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The 8 Best Facial Hair Removers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From creams to razors to wax strips, we narrow down our top picks for the best at-home facial hair removers

Facial Hair Removers arranged on a colorful background

People / Alli Waataja

Removing upper lip hair, maintaining eyebrows, and reducing peach fuzz at home can feel a bit 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. 

“Facial skin is extremely sensitive,” Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and medical technology director at Cortina, 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.

Best for Upper Lip Hair

Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

Athena Club

Our Ratings
  • Application
    4.8/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    4.6/5
Pros
  • It’s quick and simple to use.

  • Since the wax removes the hair and follicle, it takes longer for hair to grow back.

  • The wax strip kit comes with a cooling cream, which helps significantly reduce discomfort and irritated skin.

Cons
  • Since it’s a wax strip, it’s a little more painful than other facial hair removers on our list.

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 feature smaller strips that make waxing the upper lip, brows, and bikini lines a breeze. 

While testing these wax strips, we were immediately impressed by how effective they are at lifting away our upper lip hair and follicles for quick and easy hair removal. Although they did still cause some discomfort (which is expected with waxing), we loved the cooling serum and found that it significantly reduced discomfort and irritated post-wax skin. Compared to salon waxing, these wax strips boast excellent value, too. 

Type: Wax | Area of Body: Small areas, including upper lips, brows, and bikini lines

Pros
  • The pen has a built-in applicator tip that makes the application precise.

  • The product washes off easily with soap and water.

Cons
  • There’s a little bit of a learning curve, but once we figured it out, it was easy and convenient to use.

  • It 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 out, we found that there was a bit of a learning curve but once we figured it out, it was super 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. So, if you’re more prone to peach fuzz, it’s 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

Best Wax Strips

Flamingo Face Wax Kit

Flamingo Face Wax Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    4.7/5
Pros
  • These wax strips are super easy to use, and their smaller size makes them convenient for the upper lip and brows.

  • Since these use wax for hair removal, it takes a long time for hairs to grow back, and maintenance is fairly easy.

  • The wax rinses off the skin easily, so you aren’t left with any sticky residue.

Cons
  • Since they are wax strips, they can be a little painful and irritating to the skin (but this kit comes with a cooling serum to help calm post-wax skin).

  • The wax strips are small, so they aren’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, thanks to their smaller size and convenience. 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 these strips out, 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, less invasive options on our list — though wax means that the hair takes 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 like the jawline, chin, and cheeks, you might go through the kit quickly since it’s not designed for larger areas.  

Type: Wax | Area of Body: Upper lips, brows

Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream

Target

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.6/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    4.7/5
Pros
  • The applicator is built into the bottle for an easy application process.

  • The formula is super thick — like a lotion — so it’s easy to get a more precise application.

  • A little bit goes a long way, so you get a lot of use from one bottle.

Cons
  • The cream formula isn’t ideal for shaping eyebrows.

Hair removal creams can get a little tricky, and some can even cause irritation — but not the Flamingo Facial Hair Removal Cream. This hair removal cream features 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 cream formulas. 

When testing this formula out, 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 except without the pain. 

Type: Cream | Area of Body: Upper lips, cheeks, chin, jawline

Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    4/5
Pros
  • The razor is electric, so it has a little more power, and it’s a bit more convenient to use compared to traditional manual blades.

  • The device is easy to use and beginner-friendly.

  • You don’t have to go over areas more than once.

Cons
  • At $25, it’s one of the more expensive options on our list.

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. During the testing period, we didn’t experience a learning curve and found that this was relatively easy to use and an excellent beginner-friendly option, too. 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

Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Razor

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.7/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    4.8/5
Pros
  • The blade is specifically designed to prevent cuts and irritation.

  • The razor shaves away unwanted hair without causing irritation or redness.

  • You get a super precise and close shave, which leaves the skin ultra-smooth and soft.

Cons

At-home dermaplaning is another effective way to remove unwanted hairs — and the Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool is our top pick for the best dermaplaner. These dermaplaning razors come in a set of three for under $10, making them one of the best value options on our list. But, beyond that, these are highly effective at shaving away 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 a total breeze and result in ultra-smooth skin. 

Type: Manual trimmer | Area of Body: Upper lips, chin, cheeks, jawline, eyebrows

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

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    4.5/5
Pros
  • The compact size and lack of downtime make it convenient to use.

  • The hair removal tool has an excellent grip, allowing you to trim away peach fuzz on the chin, cheeks, upper lip, and jawline.

  • It leaves skin — especially on the upper lip area — ultra-soft and smooth after each use.

Cons
  • There’s a bit of a learning curve with this device, and getting the right angle is tricky at first.

  • You need to use this more consistently compared to waxing.

There's a lot to love about a dermaplaning tool that makes hair removal easy. The Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit is a little pricier compared to other facial hair removers on our list, but it’s certainly worth the splurge. This miniature electric shaver features 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 razor or wax strip, there is a bit of a learning curve with this one, 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. Post-hair removal, 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

Silk'n Facial Hair Trimmer

Silk'n 

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Skin Look & Feel
    5/5
Pros
  • The electric shaver effectively removed unwanted hair with very little (if any) downtime.

  • The compact, battery-operated design makes it easy for travel.

  • It comes with a miniature brush to easily clean out the hair and preserve the overall quality and efficacy.

Cons
  • You’ll need to provide your own AA battery in order to operate.

  • We had to go over a few areas more than once.

For the best on-the-go hair remover option, consider the Silk’n Facial Hair Trimmer. This electric shaver features a compact and battery-operated design, which makes it great for travel — just pack it in your toiletry bag. Plus, it doesn’t cause any irritation, so there’s hardly any downtime, which makes it easier to use on the go. 

During the testing period, we were impressed by how easy the electric shaver is to use and how well it removes unwanted hairs (though we did need to go over a couple of spots twice). Additionally, the device comes with a miniature brush so that you can clean it out and make sure it doesn’t get clogged for full efficacy. 

Type: Electric shaver | Area of Body: Chin, cheeks, jawline, upper lip

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. These razors have 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 complexion 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 the 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 Nair scent that is a little irritating to our senses and 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 option.

What to Look for in 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 feature a single blade — creams, wax pens, and wax strips. Compact electric shavers such as the Dermaflash Luxe+ Dermaplaning Kit, Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover, and Silk'n Facial Hair Trimmer are also useful for removing unwanted hair on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and jawline. 

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. 

How We Tested

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.

Our testers began with a freshly cleansed complexion, then applied the formula, wax strips, or devices to the targeted area to remove the hair and reveal a soft and smooth surface post-removal. 

During testing, our team tried the removers between five and six times (though some of the wax strips required less frequency of use). They also considered the overall ease of use, efficacy — including whether or not they needed to go over areas multiple times — and if the facial hair removers caused any irritation, pain, or discomfort. Additionally, they looked at their post-wax skin and noted the texture to determine which facial hair removers left the skin soft and smooth. 

Following the testing period, we carefully reviewed their notes, comparing each experience to find the overall top picks. We then placed each formula, strip, and device in corresponding categories to create the full list of the best facial hair removers.

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 using 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, 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 an at-home laser removal device 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.

Take Our Word For It 

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. As a result, she curated this list of the best facial hair removers.

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.

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