribute hair removal cream removes hair entirely within eight minutes without causing redness or irritation. When perusing the ingredients list, this makes sense: cucumber and honey in the formula provide soothing and reparative benefits that help prevent further irritation from hair removal products like this one. Beyond its fast processing time, testers raved about how easily this cream smoothed their skin and drastically slowed hair regrowth. With these results, it’s no wonder the recommended once-every-few-weeks application noticeably improves skin softness from lack of facial hair.
However, despite its sensitive skin-approved ingredients, this formula can trigger a slight tingling sensation. While this typically doesn’t call for an alarm, Shape editors suggest you steer clear of this product if you know that it will bug you even temporarily.
Size: 1 oz. | Method: Hair Removal Cream
Credit: Amazon
The Finishing Touch Flawless Dermaplane Glo Lighted Facial Exfoliator is one of Amazon’s best-selling personal microdermabrasion devices for improving skin tone and texture for a reason. It boasts a built-in light feature that quickly illuminates the areas you’re working on, similar to how the process would go down in a professional setting. What’s more? The angled head and safety guard not only seamlessly remove unwanted hair but also protect your skin in the process.
Shape editors love this tool for its dermaplaning abilities, not only because it provides your skin with the smooth, glowy finish that so many desire but also because it is a highly cost-efficient way to perform an effective dermaplaning job. Typically, these in-office treatments cost a fortune, but the six replacement heads that come with the Finishing Touch Flawless Dermaplaner cost only $15, putting each DIY treatment at about $2.30 — a major distinction from the hundreds you would spend on a single session in a pro’s office.
Size: Handheld | Method: Dermaplaning Tool
Credit: Amazon
Designed with a wide head and 14,000 sonic vibrations per minute, this luxury dermaplaning tool is as good as it gets. When testing the Dermaflash Luxe+, Shape’s testers found that the ergonomic device was easy to maneuver across the contours of their faces so long as they prepped their skin as directed, operated the device at a 45-degree angle, held their skin taut, and applied just enough pressure. They emphasize the necessity of using the correct pressure — too little pressure made testers initially believe nothing was happening. Once they hit that sweet spot, though, their peach fuzz buzzed off with ease. With about a once-a-week use of the Dermaflash+, that smooth facial finish became the new norm for testers’ skin.
Ridding the device of one blade and inserting another can be a learning process, so ensure you thoroughly read the instructions when the time comes and take your time with the process to prevent wasting blades. Also, note it’s normal to experience a little redness with this device, so don’t get alarmed if this happens to you. To keep your flush at bay, apply a soothing moisturizer immediately post-use.
Size: Handheld | Method: Dermaplaning Tool
Credit: Athena Club
If you prefer waxing above all facial hair removal methods, at the very least, try the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face. While testing these strips, Shape’s testers found these to be the most helpful when used quickly, requiring them to get past the initial mental block. Wax strips are undeniably uncomfortable, but the results usually make the temporary pain worth it. The Athena Club Wax Strip Kit proved to be among the most comfortable wax strips testers tried — it helps that the kit comes with wipes to remove excess wax residue and a calming serum to mitigate any post-pull pain.
Like any wax, the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit will take some time to get used to. Fortunately for you (and Shape’s testers), the wax pulls hairs from deep down, which prevents them from growing back as quickly, so the process proves its worth after every slightly-painful use.
Size: 3.5” x 1.38” | Method: Wax Strips
Credit: Amazon
The Moom Organic Hair Removal utilizes the power of wax to remove pesky hairs, boasting an all-natural, honey-like formula made from cane sugar extract, lemon juice, tea tree oil, and chamomile tea. Considering the gentleness of these ingredients — Shape particularly loves the inclusion of tea tree oil and chamomile tea given their soothing, pain-relieving capabilities — this wax can be used on your face and body, helping you get more bang for your buck.
If you’re hesitant to use sugar wax at home, know that these wax types tend to offer a more gentle approach to hair removal. “The key is to follow the directions carefully,” says Dr. Fromowitz, who stresses this advice to yield the best results. Namely, be very careful about temperature to avoid burns.
Size: 12 oz | Method: Sugar Wax
Credit: Amazon
If you’re partial to traditional hard waxes after years of booking in-salon waxing appointments, consider learning how to do this at home with the Bliss Poetic Waxing Straight-From-The-Spa Hair Removal Kit. The Shape team prefers this kit over others because of its low-temperature, fast-hardening wax that has a bright blue hue — perfect for keeping track of every nook and cranny on your face the wax is applied to. Plus, the formula features chamomile for that extra-soothing post-wax feel — Shape is a fan of anything that may help reduce the inevitable post-pull pain.
Despite all the good intentions, Shape’s testers experienced discomfort with the Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit during the hair removal process. However, this is rarely something you can avoid when using hard wax. Testers did note that while first attempting to use this kit, the hard wax didn’t pull off in one fell swoop, meaning more pulls, more pain, and more of a mess overall. Once they got the hang of pulling it off, though, they found that their facial hair stayed at bay for longer durations, making it worth the previous struggle.
Size: 1 fl oz | Method: Hard Wax
Credit: Ulta
When testing Nads Hair Removal Precision Eyebrow Wax Wand, Shape’s team of testers understood why it went viral on TikTok. The innovative pen design offers an easy way to apply wax to small areas of skin, whether you want to focus on your brows, upper lip, or any other tight patches where stubborn hairs grow. Within just a few minutes of application and a quick pull of the included cotton strips, the wax unearthed brow hairs and peach fuzz between brows to reveal perfectly sculpted arches. Suffice to say, we’re big fans.
