All epilators extract hair from the hair follicle. Some models are designed to target specific areas and are safe to use on either wet or dry skin. These are the factors that our experts recommend we keep in mind when curating this list:
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
With my experts’ guidance in mind, I collected a handful of dermatologist-recommended epilators and some highly rated ones to consider.
This Philips epilator comes recommended by Chimento because it can reach small hairs from delicate areas of the body. The device has 32 built-in tweezers made from hypoallergenic material that makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin, according to the brand. Plus, you can use it in the shower.
Remington’s epilator has comfort barrels on the head to help reduce skin irritation as it quickly removes hairs from their roots, according to Garshick. “After you’ve built confidence with the first speed, you can move to the second-speed setting for a faster hair removal process,” she says. For the most efficient removal, work this device in slow, small circular motions, according to the brand.
This epilator has a flexible head, so it curves around tougher, hard-to-reach areas, according to Garshick. The set also comes with a shaver head and a body trimmer, plus attachments like massage pads and cleansing brushes to help you prep the hair before you remove it, says Garshick.
With tweezers made from hypoallergenic material, this epilator is ideal for those with sensitive skin or if you’re trying to minimize irritation. The flexible head, ergonomic handle and built-in LED light all work together to help you safely access hard-to-reach areas, according to Panasonic. The device has a 4.5-star average rating from over 90 reviews on Amazon and comes with a gentle attachment for more delicate spots on the body.
You can use this tool on dry skin and remove hairs as short as 0.5 millimeters in length, according to the brand. “It also has an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to tackle hard-to-reach areas,” says Garshick. The brand recommends using it on your legs and underarms. To clean it, you can detach the head and wash it under water.
This device doesn’t use tweezers — instead, it has two hypoallergenic blades to remove hair. The small device comes with an LED light so you can clearly see all facial hair before removing it. Once you’re done, you can easily wash off excess hair since it’s water-resistant, according to the brand. It has a 4.1-star average rating from over 6,600 reviews on Amazon.
This pocket-sized epilator has anti-pinch technology that’s helpful for large surfaces and hard-to-reach areas on the body, according to the brand. Reviewers say this epilator, which has a 4.0-star average rating from over 2,500 reviews on Amazon, is efficient, with many recommending the safeguard attachment for sensitive areas, like the bikini line.
When shopping for an epilator, our experts recommend keeping factors like size and function in mind. Below we highlight their recommendations on what to consider:
Since epilators remove the entire hair follicle — as compared to trimming the hair — it slows down the regrowth process. That’s because trimming still leaves the hair follicle intact, which can cause hair to grow back faster, according to Garshick.
Epilators are also generally great to use if you have sensitive skin since they cause little to no irritation — unlike waxing, according to our experts.
Epilators, unlike some other methods of hair removal, including lasers, require certain prerequisites as it pertains to hair type and color. For instance, if you have lighter hair, you might not be eligible to get laser done.
To help you get the most out of your epilator without irritating your skin, our experts recommend a few skin care tips:
Sanitize your device. To avoid infections or skin conditions like folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicle is inflamed, be sure to clean your device between uses . Some brands have specific instructions, including wiping it down with an alcohol wipe, while others recommend rinsing it under water and letting it air dry.
Use a gentle, exfoliating body wash to cleanse the skin. Before epilating, you need to prep your skin. Garshick recommends using a gentle exfoliator like the CeraVe SA Body Wash to remove dead skin cells and make the hair more accessible.
Moisturize post procedure. After epilating, apply a gentle, noncomedogenic facial moisturizer and/or body lotion, like Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion, to hydrate the treated area.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter who covered wellness and beauty for NBC Select. For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists and researched highly rated epilators on the market.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
