What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is essentially a manual form of exfoliation that involves the use of a small blade to scrape away dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the surface of the skin. While it’s traditionally performed by a professional in a clinic, recent innovations have helped the at-home dermaplaning trend take off.

How do you use a dermaplaning tool at home?

When it comes to dermaplaning at home, Skotnicki says it’s crucial to always start with a clean, sterilized blade, and a clean face. Then, holding the skin taut with the blade at an angle, use short strokes in a downward motion to remove hair, applying only light pressure.

Is dermaplaning safe for acne-prone skin?

According to Kaye Scott and Lisa Sullivan-Smith, founders of the Australian facial outpost The Clinic , slight nicks can occur (albeit rarely), so they don’t recommend dermaplaning as a treatment for acne-prone skin. As with any method of exfoliation, overuse can lead to irritation, so tread carefully and avoid if your skin is broken, sensitive, or susceptible to cysts and whiteheads.

How often should you use a dermaplaning tool?

Because dermaplaning removes actual skin (as opposed to just hair), Skotnicki only recommends using the tool once a month. Too often might irritate the skin, she adds.

The 6 Best Dermaplaning Tools of 2024, Tested

Assortment of the best dermaplaning tools we recommend on a marble surface — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

There’s no shortage of ways to get rid of unwanted hair and exfoliate your skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids, waxing, and laser hair removal have a time and a place, but when it comes to the face, lots of folks are turning to a method known as dermaplaning.

Traditionally performed by professionals, dermaplaning is a skin treatment that involves carefully dragging a sharp metal edge across the surface of the skin to scrape away dead skin cells, smooth the surface of your skin, and remove fine hair. (If this sounds a lot like shaving, it’s because it essentially is.) And it comes with lots of benefits, including exfoliation—think glowy, smoother-looking skin—and the elimination of peach fuzz, so you have an ultra-smooth makeup canvas. Plus, despite the age-old rumor, shaving (or, in this case, dermaplaning) doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker or darker.

There are lots of dermaplaning tools you can use right at home, including razors, electric trimmers, and a whole bunch of options in between. To help you narrow down what’s best for you, we tested 15 gadgets in our NYC lab, evaluating each one based on its ease of use and how skin looked post-treatment. Ahead, find our picks for the best dermaplaning tools, tested by Byrdie and beloved by skin experts.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit at Amazon ($199)

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Best Budget:

Skin Camp Dermaplaning Beauty Wand at Target ($5)

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Best Value:

Sephora Collection Metal Facial Razor at Sephora ($18)

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Best Design:

Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Exfoliating:

Tweezerman Facial Razor (See Price)

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Best for Eyebrows:

Kitsch Pro Dermaplaner Tool Set at Amazon ($9)

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In This Article

Our Picks
Where We Stand
How We Tested
Other Options We Tested
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Best Overall

Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit

Dermaflash Luxe+ Anti-Aging, Exfoliation + Peach Fuzz Dermaplaning Kit

Amazon

View On Amazon $199 View On Sephora $199 View On Ulta $199

What We Like

Excellent results
Comfortable grip
Rechargeable battery
Comes with four single-use replacement blades

What We Don't Like

Electric tool can be intimidating

Of all the 15 tools we tested, the Dermaflash Luxe was our clear winner. This bad boy runs on a rechargeable battery and calls on patented sonic technology to remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and skin-dulling debris, instantly revealing a more radiant, smooth complexion after use. We found it easy to grip (a major requirement of ours when using an electric tool so close to the face), and it felt comfortable in our hands during longer sessions.

It’s also a pretty high-tech gadget: This electric exfoliator comes with four single-use replacement blades and a convenient charging dock. Admittedly, it can be intimidating, but we got used to it very quickly. After one or two tries, we’d consider ourselves pros. Also worth noting: The price is steeper than others on this list (especially when you account for buying additional blades), but when you consider the cost of professional treatments, it might be worth the splurge.

Type: Electric tool with replaceable blades

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget

Skin Camp Dermaplaning Beauty Wand

Target

View On Target $5 View On Skincamp.co View On Skingymco.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

4.5/5
Skin Post Treatment

4/5

What We Like

Beginner-friendly
Foldable safety handle
Replacement heads included

What We Don't Like

Left skin slightly red

On a budget? Skin Camp might be your best bet. During testing, we found that the baby-pink plastic handle was easy to maneuver and felt lightweight in our palms. Even first-time dermaplaners could move the blade up, down, and across the cheeks and jawline without slipping or cutting themselves.