Testers found that a thin layer of wax was plenty to remove unwanted facial hair adequately, and if they accidentally over-applied the product, they could easily wash it off with soap and water before it had a chance to process. They note how crucial it is to work fast, though, when using this product, as the wax hardens quickly.
Size: 6 g | Method: Wax
The Nads Hair Removal Precision Eyebrow Wax Wand has an innovative pen design for small areas.
Shape
Credit: Amazon
“If you’re going to use a razor on your face, I like one that contours to the shape of your face, making it less likely to cause bleeding and infection,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield, MD. This drugstore-accessible, ultra-popular option from Schick fits the bill with its ergonomic design. When testing the Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool, Shape’s testers found that short, steady strokes provided the best results, meaning they didn’t have to perform any second strokes or touch-ups until two to three weeks after the initial removal process. The dermaplaner’s included microguards promise a nick- and irritation-free shave that still properly removes hair.
Shape likes how these razors come in a budget-friendly three-pack, ensuring you get a true bang for your buck when purchasing disposable razors.
Size: Handheld | Method: Dermaplaning Tool
Credit: Amazon
The Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover is only slightly larger than a tube of lipstick, yet proves itself as a powerhouse product for buzzing off unwanted facial hair. When trying Gillette Venus’ Mini Facial Hair Remover, Shape’s testers loved this teeny tool’s unbeatable convenience. With a pinpoint spotlight to help guide the way, a compact size, and a design that promotes a gentle, sensitivities-free shave, it shockingly worked wonders to eliminate peach fuzz on testers’ skin.
One thing to remember here: This is a shaver. Unlike wax, it will not remove hair at the root. As such, you may feel stubble from the blunt edges of recently trimmed facial hairs after the initial shaving session. That said, right after shaving, the testers’ skin felt smooth to the touch.
Size: N/A | Method: Electric Shaver
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
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Precise tweezers
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Eight color options
For minor hair-removal jobs, nothing completes the task as well as a solid pair of tweezers. Shape editors prefer this Tweezer Guru pair to pluck a few hairs with unbeatable precision, thanks to the strong, wide grip for easy grasping and sharp angled tips for seamless removal. The tips also boast a hypoallergenic stainless steel construction that fares well when wiped down with alcohol, which is the suggested cleaning method to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Plus, while these six-dollar tweezers already feel like a bargain, there’s an option to grab a two-pack to keep a pair in your medicine cabinet and one in your purse for touch-ups on-the-go — you never know when you need to snag a rogue hair.
Size: Handheld | Method: Tweezers
What to Know About Facial Hair Removal Products
- Skin type: If your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts and ingrown hairs, you may want to opt for a removal method that removes hair from the surface rather than the root. Thanks to the less-involved process, you’re less likely to experience irritation from a trimmer than a wax. Also, avoid shaving over active acne spots on your face to prevent further irritation or infection in that area.
- Side effects: Even if you go with expert-recommended, Shape-tested picks, it’s essential to know that side effects are possible. “Depending on the type of device, there may be a potential for scarring or hyperpigmentation due to irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. The same goes for waxes and creams. “When misused, these products can lead to superficial skin infections, cuts, scrapes, burns, and discoloration,” warns Dr. Davis. Suffice to say, that facial hair removal products need to be used with the utmost care. If you’re unsure which device is best for you, consult a dermatologist for their expert opinion.
- Longest-lasting result: If your goal is to rid your face of hair for as long as possible, Dr. Greenfield suggests methods that remove the hair from the follicle, such as waxing, tweezing, or using an epilator. “Once removed, the hair shaft will take several weeks to regrow and push through the skin,” she says. While those at-home and in-salon methods tend to be the most popular, Dr. Davis says laser hair removal is the most effective treatment for long-term smoothness. “With each treatment, the hairs become finer and thinner, and the hair follicle also decreases in size,” she says. “Many treatments designed for over-the-counter hair removal simply remove the hair from the skin’s surface. But with laser hair removal, you are shrinking the hair follicle and reducing the amount of hair that grows, which can last a long time.” It is even possible to try laser hair removal devices at home, we know, we tested dozens of devices. Still, if you find your facial hair is growing back rapidly or don’t know which hair removal option is best for you, speaking with a dermatologist can help. “It is important to speak with a board-certified dermatologist about other treatment options, including a prescription cream Vaniqa, which can slow down hair regrowth, as well as to evaluate any medical conditions associated with increased hair growth,” says Dr. Garshick.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the downside of dermaplaning?
When dermaplaning, you do not remove the hair from the root like you would with alternative options like waxing or tweezing. This means dermaplaning requires more frequent touch-ups, which could be time-consuming for anyone desiring a low-maintenance hair removal routine. Also, although dermaplaning may be a better option for those with sensitive skin, it could result in painful nicks and irritation if misused. This is especially true when dermaplaning over areas with active breakouts, so avoiding those areas when shaving your face is crucial.
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Is it better to wax or dermaplane your face?
There is no “better” option when considering waxing or dermaplaning your face, but rather it boils down to your desired results. If you prefer to deal with hair removal as little as possible, waxing offers a longer-lasting result because it removes hair from the root — you just have to endure a more painful process for that smooth skin at the end. If you’re okay with extra weekly maintenance and prefer to avoid any pain when removing hair, dermaplaning is a fabulous alternative.
Why Trust Shape
Rebecca Norris is a writer with over eight years of experience in the beauty industry. She’s well-versed in the latest and greatest product launches, as well as the most alluring beauty trends and compelling ingredients on the market. For this story, she scoured the testing results sheets for insights and consulted several dermatologists and one aesthetician about facial hair removal products to gain expert insight and recommendations.
