We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Products Skincare The 8 Best Facial Hair Removers of 2024, Tested on Real Skin From creams to razors to wax strips, we narrowed down our top picks for the best at-home facial hair removers By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 23, 2024 03:20PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tested What to Look For Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Alli Waataja Removing upper lip hair, maintaining eyebrows, and reducing peach fuzz at home can feel daunting. Whether you’re a beginner or more seasoned in at-home hair removal, choosing high-quality creams, waxes, and razors can get the job done and remove unwanted facial hair. But using the best facial hair removers isn’t just about efficacy — it’s also about skincare. Experts Say “Facial skin is extremely sensitive,” Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, tells PEOPLE. “It’s best to use high-quality products to avoid irritation, a negative reaction, or breaking out.” With skin sensitivity and, of course, hair removal in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team set out to find the best facial hair removers, including hair removal creams, wax strips, electric shavers, and dermaplaning razors. We tested 24 products over the course of six weeks and narrowed down our top picks to eight of the best facial hair removers for upper lips, eyebrows, cheeks, chins, and jawlines. Keep reading to discover the best facial hair removers of 2024, according to PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best for Upper Lip Hair: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face at Athenaclub.com Jump to Review Best for Eyebrows: SALE Nad's Eyebrow Shaper Wax Wand at Amazon $14 $11 Jump to Review Best Wax Strips: SALE Flamingo Face Wax Kit at Amazon $20 $17 Jump to Review Best Cream: Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream at Amazon $21 Jump to Review Best Dermaplaner: Gillette Venus Dermaplaning Tool Kit at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Dermaplaner (Cheaper): SALE Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool at Amazon $8 $6 Jump to Review Best Electric Razor: Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover at Amazon $27 Jump to Review Best Dermaplaner with Light: SALE Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit at Amazon $199 $168 Jump to Review Best for Upper Lip Hair Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face PHOTO: Athena Club View on Athenaclub.com Star Qualities Quick and easy to use Removes hair and follicle, so it takes longer for hair to grow back than with shaving Comes with a cooling cream Red Flags A little more painful than other facial hair removers on our list If you're looking for an at-home wax kit, the best facial hair remover for upper lip hair is the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face. This waxing kit includes 20 double-sided wax strips, six post-wax wipes, and a cooling skin serum designed to soothe the skin after hair removal. We love these wax strips because they’re designed to be more gentle on the skin — well, as gentle as you can get with waxing — and the smaller strips make waxing the upper lip, brows, and bikini lines a breeze. While testing these wax strips, we were immediately impressed by how effectively they lifted away our upper lip hair and follicles for quick and easy hair removal. Although there was still some typical waxing discomfort, we loved the cooling serum and found that it significantly reduced discomfort and calmed irritated post-wax skin. Compared to salon waxing, these wax strips are an excellent value, too. Type: Wax | Area of Body: Small areas, including upper lips, brows, and bikini lines PHOTO: People / Joanna Faith Williams Skin after using Athena Club wax strips. PHOTO: People / Joanna Faith Williams Best for Eyebrows Nad's Eyebrow Shaper Wax Wand PHOTO: Amazon $14 $11 at Amazon $13 $11 at Walmart Star Qualities Pen has a built-in applicator tip for precision Product washes off easily with soap and water Red Flags Has a little bit of a learning curve Only works on thicker hairs like eyebrows, so we don’t recommend it for other areas of the face Waxing your eyebrows at home is a lot easier with the Nads Hair Removal Precision Eyebrow Wax Wand. This hair remover resembles a lip gloss tube — only it’s filled with wax and designed to provide a precise application for salon-worthy brows. When testing this formula, we found that there was a bit of a learning curve, but once we figured it out, it was easy to use and very convenient since you don’t have to heat up the wax or deal with the overall mess of waxing. Additionally, the leftover sticky residue — which is common with wax — is removed easily with a little bit of soap and water. This product is definitely made for eyebrows, as we found that it only really works on thicker hairs and is not ideal for other areas of the face like the upper lip or chin. Nonetheless, it does exactly what it promises and effectively