These 6 Epilators Deliver Super Smooth Skin (and Are Great Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal) (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Target Areas: Arms, legs, underarms, back, bikini | Speed Settings: 2 | Number of Tweezers: 40 | Type: Cordless rechargeable battery

We suggest epilator newbies start with an affordable option to see how they get on with this type of hair removal before potentially investing in a more pricey tool. This one is budget-friendly and effective. Admittedly, the first session felt like hundreds of strong zaps and shocks against the skin, which was quite uncomfortable, though we’re happy to report that it became less painful with each session.

It effectively removed the hair, yielding smooth skin and a hairless result that lasted nearly two weeks. It did create some redness and itching on the legs where the hairs were particularly thin though it worked beautifully on the underarms—even eliminating the five-o'clock shadow that often appears after shaving. It can be used on wet and dry skin, which is super convenient, and we did feel that the discomfort was slightly diminished when using it on warm, wet skin. There are two speeds available, so you can choose the one that suits you best. It also comes with a massaging cap and a precision head to help target small or hard-to-reach areas.

Bridget, tester: The device is easy to hold, it's lightweight, and the head pivots well. It's fairly similar to a hand-held electric shaver in shape, size, and weight."

Target Areas: Legs, bikini, underarms | Speed Settings: 2 | Number of Tweezers: 40 | Type: Cordless/rechargeable

There’s no denying it, epilating is uncomfortable and even painful for most people—at least in the beginning. For those with sensitive skin, it can feel pretty unbearable. During testing, we discovered that this option was the least painful but still got the job done. That’s not to say it wasn’t uncomfortable, it certainly was, but it was more bearable than most options on the list, due in part to the sensitive skin attachment that it comes with. The design is lightweight and ergonomic, making it easy to glide across the skin, and it worked to thoroughly remove hair for a smooth result that lasted about two weeks.

Patricia, tester: "I did notice that the hair came in slower than it does when I shave. It took a little over two weeks to see minimal regrowth."

Target Areas: Face, underarms, bikini | Speed Settings: 2 | Number of Tweezers: 40 | Type: Battery-operated

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on an epilator, but this tool comes with multiple attachments—like a shaver head and massage pad—which add to its value. Aside from the additional attachments, the main head is flexible, making it effortless to maneuver across the skin and use on curved parts of the body. The epilator's cutting-edge SensoSmart technology, which allows you to use it in the shower or the bath, applies just the right amount of pressure and is a real game changer.

Like most epilators, we found it to be pretty painful—think burning and tingling—though these sensations subsided quickly after use. It createdrednessand bumps, which is also not uncommon for epilators, but it worked to effectively remove the hair. Once the bumps subsided, the results were soft and smooth. It also has two speed settings, so you can use the more intense one on less sensitive parts of the body and the more gentle one where you’re more sensitive.

Sophie, tester: "The epilator is pretty easy to use; there are a ton of different heads and attachments that were a little challenging to figure out what to do with, even when referring back to the directions. Ultimately, I tried a couple of different heads and ended up sticking with the largest/most classic one."

Target Areas: Arms, bikini, underarms, legs | Speed Settings: 2 | Number of Tweezers: 32 | Type: Cordless

We love a multipurpose product, especially when the price tag is higher. This epilator from Phillips does what it promises—effectively removes hair for results that last up to four weeks. It also comes with additional features, like an exfoliating brush, a callus remover, and a hair trimmer. Like the other epilators we tested, it was painful during the hair removal process and did create some bumps, especially on the legs, but it worked to thoroughly remove hair that didn’t grow back for a few weeks. One of our testers who experienced bumps from this tool said when she put a cool compress on her skin right after using it, it helped to reduce the bumps quickly and keep her skin comfortable.

As for the additional features, they’re nice to have, especially when you have time for a full skincare and hair removal routine. The exfoliating brush helps to smooth and prep skin for the removal process, and the callous smoother helps to achieve a softer overall result. The initial setup can feel a bit overwhelming when there are so many attachments in the box, but once you get a hang of it, it’s pretty easy to use.

Dana, tester: "It was easy to use, but it took me a few different tries to find the right amount of pressure to apply on my legs. The most challenging element really was just the pain."

Target Areas: Face | Speed Settings: 2 | Number of Tweezers: Not listed | Type: Cordless rechargeable

If you’re looking to take a break from shaving, dermaplaning, and waxing your face, this facial epilating tool is something to consider. The compact design is great for targeting small areas, such as in between your eyebrows and above your upper lip. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, and we were pleased with how well it removed hair. Though it wasn’t nearly as painful as other options on our list, it did create some redness and bumps, which is something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin. While the results weren’t much longer-lasting than waxing, we appreciate that this tool can remove hair shorter than the hair you can target with waxing. Bonus points for coming with a cleansing brush that gently exfoliates the skin before epilating.

Wendy, tester: "It's small and fits perfectly in my hand. I also have arthritis in my hands, and it wasn't too heavy, nor did it hurt my hands to hold up while using it. It's very easy to use around my brow area. It's small enough for spot removal, so I just glided it to the places where I wanted to remove excess hair."

Target Areas: Legs, underarms, bikini, chin, upper lip | Speed Settings: 2 | Number of Tweezers: 72 | Type: Plug-in

We recommend taking this tool with you on your travels if epilating is your hair removal method of choice. This one has a cord, so you can easily plug it into a wall socket no matter where you are. It’s simple to use and effectively removes hair, especially on larger areas of the body like the legs, arms, bikini area, and underarms, thanks to the dual heads with 72 tweezers among them. It’s not ideal for use on small areas like the upper lip and in between the eyebrows, but considering how well it works on most areas, this isn’t a deal breaker for us. We did experience some pain, bumps, and mild irritability while testing, but these side effects vanished quickly, and the result was smooth and hair-free skin. This effect lasted much longer than shaving or waxing—we could go a full two weeks in between sessions.

Katie, tester: "This device is lightweight and easy to handle. The double heads on the device cover more ground, and the head is curved to help get it closer to stray hairs. However, its size made it a bit difficult for the upper lip (small area to cover) and armpits (it's difficult both due to how curved the area under the arm is and the fact that hair tends to grow in different directions in that area)."

FAQ

• How do you use an epilator?

  Before actually using an epilator, it’s important to prep your skin and hair properly. As Dr. Chimento mentioned, you’ll want to shave a few days before epilating to ensure your hairs are the right length for the tool to work effectively. Dr. King also recommends physical exfoliation before epilating: “Take a warm shower and use an exfoliating body scrub, gloves, mitt, loofah, or brush. This helps expose hairs so they can be picked up by the epilator. It also helps decrease the risk of ingrown hairs,” she explains. When you’re ready to begin, hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle against clean skin without pressing it in, then use your other hand to hold your skin taut and slowly pass the epilator in the direction of your hair growth. When you're finished, moisturize your skin to minimize irritation.

• How do epilators work?

  Epilators work similarly to waxing or manual plucking in that they remove hair at the roots. When you run the device along your skin, the tiny tweezers on the wheel grab the hairs and then remove them as the wheel continues to rotate.

• Do epilators hurt?

  Since the device pulls hair away at the root, there's an expected "ouch" factor. But like most other forms of hair removal, many people find it less painful after multiple sessions.