Looking for the best dermaplane tools that'll provide expert results without having to step foot in a dermatologist's office? There are several at-home options that'll do just that.
If you are trying to pin down the best dermaplane tool, you've likely heard about this practice and fancy giving it a go. Or, maybe you're just plain confused and wondering what is dermaplaning, exactly? According to Kerry Benjamin, esthetician and founder of Stacked Skincare, dermaplaning is a non-invasive facial procedure that removes dead skin cells and hair using a single edge sharp blade. "The blade is used on clean, dry skin on the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and neck," she says. "The instant results are evened-out skin texture and tone, but there are also long-term effects such as increased cell turnover, fewer wrinkles, a reduction of acne scarring, and more plump, hydrated skin."
If you're looking to exfoliate your skin without the use of skincare acids, or are seeking a solution to unwanted facial hair, your routine may benefit from dermaplaning. Follow our dermatologist-approved tips, then take your pick from our selection of the best dermaplane tools on the market.
How we tested these dermaplane tools
Dermaplaning can be a straightforward route to facial hair removal and skin smoothing, but it can also be downright dangerous if done incorrectly with the wrong tool, so the first factor we tested these tools for was safety. Every tool we include had to be made by a reputable brand with built-in skin-protecting measures such as blade guards. We then assessed each device for the following factors:
- Weight and feel in the hand
- Ease of use and instructions
- Effectiveness on the skin
- How many areas it can be used for
- Value for money
- Durability
The dermaplane tools that ranked highly were the ones that looked and felt good, had clear and easy to understand protocols and offered fast and effective results, without compromising on safety.
The best dermaplane tools, chosen by our experts
The best dermaplane tools tend to suit specific needs, thus they won't necessarily be the best option for everyone. But as an all-around crowd-pleaser, this is pretty unbeatable. The blade of Tweezerman's Facial Razor hits at an angle, which is what set it apart from the others on our list and made it incredibly easy to target areas like the eyebrows and upper lip without having to hold it awkwardly.
We love the fact that this pick is made out of a stainless steel material, which makes it antimicrobial and less likely to transfer bacteria (though you should still always clean it after each use). The blade was also very impressive – sharp enough that we didn't find the need to go over the same area twice but gentle enough not to cause micro-cuts.
If you're new to dermaplaning and don't want to invest in an expensive tool, you've met your match with Tinkle's Eyebrow Razor. Don't let the name fool you – while it works well for creating the best eyebrow shape, it can be used all around the face to nix peach fuzz, refine pores, and slough away dead skin cells for brighter, more even-toned skin.
Our tester has been using Tinkle facial razors for several years and loves them as a quick and inexpensive way to maintain smoother and softer-feeling skin. The colors are fun and certainly cheered up our beauty bag, plus each razor comes with a cap and is easy to travel with. However, there's no getting around the fact that disposable razors are unsustainable in the long term if that's important to you.
Our favorite feature about this dermaplane tool is its curved, ergonomic handle, which makes it incredibly easy to hold even if you don't have a stable hand. That, and the fact that it's equipped with micro-guards to prevent irritation, nicks, and razor burn. The blade glides easily onto the skin, making it perfect for beginners who are nervous about using sharp objects around the face.
Even though this is among the most gentle dermaplane tools we tested, our skin still felt soft after use and our makeup went on flawlessly afterward. The rose gold metal handle is also definitely the most attractive-looking pick on our list, though we wish the blades stayed sharper and could withstand more than a few uses.
Peach fuzz can put a damper on achieving smooth base makeup or learning how to contour. Cue this electric option from Dermaflash – it's a smaller version of the brand's cult-favorite Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device and is specifically designed to target tough-to-reach areas that are prone to peach fuzz, such as the upper lip and brows.
Upon first glance, the tool may look bulky, but we found the round shape of the wand made it easy to hold. It uses sonic vibrations to help effectively remove peach fuzz without dragging or any chance of nicks, which made the whole experience pretty pleasant, as dermaplaning goes. Unlike other electric dermaplaning tools on the market, this one holds a charge very well, and we got a few uses out of it before having to charge it. It even comes with a stainless steel massaging ball on one end that helps get rid of puffy eyes on groggy mornings.
The clue is in the name of this tool, which is designed for tidying up eyebrows as well as dermaplaning the face. It has a fairly slim, narrow blade that offers a nice amount of precision to get where it needs to be over, under, and in-between brows, as well as whipping off straggly chin hairs. Of course, that does mean it'll take a little longer (and needs wiped off more often) if you are planning on removing larger areas of peach fuzz, but considering how light and easy to use this tool is it's not a problem.
We loved the safety features of this tool. The blade flicks out of the handle, so can be flipped safely back when you're done, plus it comes with a storage pouch to keep everything sharp and doubly ticked away. It also comes in an impressive five-strong shade range for such a well-priced tool. We did notice ours became blunt after five or six uses, so you would need to replace it every couple of months - although that is the case for most of these sorts of devices, and you can buy duo packs to save on repurchasing.
