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Whether you like to be smooth as an otter, hairy as a grizzly, or somewhere in between, this guide helps you find the best eco-friendly razor for your needs.
Traditional disposable razors are made of non-recyclable fused plastic, rubber, and metal, taking up to 100 years to decompose.
Switching to a reusable safety razor can significantly reduce plastic waste, as disposable razors contribute to the 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic trash currently in the oceans.
My wife and I tested the best sustainable razors for men and women that offer a smooth shave but with a much smaller environmental footprint.
An eco-friendly razor is a reusable razor built from sustainable materials, with replaceable or recyclable blades, that produces minimal waste over its lifetime. I judge every razor in this guide against five criteria:
Here's a list of my recommendations that tick all the boxes.
✔ Leaping Bunny Certified
✔ 100% Plastic-Free
✔ Recyclable Blades
They Say: Have you been wanting to change up your shave routine but haven’t found the right fit? You’re ready to stop throwing away disposable plastic. Leaf Shave razors are here to change things up, guaranteed.
We Say: Leaf Shave offers dedicated razors for body, face, and head shaving, as well as dermaplaning.
Their most popular product is the triple-blade Leaf Razor, a metal safety razor with a flexible head and a customizable multi-blade design. I used it on my legs during triathlon training last summer and got smoother, more aerodynamic results than my old cartridge razor ever delivered. The pivoting head of the Leaf Razor followed my leg contours without nicks or missed patches.
I also tested the single-edge Twig razor for four weeks of face shaves and liked how the exposed blade gave me a clean shave and better control around my jawline.
My wife tested the Leaf Dermaplaner for peach-fuzz removal and said her skin was noticeably smoother after each use. The single-blade design worked well on her face, and she experienced no irritation.
Leaf Shave holds Leaping Bunny certification and partners with rePurpose Global on plastic recovery initiatives. Their products are plastic-free. The all-metal handles are designed for long-term use, and the stainless steel blade refills are fully recyclable and much cheaper than branded cartridge replacements.
Overall, if you want a fully sustainable shaving routine, this is the brand I recommend.
They Say: Bambaw’s double edged safety razor has a long handle made from 100% bamboo. Bamboo is fast-growing, sustainable and one of Earth’s naturally renewable materials.
We Say: This double-edged razor is nice and weighty. It’s made from stainless steel with a natural bamboo handle.
Bamboo is a naturally grippy material. This razor will not slip in your hand.
The handle is longer than average at around 4.5”.
It’s an easy razor to use. Replacing the razor blades was slightly awkward at first, but after a few goes, it became straightforward.
Bambaw keeps a keen eye on the carbon footprint of its supply chain and supports community projects in Malawi to help offset the CO2 produced.
✔ No Razor Burns
✔ Five Free Blades Included
✔ Reusable & Recyclable
They Say: These gorgeous chic Rose-Gold Safety Razor and Black Safety Razor will leave your skin silky and smooth, with less chance of hair getting trapped under your skin. With just one single blade, our zero-waste razor provides a close shave without razor burn.
We Say: EcoRoots is one of my favorite online destinations when shopping for eco-friendly and sustainable products. So I was delighted to see that they make their own brand of environmentally friendly women's razors.
The EcoRoots safety razor is made from stainless steel and zinc alloy and is both reusable and recyclable.
It’s a lightweight option with a 4” handle. I found it slightly too light, but Mrs. M liked it.
This single-blade razor gives a more aggressive shave than some of the options I tested. You soon get used to it, but this might not be the right option for total safety razor novices.
EcoRoots have top-notch zero-waste credentials. All packaging and shipping materials are plastic-free and recyclable.
✔ Perfect for Tough Beards
✔ Solid Grip
✔ Can Last a Lifetime
They Say: Merkur 2-Piece double-edge safety razor, with an elegant chrome finish, slant bar head and extra long heavy weighted (4”) spiral barberpole gripped handle. Also known as the 39C, it is compatible with all double-edge blades.
We Say: Weighing in at 4oz and with a 3.79” handle, this Merkur razor is an absolute sledgehammer that tackles even the thickest of beards.
The Merkur 39C has a slant bar head, which slices through coarse hair at an angle rather than hacking straight at it (much like a guillotine vs. a cleaver). Its 4oz weight lets gravity do the work, so you don't have to press down and risk irritation.
If you’ve got a lot of growth that you want to get under control or even take completely off, this is the sustainable razor for you.
It’s quite a pricey option, but I feel you get what you pay for.
