12 Best Epilators for Face and Body: Braun, Panasonic & More

Whether you want to remove peach fuzz from your face, smooth your legs, eliminate stubble in your armpits, or experiment with a full-on Brazilian, the best epilators can help. Most of these at-home hair removal devices can be used all over the face and body to get your desired results.

Best Epilators 2023:

Trimmers and face razors may be a reliable choice already, but these tools tackle only hair above the skin, so odds are anything you trim or shave will grow back in a flash. For hair removal methods that provide more longevity, waxing kits are a decent alternative. The problem here: Waxing can be painful—whether it's sugaring or strips—and hair does eventually grow back. Which leaves you either with in-office treatments like laser hair removals or at-home epilators.

The difference between the latter two is simple: Lasers are more permanent since they work to kill the hair follicle, but what if you’re not sure you want the hair to be gone forever? Epilators provide a great happy medium between the more temporary options listed above and the permanence of a laser. “Epilators work by grabbing the hairs with rotating tweezer head blades to pull from the root,” says Diane Madfes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s similar to waxing but does a better job protecting the skin and is a great way to remove hair in the privacy of your home.”

Epilators vary in size depending on their use, and you can find specific devices for the face or body. Smaller ones are ideal for targeting tough-to-reach areas (hi, upper lip), while more sizable options are better suited for larger surfaces—think your thighs or lower legs. Select devices also come with several interchangeable attachments for flexibility and versatility, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

“A good epilator is one that is easy to grip and hold and works quickly to pull hairs from the root, including the shorter hairs,” adds Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Many good ones have ergonomic handles with grips so that it's easy for your fingers to cling to, and can pull 40 or more hairs quickly, allowing for rapid treatment of larger surfaces.”