lifts away unwanted eyebrow hairs for easy maintenance. Type: Wax | Area of Body: Eyebrows PHOTO: People / Chelsea Dinterman Eyebrows after using Nad's Eyebrow Shaper Wax Wand. PHOTO: People / Chelsea Dinterman Best Wax Strips Flamingo Face Wax Kit PHOTO: Amazon $20 $17 at Amazon $10 at Target $11 at Walmart Star Qualities Extremely easy to use Removes hair from the root so it takes longer to grow back than with shaving Wax rinses off the skin easily Smaller size is convenient for upper lip and brow Red Flags Can be a little painful and irritating to the skin Small size isn't ideal for larger areas such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline The Flamingo Face Wax Kit is our top pick for the best wax strips for upper lips and brows. Featuring 20 wax strips, eight post-wax cloths, and a calming serum to soothe skin after waxing, this kit comes with everything you need to maintain your brow shape and get rid of unwanted upper lip hair at home. While testing out these strips, we were impressed by their overall convenience and the quality of the wax. And, unlike many other wax strips, we found that the wax residue was easy to wipe away, so you aren’t left with sticky skin. Because they are wax strips, they are more painful than some of the other options on our list — though waxing makes hair take longer to grow back, which we appreciate. Thanks to their smaller size, these work well for removing hair from the upper lip and brows. While it is possible to use them on other areas of the face, you might go through the kit quickly since it’s not designed for larger areas. Type: Wax | Area of Body: Upper lips, brows PHOTO: People / Jenna Fortino Skin after using Flamingo Face Wax. PHOTO: People / Jenna Fortino Best Cream Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream PHOTO: Target $21 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $9 at Riteaid.com Star Qualities Applicator is built into the bottle for easy application process Formula is super thick, so it’s easy to get a more precise application. A little bit goes a long way Red Flags Cream formula isn’t ideal for shaping eyebrows Hair removal creams can get a little tricky, and some can even cause irritation — but, in our experience, not the Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream. This hair removal cream has a built-in applicator, which makes for an easy and precise removal process for the upper lips, cheeks, chin, and jawline. The formula also applies super thick (similar to a creamy lotion), so it’s a lot easier to work with compared to other hair removal creams. We found that a little goes a long way to get the desired results, making the under-$20 bottle excellent value. In addition to its precise and convenient application, we were impressed by how well it removed unwanted hair and by how long it took for hairs to grow back, proving it has a similar effect as waxing, but without the pain. Type: Cream | Area of Body: Upper lips, cheeks, chin, jawline Skin after using the Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream. People/Michelle Ehrich Best Dermaplaner Gillette Venus Dermaplaning Tool Kit PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon Star Qualities Didn't irritate our skin Leaves skin smooth and soft Easy to grip and maneuver Red Flags You need to use this more consistently compared to waxing At-home dermaplaning is another effective way to remove unwanted hairs, and out of all the dermaplaners we've tested in our labs and at home, the one that gave us the best results for the price was the Gillette Venus Dermaplaning Tool Kit. In fact, it was the only one that earned a perfect score during our dermaplaner tests. It removed hair without causing any irritation, even on our testers with sensitive skin. This dermaplaner has super sharp blades that make it more effective for hair removal. After using the tool, skin felt softer and looked more glowy and even. The pack comes with five blades that are easy to grip and maneuver around the face, even for beginners, making this kit a great value for the relatively low price point. Type: Manual blade | Area of Body: Upper lips, cheeks, chin, jawline Our tester before and after using the Gillette Venus Dermaplaning Tool Kit. PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Does hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning? Nope! That's a myth — dermaplaning is an exfoliation treatment and does not affect the thickness or color of your hair. Hair may initially appear thicker because the formerly grown-out hairs became worn out and thinner, but the new hair regrowth will ultimately reach the same conclusion. Best Dermaplaner (Cheaper) Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool PHOTO: Amazon $8 $6 at Amazon $6 at Target $7 at Walmart Star Qualities Blade is specifically designed to prevent cuts and irritation Razor shaves away unwanted hair without causing irritation Super precise and close shave leaves skin ultra-smooth Red Flags Has a learning curve, and if you aren’t careful, you can cut your skin