Since its founding in 1901, Gillette Shaving has shook up the grooming industry with innovation that has made shaving at home as comfortable as going to the barber. The company patented the first safety razor, which eliminated the need for sharpening blades and made it possible to shave with a straight razor without the risk of cutting or nicking your face.
In the years that followed, the company continued to improve its products. In our latest tests, we found the Gillette Mach3 to be one of the best choices for a smooth, close shave with minimal irritation. The handle is simple to grip and maneuver, and the blades stayed sharp for up to two months—as long as you change them regularly. The blades also cost less than those of competitors like Dollar Shave Club, so you can save money over the long run.
We also tested a few new models of Gillette’s razors, including the Gillette Series and the Heated Razor. The Gillette Series with Exfoliating Bar helps reduce cuts, nicks and tugs by exfoliating your skin before you shave. The Heated Razor heats up to warm the blades for a more comfortable and efficient shave.
The most important factor in our test is whether a razor feels comfortable during and after use. Our testers wanted a razor that glided easily over the face, cut with few tugs or pulls and produced very few ingrown hairs or red spots. Modern multi-blade razors rarely nick or cut, and any that consistently did were removed from the test. Our testers also liked a razor that did not produce a lot of moisture, so it didn’t leave their faces feeling oily or sticky.
We were pleased to find that both the Series with Exfoliating Bar and the Heated Razor had good comfort and did not irritate the skin. We also loved that the Heated Razor heated the blades, making them feel hot and lubricating during the shave. We’re looking forward to testing more products from Gillette Labs, a line that includes Quick Rinse Shave Foam and Rapid Foaming Shave Gel. These skincare products help prepare the skin for a premium shave and are used alongside Gillette’s shaving technology to deliver a smooth, comfortable shave.
