Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (2024)

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (1)

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There’s nothing wrong with rocking body hair if that’s someone’s prerogative. However, now that the warm weather season is officially here and we're collectively wearing more revealing clothing, it's time to talk about body hair removal. Shaving or dermaplaning works if you're in a pinch, but the upkeep is high. Waxing, sugaring, and laser hair removal are excruciating and exorbitantly priced. So what's someone to do? Enter epilators, which are mechanical devices that pull hair out by the root instead of cutting the hair at the skin level, like shaving.

Best Epilators

What Is an Epilator? And Do You Need One?

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., “It’s a nice alternative if you’re not a good candidate for laser hair removal, or if you have sensitive skin that gets irritated by shaving or depilatory creams.”

Since it removes hair at the root, there will be some discomfort when using an epilator, but users say the pain is relatively mild, especially when compared to harsher hair-removal methods, such as waxing. Need more incentive to join the epilator wave? The results can last up to 4 weeks, which is fantastic for anyone unable to commit to regular hair-removal maintenance.

Ready for smooth, hairless skin? Same! Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, chatted with King and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., about all things epilators, including their favorite recommendations. These devices range in price and features, but overall will help keep every body smooth and hair-free no matter how thick or fine the hair is.

What to Consider

There are more than 1,000 epilators on Amazon alone, so shopping can get tricky. To help streamline the process, King and Garshick share how to shop for an epilator like a dermatologist.

Waterproof

Both doctors suggest ordering a waterproof epilator so it can be used either wet or dry. “This makes it more convenient to add to your routine, and it also makes it easier to clean,” King says. Garshick adds that it’s imperative to thoroughly clean the epilator with an antibacterial soap in order to avoid infection or skin irritation.

Cordless

Look for a cordless epilator that can be used while plugged in if it’s not charged. This makes it more convenient to use, and you won’t get caught not being able to use it if it’s not charged.

Thoughtful Design

OK, this suggestion from King is more focused on functionalities than aesthetics. She prefers epilators with a small rounded head that pivots, so users can easily reach all treatment areas. When possible, opt for an epilator equipped with an ergonomic handle that makes it more comfortable to use.

Regardless of which of these dermatologist-loved epilators someone uses, the two biggest tips our experts have to share are:

  1. Ensure the body hair is about 1/8 of an inch long, so there's enough for the epilators to grab onto during hair removal.
  2. Always moisturize after epilating to help soothe the skin.

How We Chose

Before chatting with our experts, Saunders carefully researched all of the epilators created by reputable brands, like Braun, Conair, and Phillips, to narrow down some viable options. During their conversations, Garshick and King gave their honest feedback and shared some of their must-have products. In the end, these four epilators are the only ones we can confidently say are worth using based on a combination of factors, including:

  • They are aligned with the key specs our experts highlighted earlier in this article
  • They are from well-known brands and boast glowing online reviews
  • The prices are aligned with the capabilities and overall value the epilators provide users

1

Best Overall

Braun Silk-épil 9 Epilator

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (6)

1

Best Overall

Braun Silk-épil 9 Epilator

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (7)Under $100
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (8)The included massage cap helps minimize pain during the hair-removal process
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (9)Includes a shaver attachment for hair-removal flexibility
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (10)The included cleaner brush is very tiny

Our best overall epilator earned snaps from both doctors and amassed an impressive 4.4-star average from more than 6,400 Amazon reviews, so you know it's legit.

Not only is Braun one of the most reputable hair-removal brands in the game, but it hits all of the shopping points our experts shared.

King loves that it is completely waterproof, meaning it can be used wet or dry and won’t get damaged when cleaned with soap. Plus, its size make it like the Goldilocks of the epilator world. “The wider head removes more hair with each stroke. The head also vibrates to decrease discomfort, and it pivots to more easily accommodate body curves,” says King.

Another major selling point for King is that this model boasts SensoSmart, a proprietary sensor that helps guide how much pressure to apply. Consider this the perfect option for beginners and experts alike.

More: BRB, Turning Into a Bronzed Queen With These Self-Tanners

2

Best for Traveling

Philips Beauty Satinelle Essential Compact Epilator

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (11)

2

Best for Traveling

Philips Beauty Satinelle Essential Compact Epilator

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (12)Cheapest option
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (13)2 speed settings
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (14)Only comes with 1 accessory

Both experts are also keen on this epilator, but it didn't earn the best overall distinction because it only comes with a single accessory versus the seven that come with the Braun. Given its compact size, we knew this is the best option for anyone who lives in a small space with limited medicine cabinet space and those who are traveling and want to ensure they're hairless on the go.

So what makes it so well-loved? Garshick appreciates that it comes with a sensitive cap that can be used in delicate areas, such as the underarm or bikini area.

King adds the ergonomic grip is practical. Most of all, she likes that the epilator head can be detached and washed under running water.

This epilator garnered more than 3,000 five-star Amazon reviews, but our personal favorite is from someone who noticed an increase of ingrown hair as they aged. To quote their review, “I feel like a hairless fairy princess and I love it. It’s what I needed. I absolutely recommend [it]! I’d like to get a smaller one for the smaller parts of my face.”

3

Best for the Face

Epilady Esthetic Compact Facial Epilator

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (15)

3

Best for the Face

Epilady Esthetic Compact Facial Epilator

Now 50% Off

Shopping for someone only down to remove facial hair? As our experts noted, they’ll need a more fun-sized epilator and this model fits the bill.

