Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor Review

If your skin flares up at the mention of shaving, the Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive aims to deliver a close shave with fewer angry red bumps. After weeks of testing on legs, underarms, and the bikini line, here is how it truly performs and who will love it most.

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Overview

The Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive is a five blade cartridge razor designed to give a close shave while dialing down irritation. It pairs an ergonomic soft grip handle with a pivoting head and a water activated lubricating ribbon formulated for sensitive skin. The headline promise is smooth skin in fewer strokes with less drag, which is exactly what sensitive skin needs to avoid redness and razor burn.

In testing, the cartridge’s five blades sit closely together to cut hair efficiently, so you can make gentle, short passes rather than pressing hard. The lubricating ribbon releases a slick layer once wet, helping the head glide without skipping. The head pivots easily over knees and ankles, and the handle feels stable even when hands are soapy, which reduces the chance of accidental nicks. Refills are widely available, and the handle is compatible with most Venus blade cartridges, so you are not locked into a single option if your needs change.

There are trade-offs. The larger head is great for quick coverage on legs but can feel bulky when detailing around the bikini line. Like most multi blade cartridges, it can clog faster with longer hair or heavy shave creams, which means more frequent rinsing. And while durability is solid, cartridges are pricier than basic disposables, so cost per shave is higher. Even with those drawbacks, the overall package delivers one of the most forgiving shaves for sensitive skin you can get from a mainstream cartridge razor.

Who it’s for

This razor suits people who want a close, low fuss shave and tend to react to friction. If your skin gets red, tight, or bumpy after shaving, or you are constantly battling shadow and need a closer result, the five blade setup and generous lubrication help you shave with a light touch. It also suits those who shave multiple times a week and want consistent results without constant touch-ups.

It may not be ideal if you are extremely cost sensitive, since refills add up over time. If you prefer a very small cartridge for precise shaping, such as cleaning tight bikini contours, you might want a smaller head razor or a separate detailer for those areas. And if you dislike residual slickness from lubrication strips, you may prefer a simpler cartridge with less lotion. For most shoppers with sensitive or easily irritated skin though, this model strikes a practical balance between closeness and comfort.

How it feels and performs

Handle and balance. The soft grip handle feels secure and slightly cushioned, which helps when shaving in the shower. The weight is light to midweight, with enough heft to guide the head without encouraging you to push down. That balance is important for sensitive skin, because pressure is the fastest route to razor burn.

Head design and glide. The pivot is responsive, tracking over knees, ankles, and shins without catching. The lubricating ribbon activates quickly under warm water and gives a slick, lotion like glide. On freshly soaked skin, the head moves smoothly with minimal chatter. If you are used to three blade razors, you will notice fewer tiny snags along bony areas, largely due to the pivot and the way the five blades share the cutting load.

Closeness. On legs, two light passes left skin very smooth with little shadow, even on thicker hair. Underarms needed shorter strokes but still reached a close finish with one to two passes. The closeness is competitive with other five blade systems and better than most three blade options we have used, especially for those who shave every other day or have dark hair that shows quickly.

Irritation control. The main win for sensitive skin is the way the cartridge lets you reduce pressure. Because the blades are sharp and closely spaced, you can let the head do the work with a featherlight hand. After-shave redness was minimal in tests when we followed a simple prep routine and used a non-irritating shave medium. Post-shave tightness was also subdued, likely thanks to the extra lubrication. If your skin is reactive to fragrance, check the packaging for ingredients, and keep the lubrication ribbon on skin only briefly during passes.

Learning curve and tricky zones. The wider cartridge shines on large areas like calves and thighs, where it covers ground fast. Around ankles or the top of the knee, slow down and adjust angle so the pivot rides over curves rather than digging in. For bikini grooming, start with with-the-grain passes to reduce bulk, then make a very gentle across-the-grain pass if your skin tolerates it. The head can feel big in tight creases, so use the corners of the cartridge for control and do not chase perfection in a single session if your skin is prone to bumps.

Clogging and maintenance. Like many multi blade heads, it can clog with longer hairs or very thick creams. Quick fixes: trim long hair first, use a slick but rinseable shave gel, and rinse from the back of the cartridge under strong water flow. Avoid tapping the cartridge on the sink, which can damage blade alignment. After shaving, shake off water and store the razor in a dry, ventilated spot rather than leaving it in a puddle on the ledge. This keeps blades sharper for longer and helps the lubricating strip last.

Blade life. With proper care, most shavers will get about 5 to 10 full shaves per cartridge, depending on hair type and how much area you cover. You will know it is time to swap when you feel tugging, need extra passes for your usual result, or notice the lubrication strip fading significantly. Extending life by even two shaves can make a real difference in long term cost.

Comparisons worth noting. Compared with standard three blade razors, the Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive feels smoother on the first pass and leaves fewer missed patches, especially on knees and underarms. Against other five blade razors, it competes on closeness but stands out for comfort and glide. Some premium razors with bulkier heads pivot more dramatically, which can help in curves but may feel wobbly. The Venus balance is stable and predictable, a plus for anyone who gets nervous around ankles or the Achilles area.

