Cartridge Razor Review

Gillette SkinGuard Review – Does It Help Sensitive Skin Type Gents?

Next on our cartridge razor review journey is the Gillette SkinGuard. A two-blade razor designed for those with sensitive skin.

If you missed the last episode of this cartridge razor review campaign (Gillette Mach3 Turbo) – you can check out that — Gillette Mach3 Turbo.

The Gillette SkinGuard made it onto the Best Cartridge Razors roundup –based on its suitability for those with sensitive skin needs.

Using a two-bladed cartridge razor feels like stepping back in time to my Gillette Sensor and Sensor Excel shaving days. However, just looking at the Gillette SkinGuard shows that there are a lot of differences between Excel and Mach3.

What was going to be interesting about this review was seeing if the added skin protection features and having one blade less would reflect on the performance and end shave compared to a razor like the Gillette Mach3 or Fusion5. We shall find out more about this in the review. 

Within this review, we will look closely at the all-important features and test out the razor for facial shaving with various levels of beard growth and head shaving. Finally, I will recommend who the Gillette SkinGuard would be best suited for within the closing thoughts. 

Video

The YouTube video I created for the SkinGuard Sensitive might provide some additional information, and/or the visuals might help you out.

Description & Features

The Gillette SkinGuard is one of the latest razors from Gillette that came on the market in 2018, much later than the 2006 Fusion. 

It is worth noting that Gillette mentions that users should not expect the same close shave they get from other Gillette cartridge razors with five blades.  

• Blades: This razor has two raised blades that aim to minimize skin contact and reduce irritation. Gillette states the blades are made with ultrathin steel reinforced with carbon coating and an added anti-friction layer to increase glide.
• SkinGuard Technology: These are the two plastic strips found between the blades. One strip at the bottom before the first blade and another above the first blade. Gillette states these aim to smooth and stretch the skin and protect it from the blades.
• Lubrication: Unlike other cartridge razors, including the Mach3 the Gillette SkinGuard has the lubrication strip along not only the top, like many others, but also a wider strip along the bottom for added lubrication.
• Precision Trimmer: At the top of the cartridge blade an extra cutting blade is added at the back that Gillette states is to enable users to shave hard-to-reach areas and style facial hair.
• Handle: The handle is made from plastic and rubber. The rubber components support a user’s grip when holding the razor.
• Changing blades: A small push button on the top of the razor easily releases the blade, and then a new blade can be clipped on easily. 
• Flex head: The head flexes back to around 60 – 70 degrees, enabling the razor blades to shave along the various contours of the skin, and to get the blade angle correct. 
• Interchangeable: The cartridges fit on the Fusion5 handle, and vice-versa – the SkinGuard handle can take Fusion5 blades. 

Anything to Add About the Features?

There are quite a lot of differences between Gillette SkinGuard, Mach3 and Fusion. There is a lot more protective stuff going on.

The extra lubrication strip, which is larger than the standard top lubrication strip makes a lot of difference visually apparent when first looking at the razor. Gillette does not mention this, but a small microfin strip is also between the bottom lubrication strip and the first skinguard strip.

A lot is going on before that first blade hits the skin. It seems there is too much in a sense. However, this is a razor for gents with sensitive skin, and I know Gillette does a heck of a lot of research and testing, which would bring them to create this type of protection before the blade cuts the hair.

I find the ergonomics very good, although I prefer the extra curve that the Gillette Mach3 offers. The SkinGuard is slightly straighter.

The handle has plenty of rubberized grip and extra grip at the sides. I can’t see any way or need to improve the grip feature.

It’s interesting how Gillette moved up to three blades from the Gillette Sensor, and then many guys are now using their five-blade razors, then they go back with the SkinGuard and its two blades. It is easy to see why so many guys will pick up irritation easily with more blades making contact with the skin.

Changing over the cartridges is as simple as pressing the button to release the old blade and then click on a new cartridge. Simple and no fiddling about, but do be prepared for the cartridge to jump out. An issue I found here is the cartridge does not come with a cover, so we have to make hand contact with the cartridge blade to attach it to the handle. I found the best way to attach and detach the blade safely and even easier is to secure the blade straight from the cartridge tray.

The added blade on the outer edge at the top back of the razor, called the precision trimmer, is a neat tool. I tried it out on sideburns, and it works very well. I get along fine without using the trimmer blade, but guys doing more shaping work around a goatee’s beard or other beard shapes may find it very useful.

Now for the acid test, let’s see how the Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive shaves!

How Well Does Gillette SkinGuard Shave?

Before testing out the SkinGuard, I kept in mind what Gillette states about it being unable to provide as close a shave as the five-blade razors, but I am not sure about their view about the three-blade Mach3 (we will see).

I also kept in mind that the SkinGuard is aimed at the sensitive skin crowd. I do have issues at times with neck soreness, redness, and irritation, rarely with cartridge razors though, unless I shave daily or the blades are dull.

How Often Did You Shave with the SkinGuard?

I did my usual shaving tests with three days of growth, two days, and then daily shaving for a couple of consecutive days.

I can get irritation when shaving daily and only ever do it for review purposes. If you are a guy with sensitive skin, it is worth noting that shaving less naturally reduces irritation flare-ups, and daily shaving is not a good idea.