Can't get behind plastic razors? This nifty dermaplane tool will make sure you don't miss the disposable variety. Once you've reached the end of your blade's lifespan (four blades are roughly a two-month supply depending on how often you dermaplane), you can recycle it and pop in a new one.
We found the blades themselves to be high-quality and easy to move around the face. With just a few swipes, the tool made skin appear more radiant and youthful-looking, all while acting as one of the best pore minimizers. The handle's peach shade went well with our tester's bathroom aesthetic, but we wish it were available in more shades for those who prefer a more neutral color.
Out of all of the dermaplaning tools we tested, this device from Stacked Skincare came closest to offering similar results to an in-office treatment. And while it is costlier than others on this list, the price is just right considering professional dermaplaning is generally charged in the hundreds for one session, depending on where you go.
The results are all thanks to the sterile surgical-grade stainless steel blade, which ultra-effectively gets rid of all the dead skin, buildup, and facial hair that's been giving your skin that dull, flaky appearance. Plus, unlike electric dermaplane tools, this one is portable, doesn't require charging, and its blade can be used four times (while the electric ones are single-use). All in all, we loved testing this sturdy, efficient device and our skin felt smoother and looked brighter after just one use.
When we tested it, it was oddly satisfying seeing how much facial hair the Spa Sciences Sima Dermaplaning Tool got rid of. With three speed settings to choose from, it delivers 250+ sonic movements per second to soften rough, flaky skin, minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and get rid of facial hair.
We love that the tool comes with a generous seven replacement heads, though they're single-use so you may run out of them quickly if you dermaplane often. We were able to get several uses out of one charge, which is a major plus for busy mornings.
How to choose the best dermaplane tools
As with any of the best skincare devices, it's important to know what to look for when shopping for a dermaplane tool. Here are the most important factors to consider:
- Electric vs. manual: Dermaplaning itself is a form of manual exfoliation, but the tool is available in both electric and manual forms. "Electric dermaplane tools are typically battery-powered and are appropriate for quick touch-ups as well as those who may be less steady with a razor blade," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin and founder of DermaDoctor. Traditional dermaplane tools are similar to regular razors, but they are more suited to working as the best facial exfoliator than a razor, says Dr. Kunin.
- Maintenance: Some dermaplane tools are easier to clean than others, and it's important to keep your tool clean after each use to prevent bacteria from spreading and causing an infection. For non-electric, Dr. Kunin says to wash it with soap and water, pat it dry, then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. For electric, it's best to follow the manufacturer's directions.
- Extra features: Dermaplaning involves running a sharp blade onto your skin, so it's important to find one that you're comfortable holding and that allows you to get a good grip. If you're looking for a sustainable option, many of the luxe dermaplane tools have reusable handles that simply require a swap of the blade. Finally, price is a factor: if dermaplaning is something you're invested in doing long-term, you may be better off splurging on a sturdier reusable device versus a disposable one.
Does hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?
No matter which of the best dermaplane tools you use, both Benjamin and Dr. Kunin reassure us that dermaplane tools will not cause your hair to grow back thicker. "Hormonal imbalances and fluctuations can change your hair density, but simply shaving your hair will not change the thickness," explains Benjamin. "Hair grows at a blunt edge, so if you touch your face often, you may feel that hair growth coming back in and think that it is thicker, but that is not the case. Once the hair has fully grown back in, it will look and feel exactly the same as before."
What do professionals use for Dermaplaning?
As you would expect (and hope) professional dermaplaning tools tend to have larger, sharper blades than at-home tools and are generally used with some form of skin lubricator. "Clinicians and doctors use a balm when they dermaplane their clients since they are using a 10-gauge scalpel, which is extremely sharp," explains Amy Anzel, beauty expert and founder of Hollywood Browzer. "However, when using an at-home consumer-friendly dermaplaning tool with safety guards, using an oil or a balm is not necessary."
How often do I need to Dermaplane?
"This really depends on your hair type" explains Anzell. "Dermaplaning is a great, at-home alternative for those with rapid or thicker hair growth, due to genetics or hormone imbalance. You can do it once a week, 2-3 times a week or even once a month. The beauty of dermaplaning is that you are in control. Just replace your tool every 2-3 months, for best results."
Is it better to Dermaplane with oil or dry?
According to Anzell, it's best to avoid applying oils before using your dermaplaning tool. "Oilplaning claims to create an easier glide and gentle exfoliation compared to dermaplaning on dry skin," she explains. "But by applying oil to your face, you risk clogging up your pores, which causes bacteria to build and creates breakouts. It can also limit your ability to remove all traces of peach fuzz. The oil makes your skin slippery, which risks the chance of you cutting yourself with your tool."
-
Goodbye to my cycling shorts - I'll be wearing this flattering and practical alternative all summer longWith hot weather on the horizon, I realised it was time to let my legs be free with a pair of hiking shorts for women
-
Looking for non-toxic pans on a budget? Zyliss' Ultimate Pro collection has our approvalI tested the sturdy Zyliss Ultimate Pro Pan Set to find out whether they're the best induction pans to use, especially if you want non-toxic coatings