Though we experienced slight redness afterward, our skin felt exceptionally smooth and fuzz-free. While the pocketknife design was a little unnerving at first, its foldability offers safe, compact transport when traveling or shaving on the go.

Type: Manual blade with replaceable heads

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Best Value

Sephora Collection Metal Facial Razor

Sephora

View On Sephora $18 View On Kohls.com $18

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Skin Post Treatment

5/5

What We Like

Ergonomic handle
Sharp yet non-irritating
Comes with a carrying case

What We Don't Like

Blade can be tricky to replace

Sephora’s sleek metal dermaplaner was a hit during our lab test. We liked how the sturdy, ergonomic handle felt in our hands, and we appreciated how the finger divot allows for easy gripping. Though the blade is notably sharp, it didn’t nick or irritate, even after running it over dry patches.

We were impressed by how user-friendly and effective this tool is. Even those of us with sensitive skin experienced no irritation and were left with smooth, glowing complexions after we tested it. Considering the reusable handle comes with three replacement blades and a durable carrying case, the price is more than reasonable.

Type: Manual blade with replaceable heads

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Best Design

Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool

Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Facial Exfoliation Tool

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Stackedskincare.com $75

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Skin Post Treatment

4.5/5

What We Like

Lightweight yet sturdy
Helps with uneven texture
Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don't Like

Skin slightly red after use

This dermaplaning tool is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, M.D., and after trying it out for ourselves, we were equally enthusiastic. We love that the lightweight yet sturdy design is easy to position at various angles, and we also appreciate that the safety blade helps to prevent nicks. After running it across our cheeks, chin, and forehead, we noticed that our skin felt softer and smoother than it did before use. We’ll admit that when we tried it, some of us were slightly red and irritated after use, but it quickly went away. The price is a little hard to swallow for a non-electric tool, but all in all, we loved the look, ease of use, and result.

Type: Manual blade with replaceable heads

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao

Best Exfoliating

Tweezerman Facial Razor

Target

View On Ulta View On Target $19 View On Walmart $18

Our Ratings

Blades/Lubrication Strips

5/5
Grip/Handle

4/5
Efficacy

4/5
Skin Look & Feel

4/5

What We Like

Thoroughly removes dead skin
Good on sensitive skin
Stainless steel handle is easy to grip

What We Don’t Like

Not ideal for beginners

If your goal is exfoliation, we highly recommend Tweezerman’s Facial Razor. We found that the blade glides effortlessly and painlessly over the skin, removing tiny hairs and thoroughly sloughing off dead skin in a single sweep. Made of stainless steel, this manual shaver has an easy-to-grip handle and a high-quality, professional feel. It’s slightly heavier than other options, which makes maintaining control relatively easy. Since the blade is very sharp, it might not be ideal for beginners. However, we still recommend it because it seems to be a good choice for people with sensitive skin based on our testing: one of our testers with sensitive, acne-prone skin said it didn’t bother her at all.

Type: Manual razor with replaceable heads

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Riyana Straetker
Byrdie / Riyana Straetker
Byrdie / Riyana Straetker

Best for Eyebrows

Kitsch Pro Dermaplaner Tool Set

Amazon

View On Amazon $9 View On Ulta $9 View On Mykitsch.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Performance

4/5

What We Like

Easy to use
Precision hair removal
Great value

What We Don’t Like

Doesn't come with instructions

Dermaplaning tools are amazing for shaping your arches. We were impressed by the Kitsch Eyebrow Razor, which is essentially a disposable manual shaver small enough to use on your face. Though it didn’t come with instructions, we found it to be pretty straightforward to use. When using it to shape the brows, we were amazed by how precisely it removed even the thickest of hairs. After gliding it over the rest of our face, it eliminated lots of peach fuzz and left smooth, more even-textured skin in its place. The 12-pack is a great deal, too.

Type: Disposable manual blade

Person using Kitsch Pro Dermaplaner Tool Set above their eyebrow — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Where We Stand

Our overall pick for the best dermaplaning tool is the Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Exfoliation Device. It performed better than any other tool we tested and left our tester’s skin softer than it’s ever been. That said, Skin Camp’s Dermaplaning Beauty Wand will only run you a few bucks, and the beginner-friendly design gets the job done.