Shaving with two and three days worth of growth did take considerably longer than it would with a razor like the Mach3. I got there in the end, but it just took longer. I found I was shaving over the same areas many times as I did want to get a close shave.

Daily shaving on three consecutive days did seem very comfortable, even if I am not a fan of daily shaving. However, I did pick up some neck redness and did not find the Gillette SkinGuard could do much better than other cartridge razors not geared toward sensitive skin.

Lubrication 

The lubrication aspect of this razor was quite weird for me at first. 

I lathered up some Proraso shaving cream with a Muhle synthetic shaving brush, as I still use quality traditional shaving soaps or creams, even when using cartridge razors. However, I quickly noticed the usual amount of lather I put on my face was way too much. 

The lubrication strip creates a lot of slippy gel and much more than a razor with a single lubrication strip. I did, in fact, remove most of the lather off my face and left a small amount; otherwise, my face was way over-lubricated. 

I’m not a fan of all this added lubrication as I want to use my shaving soaps and creams fully; however, I can see it is helpful for those with sensitive skin, and in my younger shaving days I may have benefited from it. 

Users need to use smaller amounts of shaving cream, soap, foam, or gel to balance out the already lubricated cartridge. 

How Was Head Shaving with the SkinGuard?

As I am a follically challenged man, I can and do when I want to — shave completely bald, and I always test out head shaving for cartridge and electric shaver reviews.

The SkinGuard was okay, but shaving my head took a lot more effort and strokes than it does with other cartridge razors. In addition, the back area had stubborn patches left that I had to shave over many times.

This razor got the job done and gave a close enough shave finish. However, it’s just not as good as other razors.

Do You Have Any Dislikes?

I like that the Gillette SkinGuard has all the protective features before a blade hits the skin, which I can see is advantageous for those who get razor burn or for the prevention of razor bumps. However, for me, too much is going on before the blade starts cutting hair. What the Mach3 has at the bottom of a cartridge (i.e., microfin strip) is enough.

As mentioned above, the lubrication strips. I prefer the single strip at the top only, but the additional lubrication might be better for those with sensitive skin.

Overall Shaving Experience?

Overall, I prefer other cartridge razors without the added lubrication and skin guards. 

Despite the SkinGuard requiring me to make more strokes while shaving to get a close shave I can see how the razor can be a good fit for men that get razor burn. However, that may only be an advantage if they do not shave against the grain as shaving against the grain with this razor will require more strokes, increasing the chances of irritation. 

I have no complaints about the end-shave result. I got the same results with more effort than other cartridge razors, that’s all.

As with all cartridge razors rinsing blades under the tap frequently is important to keep the blades free from debris and to keep the shave going smoothly.

Cartridge Longevity?

Gillette states one cartridge blade will last up to a month. If a person shaves three times a week, they will get 12 or so shaves out of one blade, on average. 

The cartridge lasting a month will vary from person to person and will depend on how often they shave and how dense their beard is.

I can get about ten shaves out of a Gillette SkinGuard cartridge blade, which is the same as what I get out of a Mach3, but I also shave my head.  

I immediately change the blade if the lubrication strips on a cartridge razor wear too much.

Caring for the Blades

Not much care or maintenance is involved with owning and using a SkinGuard. However, it’s worth noting that drying the blade gently with a towel or tissue will help maintain the lubrication strip and possibly maintain the blades more. 

I often touch dry the blade with a towel and then leave it where air can get to it easily. 

Value for Money – Costs?

I guess a lot of work has gone into making the Gillette SkinGuard what it is. It has a lot of detailed features and components making up the cartridge.

It’s close to the price of a Fusion5 and about 18% more than a Gillette Mach3 (on average). So, I guess it is priced fairly in comparison with these models (Mach3 + Fusion) and seems correct to cost a little more than the Mach3.

*Cost (handle + 4 blades): Approx $19 + USD – £14 + UK – €16 EU.

*Cartridges cost (4 pack): Approx $15 USD – £12 UK – €15 EU.

*Prices can vary from store to store, country, and the packaging of the razor.

It’s hard to match the savings a person can make on safety razor blades compared to cartridge razors, but safety razors are not for everyone. I created a guide here that covers razor costs – Safety Razor vs. Cartridge Razor.

Final Thoughts – Who is the Gillette SkinGuard Best Suited For?

Reviewing and using the Gillette SkinGuard was an interesting and unique experience. I have never seen a two-blade razor like it before.

While I won’t be revisiting using the Gillette SkinGuard too soon, unless I have another review to create (mostly because I want a more aggressive razor shave) — I can see how men with irritation issues and sensitive skin may find this milder razor worth trying.

I disliked the over-lubrication, but other guys who are not into their traditional shaving creams or soaps might just favor this.

If a person does not have any type of skin irritations, then the SkinGuard is not a razor I would recommend. 

So in the title, I stated ‘Does It Help Sensitive Skin Type Gents?’. I believe the SkinGuard does help and maybe more so for guys that get razor bumps (although do not have a huge skin irritation problem when shaving) and strong razor burn. However, as I tested against the grain daily shaving I did get redness, but this could be avoided by not shaving daily and/or not shaving against the grain.

Next on the journey of cartridge razor reviews is the increasingly popular Gillette Fusion5.

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