Finding the perfect razor for a bump-free shave sometimes feels like a never-ending struggle. If you’re also trying to find a sustainable option, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the choices. That’s what we’re here for. Getting a sustainable and smooth shave is easy with any of the eleven eco-friendly razors we’ve featured below.
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Image: EcoRoots
What makes a razor eco-friendly and sustainable?
Razors are one of the more wasteful products we use regularly. Conventional razors are made primarily from plastic. Reusable razors only last a few shaves before the blades are thrown away, while disposable razors are typically tossed after one use. This waste adds up, filling our landfills.
Thankfully, eco-friendly and sustainable razors are the perfect solution to this. Eco-Friendly razors are made from natural materials and don’t contain plastic (unless it’s recycled, most of these are plastic-free razors). Safety razors are one of your most sustainable options - and we have several included here!
They will typically be reusable and built to last a lifetime. When your blades or razor need replacement, you can effortlessly recycle sustainable razors. These razors typically come from ethical companies that prioritize eco-friendly packaging and sustainable production methods.
The problem with disposable razors:
Disposable razors might seem convenient, but they come at a serious cost - to the environment and your wallet. Billions of plastic razors and cartridges are thrown away each year, and because they’re made from mixed materials like rubber, plastic, and metal, they’re nearly impossible to recycle through standard systems. Most end up in landfills, where they’ll sit for hundreds of years, or worse, contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and waterways.
In addition to their environmental impact, disposable razors often deliver a subpar shaving experience. They're usually made with cheap materials that dull quickly, meaning you have to replace them often. Many also include synthetic lubrication strips and harsh chemical coatings that can irritate the skin and cause bumps or razor burn.
Financially, they’re not a great deal either. Buying packs of disposables or replacement cartridges over time adds up - and you’re continually investing in something designed to be thrown away.
Making the switch to a more durable, eco-friendly razor reduces your waste and gives you a better shave with fewer replacements. It's a small change with a big impact.
The benefits of safety razors and reusable options:
If you're looking for a sustainable shaving option, safety razors are one of the best choices out there. Unlike disposables, safety razors are built to last a lifetime and only require you to replace the blade - often costing just pennies per shave.
Safety razors are usually made from stainless steel or other durable metals, which makes them fully recyclable at the end of their (very long) life. Many brands also ship with plastic-free packaging and offer blade recycling programs. Some even take it a step further by using carbon-neutral shipping and ethically sourced materials.
Aside from their environmental perks, safety razors offer a closer, smoother shave that many users find reduces irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. With just a little bit of practice, they’re incredibly easy to use - and many people never look back after making the switch.
Other reusable options include razors with replaceable heads made from recycled plastic or bioplastic. While these may not be as low-waste as a metal safety razor, they’re still a major improvement over traditional disposables.
Our top picks for sustainable razors:
1. Leaf Shave
Materials: Zinc, Stainless Steel
Price: $59-89
Leaf Shave is a wonderful brand designing plastic-free, sustainable razors. Each leaf razor is made entirely from metal and comes with ten different razor blades.
The design of the Leaf razor incorporates a pivoting head, which provides a smooth and comfortable shave while minimizing the risk of nicks and cuts—making these razors particularly suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
Leaf Shave offers a variety of blade options, including a triple-blade version for those who prefer a closer shave and a dual-blade option for a balance of comfort and closeness. However, for beginners or those new to traditional shaving, they strongly recommend starting with their single blade, which is designed to offer a more manageable experience.
Leaf Shave is a climate-neutral certified company. They state that they have prevented 3+ million plastic razors from going to the landfill to date.
2. Hanni
Materials: Metal
Price: $42
Hanni has created a beautifully designed sustainable women's razor known as the “Weighted Razor.” This elegant product is not just aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly practical, available in three chic and feminine colors: deep burgundy, vibrant flame, and soft blush.
Their eco-friendly women's razor is plastic-free and made entirely from metal. They offer an extra-long handle designed to make your shaves smoother and easier. Their head curve is angled to specifically fit women’s curves.
Aside from their razor, they also offer stylish blade holders and razor stands. Hanni is a woman-owned company that makes products for women.
3. UpCircle
Materials: Chrome
Price: $42
UpCircle is a vegan skincare company that specializes in upcycling food waste to make sustainable products.
One of their standout products is the chrome safety razor, designed to provide a smooth and comfortable shave. The elegant design not only looks great in your bathroom but is also built to last. Alongside the razor, Upcircle offers aluminum razor stands that ensure easy and organized storage.
What truly sets Upcircle apart is their eco-friendly refill program. You can conveniently send back your used razor blades, and they will responsibly recycle them for you. As an added incentive, you’ll receive store credit for your returned blades, encouraging both sustainability and repeat purchases.
4. EcoRoots
Materials: Stainless Steel
Price: $40
EcoRoots has great options for reusable, plastic-free, and zero waste razors. Their Rose-Gold or Black safety razors fit any style and skin.
To complement their razors, EcoRoots has developed their own line of organic shaving soap, which is formulated to provide a smooth and moisturizing experience while helping to prevent skin irritation and bumps. Additionally, they offer an exfoliant designed to prepare the skin for shaving, promoting a bump-free finish.
While these safety razors are made to last, they can also be recycled when you’re done with them. EcoRoots is woman-owned and a 1% for the planet partner.
5. Zomchi
Materials: Chromed Brass, Bamboo
Price: $20-30
Zomchi has an extensive line of unisex safety razors made primarily from metal. They also have one bamboo razor available. Each reusable razor is meant to last and you can buy blade replacements easily from Zomchi.
Their razors come with a wonderful metal stand to make storage easy.
Plus, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can purchase without stress.
code: SustainablyChic10 for 10% off
6. Jungle Culture
Materials: Chrome, Organic Cotton, Jute, Bamboo
Price: $23-29
Jungle Culture razors are reusable safety razors made from a variety of natural materials. Their sustainable razors are unisex and built to last.
They have three different safety razors, as well as one bamboo razor, to choose from.
Jungle Culture also has a lovely line of vegan shaving soaps for a complete, zero-waste shave.
One thing I love about this company is that they work directly with local farmers and artisans in Vietnam to produce their eco-friendly products.
7. Bulldog
Materials: Bamboo, Metal, Recycled Glass
Price: $15-20
Bulldog has four wonderful sustainable razors to choose from. This includes a bamboo razor and a glass razor. The glass is made from over 70% recycled glass.
For each razor, they also offer a model designed specifically for sensitive skin.
Bulldog is a US company. They offer an extensive line of sustainable skincare options for shaving, moisturizing, cleansing, and beard care.
8. Preserve
Materials: Recycled Plastic
Price: $15
Preserve is a certified B Corp that produces more sustainable razors made from recycled plastic.
Each razor is fully recyclable and BPA free.
Plus, they make everything locally in the US.
Preserve also has their own recycling take-back program. You simply look up the nearest drop-off center or ship your old razors directly back to them. They will then recycle them for you.
Find replacement blades here.
9. Bevel
Materials: Brass
Price: $50
Bevel designs quality sustainable men’s razors available at Target. These eco-friendly razors are made to prevent bumps and ingrown hairs. They also offer a complete line of natural skincare products like pre-shave oil and exfoliating body wash.
Bevel is a Black-Owned business that donates a portion of their proceeds to supporting formerly incarcerated Black men. They support programs that help to prevent recidivism by providing job training & education opportunities.
About the Author
Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.
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