Person using the Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Facial Exfoliation Tool on their cheek — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

How We Tested

The Byrdie team researched the best dermaplaning tools before selecting 15 to try out for ourselves in The Lab, our in-house testing facility in Manhattan. After inspecting the design, reviewing the instructions, and using them on our faces, each tool was assessed based on ease of use, the state of our skin post-treatment, and overall performance.

We also considered the following attributes:

How sturdy each tool’s handle is
How user-friendly each tool is
If a tool is suitable for beginners
How sharp each tool’s blade is
The price of each tool
How our skin looked and felt after treatment

Other Options We Tested

The Skinny Confidential Hot Shave Razor

We like that the creator of this tool, Lauryn Evarts Bosstick, isn’t afraid to call dermaplaning what it is: shaving. TCS’s razor was generally easy to use, but our skin looked slightly red after use. It nicked us a few times, too, so it’s best reserved for experienced dermaplaners or folks with less reactive complexions.

Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Disposable Razors

We were thrown off by the lack of instructions that came with this budget-friendly razor. Not only that, but we felt like we needed to run it over our skin multiple times to remove the hair effectively, and it didn’t make much of a difference in terms of smoothing our skin.

Close-up of a hand holding Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool in front of marble tile — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Dorco Tinkle Eyebrow Razor

After trying these insanely popular razors, we did see an improvement in the smoothness of our skin. While the long, flat blade made it easy to remove peach fuzz from our cheeks and jawlines, it wasn’t ideal for small areas and corners.

What to Look For in a Dermaplaning Tool

Stainless steel blade: Skotnicki recommends looking for a product that relies on a stainless steel blade, like the Tweezerman Facial Razor. Stainless steel is not only hygienic and lasts longer, but it’s more resistant to rust after being cleaned. Stainless steel is also thought to help reduce inflammation, making it a great material for any type of facial tool.
Good grip: Since dermaplaning involves gliding a sharp blade across your face, Skotnicki stresses the need for a tool with a good grip. This will lessen your chances of the tool slipping, preventing possible nicks or cuts. (Our Sephora pick has a finger divot to improve grip!)
Reusable handles: Skotnicki also suggests opting for products that come with a reusable handle with replaceable blades, like the Dermaflash Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device. Not only will you amass less waste, but you’ll also save some money along the way by not having to replace the entire tool when the blade becomes dull. However, be sure to replace the blade when needed; a blunt razor won’t give you the best results and could lead to nicks and/or irritation.

Person using Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool on their forehead in front of a mirror — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

FAQ

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is essentially a manual form of exfoliation that involves the use of a small blade to scrape away dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the surface of the skin. While it’s traditionally performed by a professional in a clinic, recent innovations have helped the at-home dermaplaning trend take off.
How do you use a dermaplaning tool at home?

When it comes to dermaplaning at home, Skotnicki says it’s crucial to always start with a clean, sterilized blade, and a clean face. Then, holding the skin taut with the blade at an angle, use short strokes in a downward motion to remove hair, applying only light pressure.
Is dermaplaning safe for acne-prone skin?

According to Kaye Scott and Lisa Sullivan-Smith, founders of the Australian facial outpost The Clinic, slight nicks can occur (albeit rarely), so they don’t recommend dermaplaning as a treatment for acne-prone skin. As with any method of exfoliation, overuse can lead to irritation, so tread carefully and avoid if your skin is broken, sensitive, or susceptible to cysts and whiteheads.
How often should you use a dermaplaning tool?

Because dermaplaning removes actual skin (as opposed to just hair), Skotnicki only recommends using the tool once a month. Too often might irritate the skin, she adds.

Why Trust Byrdie

Freelance commerce writer Theresa Holland specializes in beauty and lifestyle. For this article, she researched the benefits of exfoliation and facial shaving, referenced multiple peer-reviewed sources, and compiled insights from our lab testers.

Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. She compiled tons of customer testimonials and insights from our in-office lab test to put together this story of dermaplaning tools.

We tapped several trusted sources for this story, including:

Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a board-certified dermatologist and allergy expert based in Toronto, Canada.
Kaye Scott and Lisa Sullivan-Smith, founders of Australian facial outpost The Clinic