“Convenient and compact design, with a small head that’s great for reaching difficult-to-get-to areas. It’s cordless, lightweight and quiet. It’s easy to operate and clean,” gushes King.

Garshick didn’t suggest this model, but she did note that anyone using an epilator on the face should always take care to be extra gentle. “For hair removal on the face, precision is important, especially around the eye and eyebrow area,” she says. Her biggest tip: Use the lightest pressure possible.

Don’t worry: Amazon reviewers are also fans of this epilator. “If you use it correctly as the instructions say, it doesn’t hurt. And it gets all of the fine hairs out quickly and easily. I used my new one for the first time last night, and my face feels great today! Soft and no hair.I highly recommend this product. It does what other products (creams, plucking, etc) can’t do,” says one 5-star review.

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4

Best for the Face and Body

Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Epilator

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (16)

4

Best for the Face and Body

Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Epilator

Pros
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (17)Rechargeable and cordless
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (18)Reviewers say it lasts them up to 8 years
Cons
  • Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (19)Some reviewers say they need to pluck away a few lingering hairs

Searching for an epilator designed for the face and body? Well, meet your new hair-removal BFF!

The Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Epilator earned a recommendation from Garshick, who appreciates that the massaging cap is infused with aloe vera, a plant-based ingredient packed with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, to help soothe irritated skin.

The rechargeable epilator uses 40 tweezers to remove the hair and is the only option on our list sporting a built-in light to ensure users won't miss a single strand.

To quote one 5-star Target review, “This is by far the best epilator I have bought. I have thick facial hair that is noticeable and embarrassing if I don’t attend to it every week. I have used creams, manual tweezing, etc., but it takes too long. I wanted something that does its job and shows good results. This epilator makes my face look clean and smooth.”

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (20)

Nicole Saunders

Beauty Editor

Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

Say Hello to Smooth Dolphin Skin With Help From These Epilators (2024)

FAQs

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 good are epilators for hair removal? ›

Epilation is more efficient than waxing on short hairs

While both epilation and waxing remove hairs from the root, waxing can press hairs flat against the skin, making them harder to lift and remove. Braun Silk-épil tweezer technology catches hair as small as a grain of sand (0.5mm).

Which is more painful epilator or waxing? ›

Epilators are electric devices that use coil springs or tiny tweezers to pluck hair from the roots. It works the same as waxing but allows you to remove shorter hairs compared to waxing. And comparatively less painful!

Are epilators good for skin? ›

Epilating can keep your skin smoother for longer, and helps hair grow back more slowly and finer than before.

What is the disadvantage of epilating? ›

“Cons include minor discomfort and potential irritation, and broken shafts can lead to ingrown hairs or infections.” There are a few different types of epilation.

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 better to epilate wet or dry? ›

Epilating wet is going to be a less painful than dry, as there's water to coat and comfort the skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, MD. However, "dry epilation is more efficient because the hairs are not flatted down by water," she says, so the epilator can catch and pull each hair better.

Does epilating eventually stop hair growth? ›

Less hair over time

Another benefit is that epilation may result in less body hair over time. With this method, hair grows back softer and finer. Hair may even regrow at a slower rate. The longer you epilate, the less hair you'll notice on certain parts of your body.

Which brand epilator is the best? ›

The Braun Silk-Epil is arguably the most famous epilator on the market and the first in the world with a fully flexible head, which makes for a smooth ride even over those tricky kneecaps and performed best compared to all the others when it came to my bikini line.

Can I use an epilator on my pubic hair? ›

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.

Does epilator cause Strawberry legs? ›

Use An Epilator

It's seen that waxing or shaving can easily cause strawberry legs. So, switching to an epilator is the easiest remedy for strawberry legs. Epilators remove hair from its roots without causing any irritation to your skin. They are quite convenient to use and the results last for up to 3-4 weeks.

Does epilator give you ingrown hairs? ›

Ingrown hairs and bumps are fairly common with both epilation and waxing. While it's impossible to guarantee a bump-free removal, there are a few things you can do to minimize your chances. Most importantly: exfoliate.

Should I epilate my upper lip? ›

Epilators remove more than one hair at a time though, so epilating is a more efficient method than tweezing. People may find that exfoliating the upper lip with a facial scrub before using an epilator gives a better result. People can then run the epilator over the upper lip to remove any unwanted hair.

Is it worth it to buy an epilator? ›

In general, epilators remove more hair than electric shavers do. Although they can take more time and effort to use than shavers, they can save you time and energy in the long run. Because an epilator removes hairs at the root, you won't have to use it again for several weeks.

What are the disadvantages of face epilators? ›

A person may get painful bumps and rashes around the pores for a few hours after using epilators. This generally resolves after some time. If you have sensitive skin, you may have severe rashes and boils. You may also experience some ingrown hair after using epilators and waxing.

Does epilating facial hair make it grow back thicker? ›

Myth no. 4 - Hair Grows Back Thicker. Fact: No, your hair growth remains the same. Rather using the best quality epilator for the facemay result in finer and reduced hair growth.

What are the pros and cons of facial epilators? ›

The epilator head removes even the shortest and finest hair at a superfast pace. Pros: Works fast and thoroughly even with short hair, leaving you with smooth, hairless skin for two to four weeks. Cons: Can sting somewhat on sensitive skin; not suitable for eyebrows.

Does epilator remove peach fuzz? ›

Thanks to its 10 micro-openings, our FaceSpa epilators can capture even the finest of peach fuzz down to 0.02mm. Benefit: Unlike waxing, you can epilate as soon as you see some regrowth, meaning you can stay hair-free for longer.

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