How to use for best results

1. Hydrate first. Shave at the end of a warm shower or bath so hair softens and skin is supple. Aim for at least three minutes of soaking before the first stroke.
2. Cleanse and slick. Clean the area with a gentle, non-drying wash, then apply a shave gel or cream that gives cushion and glide. Avoid foams that vanish quickly and thick oils that gum up blades.
3. Use light pressure. Hold the handle mid shaft with a relaxed grip and let the cartridge glide. Short strokes work better than long sweeping passes on sensitive skin.
4. Follow the grain first. Start with the direction your hair grows to reduce length without aggravation. If needed for extra closeness, add a second pass across or slightly against the grain only if your skin tolerates it.
5. Rinse often. Rinse the cartridge every one to two strokes, from the back side under strong water, to keep blades clear and effective.
6. Mind the curves. Around knees and ankles, bend slightly to flatten skin, then shave with slow, deliberate strokes. In the bikini zone, keep passes minimal and avoid back-and-forth scraping.
7. Post-shave care. Rinse with cool water, pat dry, and apply a fragrance free moisturizer or soothing lotion to lock in hydration and calm skin.
8. Store it dry. Shake off excess water and place the razor on a dry rack or caddy. Swap the cartridge when glide or closeness drops, or if you see corrosion.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very smooth glide and forgiving feel that reduces pressure on sensitive skin
• Five blade cartridge gives a close, even result with fewer passes
• Responsive pivot tracks over knees and ankles with solid control
• Comfortable, non-slip handle that stays stable in the shower
• Refills are easy to find and compatible with most Venus handles

Cons

• Cartridges are more expensive than basic disposables
• Larger head can feel bulky for detailed bikini work
• Can clog with longer hair or very thick creams, so frequent rinsing is needed
• Lubrication ribbon may leave a light residue if you prefer a squeaky clean finish

Final verdict

The Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive delivers on its promise of a close shave with less drama for reactive skin. The combination of sharp, closely spaced blades, a well tuned pivot, and a generous lubricating ribbon lets you keep pressure light and passes minimal, which is exactly how to prevent razor burn. It moves confidently over tricky curves, and it gets you to a smooth finish quickly without feeling harsh.

It is not the least expensive option, and the cartridge size is not ideal for meticulous bikini shaping. If you want a small head for tight detail work or a no-frills feel with less lubrication, there are other designs to consider. For most shoppers who are tired of redness, stubble shadow, and nicks, this razor is an easy recommendation. Pair it with a skin friendly shave routine, replace the cartridge as soon as tugging shows up, and you will get reliably smooth, calm skin from a razor that is simple to use and simple to maintain.

See also

For more options that prioritize gentle and effective shaving, see our Harry’s women’s razors review.

• Learn about razors for sensitive bikini lines that minimize irritation in delicate areas.
• Explore recommendations for best anti-chafing products to complement sensitive skin care routines.
• Find out how to prevent discomfort with effective body care for runners including chafe and blisters.
• If you’re interested in grooming beyond shaving, check out our review on home hair clippers for various styling needs.

FAQ

Does the Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive work well on the bikini line without causing bumps

It can, as long as you keep pressure light and limit passes. Start by shaving with the grain to reduce length, then stop if your skin is reactive. If you need more closeness, make one gentle pass across the grain, never back and forth. Use a slick, rinseable shave gel rather than oils, rinse the cartridge every stroke or two, and finish with a soothing, fragrance free moisturizer. For very precise shaping, consider using the corners of the cartridge and slow strokes, since the head is a bit wide for tight contours.

How often should I replace the blades on the Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive

Most people get about 5 to 10 shaves per cartridge, depending on hair thickness, prep, and how much area you cover. Replace the cartridge when you feel tugging, need more passes for the same result, or the lubrication strip fades significantly. Dry storage makes a big difference. Shake off water after use and keep the razor out of puddles to prevent dulling and corrosion.

Is this razor good for coarse or curly hair without irritation

Yes, provided you soften hair thoroughly and avoid pressure. Let hair soak in warm water for at least three minutes, apply a cushioning shave gel, and take short, gentle strokes with frequent rinsing. The five blade design cuts efficiently, so you can minimize repeat passes. If you are prone to ingrowns, stick to with-the-grain or across-the-grain passes and exfoliate gently between shaves to help hairs grow out cleanly.

Can I use shower oils, bar soaps, or body washes with this razor

You can, but performance varies. Thick oils and some bar soaps can clog multi blade cartridges, which leads to tugging. For the smoothest glide and easiest rinsing, use a dedicated shave gel or a creamy, rinseable shaving cream. If you prefer body wash, choose one that leaves a bit of slip rather than a squeaky clean finish. Rinse from the back of the cartridge under strong water flow to keep blades clear.

How does the Extra Smooth Sensitive compare with other Venus models

Compared with Venus Smooth and other three blade options, the Extra Smooth Sensitive delivers a closer result in fewer passes and feels gentler at the same time. Versus premium five blade models with more dramatic pivots, it trades a bit of flex for better stability and control. If your top priority is comfort on reactive skin, the Extra Smooth Sensitive strikes one of the best balances in the Venus lineup, especially for legs and underarms.

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