since it’s a single-blade razor You need to use this more consistently compared to waxing The Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool is also one of the best dermaplaners we've tested. These dermaplaning razors come in a set of three for less than $10, making them one of the best value options on our list. But, beyond that, these are highly effective at removing hair on the entire face, including the eyebrows and upper lip. With this type of facial hair remover, it’s important to note that there is a bit of a learning curve and, if you aren’t careful at first, you can cut your skin since it’s a single-blade razor. That being said, with mindfulness and small strokes, these razors make hair removal easy and result in ultra-smooth skin. Type: Manual trimmer | Area of Body: Upper lips, chin, cheeks, jawline, eyebrows PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Alicia Dolieslager Best Electric Razor Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon $15 at Target $15 at Walmart Star Qualities Faster and more powerful than manual blades Easy to use and beginner-friendly Don’t have to go over areas more than once for a clean shave Red Flags One of the more expensive options on our list Need to use this more consistently compared to waxing If you’re eyeing an electric dermaplaning tool for hair removal, the Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover is our top pick for the best razor. Since this device is electric, it’s a little more efficient and convenient compared to manual razor blades. While testing the best razors for women, we didn’t experience a learning curve with this device and found that it was relatively easy to use. On top of that, we didn’t have to go over any areas more than once, which is not always the case with these kinds of facial hair removers. At $25, this razor is one of the more expensive options on our list. However, we feel that it’s well worth the investment since it not only does a fantastic job of removing unwanted hair but also leaves skin silky smooth and promotes a longer growth period, too. Type: Electric shaver | Area of Body: Upper lips, chin, cheeks, jawline PHOTO: People / Sheila Tong PHOTO: People / Sheila Tong PHOTO: People / Sheila Tong Best Dermaplaner with Light Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit PHOTO: Amazon $199 $168 at Amazon $199 at Nordstrom $199 at Sephora Star Qualities Compact size Hair removal tool has an excellent grip, allowing for more precision Leaves skin ultra-soft and smooth after each use Red Flags Getting the right angle is tricky at first Need to use this more consistently compared to waxing Most expensive option on our list There's a lot to love about a dermaplaning tool that makes hair removal easy. The Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit is pricier than other facial hair removers on our list, but it’s certainly worth the splurge. This miniature electric shaver has a convenient compact design and is made for picking up peach fuzz on the chin, cheeks, upper lip, and jawline. Since this device isn’t as intuitive as a manual razor or wax strip, there is a bit of a learning curve, but once we got the hang of it and figured out how to get the right angle, we were impressed by how well it gripped peach fuzz on our upper lip. It leaves skin ultra-soft and smooth — as smooth as post-waxing — with very little redness, making it a great option for on-the-go maintenance. Type: Electric shaver | Area of Body: Chin, cheeks, upper lip, and jawline PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Others We Tested Kitsch Dermaplaning Tool: In addition to our top picks, we also tried the Kitsch Dermaplaning Tool and think it’s worth mentioning for its value. This razor has a durable and comfortable handle that allows you to shave the face with ease. After shaving, the skin feels smooth and soft with very little irritation. Tweezerman Prep & Plane Facial Razors: The Tweezerman Prep & Plane Facial Razors are another honorable mention for their value and efficacy. That being said, it’s a little harder to get a good grip on the handle, so we recommend these to anyone with at-home dermaplaning experience, as they’re not the most beginner-friendly option. Nonetheless, these razors get the job done and provide a close shave along the skin for a silky, smooth, hairless finish. Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream: We can’t cover facial hair removers and not mention Nair. After testing several hair removal creams, we think it’s worth mentioning Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream. This cream works really well at removing unwanted hair on the face and doesn’t cause irritation in the process. That being said, it has a very strong scent that is a little irritating, and it requires a lot of formula to get the job done, so it’s not the best value. Nonetheless, it’s a great option for those looking for a more affordable cream. What to Know About Facial Hair Removers Types of Facial Hair Removers It’s worth considering the types of facial hair removers as this can impact the level of efficacy and the best area for hair removal. Facial hair removers come in manual razors — including dermaplaning razors, which have a single blade — creams, wax pens, and wax strips. Compact electric shavers such as the Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit and Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover are also useful for removing unwanted hair on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and jawline. The 4 Best Epilators of 2024, Tested by Real People Hydrating Ingredients When using creams and waxes, Dr. Jacobs recommends looking for nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E. “Having a moisturizing aspect to the product can help soothe the area to lessen the chances of irritation or a breakout,” he explains. The Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face is a great example of facial hair removers with hydrating ingredients. These wax strips feature a blend of sunflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil to gently nourish the targeted areas while waxing. The 13 Best Face Moisturizers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Behind the Scenes To find the best facial hair removers, the PEOPLE Tested team took 24 creams, strips, and devices out for a real-world test drive. Over six weeks, each team member followed the manufacturer’s instructions to remove unwanted peach fuzz and hair on their upper lips, eyebrows, chin, cheeks, and jawline, looking at the following qualities: Ease of use: We began with freshly cleansed skin, then applied the formula, wax strips, or devices to the targeted area to remove the hair. During testing, our team tried the removers between five and six times (though some of the wax strips required less frequency of use), taking note of how easy the hair removal process was and whether or not the product had a learning curve.Sensitivity: Another important fact was the pain level of the chosen device; we noted whether the facial hair removers caused any irritation, pain, or discomfort. Some hair removal products, like dermaplaners, caused us no pain at all, while others, like waxing strips, had a bit more sting.Duration of results: We also considered how long the smooth, hairless results lasted after using the removal products, taking progress photos as the new hairs grew out and comparing that length of time to our previous hair removal experiences. Additionally, we looked at our post-wax skin and noted the texture to determine which facial hair removers left the skin soft and smooth. Only the highest-scoring products made it onto this PEOPLE-approved list of the best facial hair removers, including our top pick, the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face. Frequently Asked Questions What is the most effective facial hair removal? When it comes to removing unwanted hair from the face, Dr. Jacobs recommends waxing. “Waxing removes the hair directly from the root, which reduces hair growth and [hair] should grow back thinner and finer,” he explains. With that said, Dr. Jacobs says to always patch test the wax before use and make sure to prep the skin with a warm, damp towel to help open the pores in order to avoid irritation while waxing. What do dermatologists recommend for facial hair removal? To determine the best facial hair removal process, dermatologists factor in levels of skin sensitivity and allergies. While it might not be the best option for all, Dr. Jacobs says laser hair removal is the most frequently recommended hair removal process by dermatologists. You can also achieve professional results with some at-home laser removal devices if you want a more affordable option. Does removing facial hair make it grow back thicker? Thicker hair regrowth is one of the most popular concerns about hair removal, especially when shaving, but, Dr. Jacobs says this is actually a common misconception. “Shaving, waxing, laser hair removal, and creams do not increase the chance of hair growing back darker or thicker once removed,” he explains. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best facial hair removers, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to grasp their experiences with the wax strip, creams, and razors. She carefully considered how well each formula and device removed hair and the condition of the skin post-wax to get an idea of their overall performance and whether or not they are gentle enough to use on the face. Additionally, Jessie connected with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael I. Jacobs to learn more about facial hair removers, including what to look for in top formulas and devices. This story was most recently updated by PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer, with fresh insights from a recent dermaplaner test conducted by PEOPLE testers. Meet Our Expert Dr. Michael I. Jacobs is a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and medical technology director at Cortina. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.