Not got a full beard to shift? Not to worry, Merkur makes a wide range of safety razors to meet all needs and budgets.
View the full Merkur sustainable shaving range here.
✔ Cheap Replacement Blades
✔ Awesome Gunmetal Finish
✔ High Performance
They Say: A fully adjustable razor for any skin type and stubble length, so you get a close, comfortable shave - every time! Never waste money on cartridges or subscription shave clubs again and make shaving something to look forward to with Rockwell's adjustable, precision-engineered optimized blade angles. Say goodbye to razor burn for good and say hello to the closest, most comfortable shave of your life.
We Say: The Rockwell 6C is the best pick for sensitive skin. It's the only eco-friendly razor that's fully adjustable, meaning you can dial the blade aggressiveness up or down to suit your skin and stubble length.
People with sensitive skin can start on the lowest setting and work up only as needed, which is the single biggest factor in avoiding razor burn and irritation with a safety razor. Customers with skin sensitivities report no nicks or irritation when using the lower settings, and reviews highlight how forgiving and smooth the razor is
The handle is cast from premium high-end chromed zinc alloys. The weight is perfectly distributed to give the best shaving experience possible.
Weighing around 6.4oz, with a handle length of close to 4”, this is a safety razor for those who have bigger hands and like a weighty razor.
Just like Merkur, Rockwell Razors has a range to meet most needs. If you feel the 6C is not for you, check out the full range of options here.
The knurled handle offers outstanding grip levels, even in the soapiest of hands.
The Swedish stainless steel blades manufactured by Rockwell are some of the best you can buy.
✔ Compact Lightweight Design
✔ Sheffield Steel
✔ Easy Blade Change
They Say: Edwin Jagger exemplifies traditional English quality and style, combining it with state-of-the-art design, up to the minute manufacturing techniques, and the heritage of long-established Sheffield craftsman skills.
We Say: Sheffield, UK, has a long history of producing some of the finest steel in the world.
While it might no longer be quite the steel powerhouse it was, Sheffield provides the quality materials and craftsmanship behind the Edwin Jagger brand.
The Edwin Jagger razor weighs 2.65oz and sports a handle measuring approximately 3.75”.
This is the best eco-friendly razor for small areas because the lighter weight and shorter handle make it more maneuverable than the heavier options. Its two-piece design also gives you a cleaner sight line to the blade than chunkier three-piece razors.
Thanks to its two-piece design (most of the other safety razors on the list are three-piece), this is one of the easiest options for replacing the safety razor blades.
The handle of this model gets a bit slippery when wet. If grip levels are high on your list of priorities, or if you intend to shave in the shower, choose the knurled handle option instead.
✔ Chrome Plated Handle with Stainless Steel Blades
✔ Affordable
✔ Decent Quality
They Say: A single Platinum coated double edged safety razor blade shapes with precise accuracy, ideal for edging sideburns and strong beard lines to help you achieve your perfect look.
We Say: The King C. Gillette Double Edge Safety Razor is a decent piece of kit that gives a nice, close shave.
The handle is manufactured in Germany. The blades are manufactured in Boston using Russian steel.
I’ve nothing against Russian steel, but after recent events, I'm hesitant to do anything to support their economy. I just find it strange that Gillette is not using American steel for a product bearing the name of its founder.
Maybe that will change with a little consumer pressure.
To be fair, the blades appear to be of excellent quality. They’re platinum-coated stainless steel and very sharp.
This safety razor weighs 3.6oz, and the handle is 3.75” long. It’s a great weight/length combination and feels premium in the hand.
✔ Low Purchase Price
✔ Sustainable Bamboo Handle
✔ Recycled Packaging
They Say: What sets the Original Bamboo Razor apart is the focus on lowering its environmental impact. From the natural bamboo handle to the un-chromed metal components to the packaging made from fully recycled stock.
We Say: In a sea of eco-friendly safety razor recommendations, I wanted to give a few options that combined green ideals with disposable convenience.
With its bamboo handle and disposable razor blade heads with an aloe vera lubricating strip, pivot action, and precision trimmer for convenience, I feel this offering from Bulldog is a decent compromise.
The initial outlay is less when compared to a safety razor. However, new blades are going to set you back considerably more than the razor blades used by safety razors.
This is a good option for a shaving beginner because there is no ‘learning curve’ as there can be with a safety razor. The level of the shave is also less aggressive than that of a safety razor.
The blades are a doddle to replace. Simply click the old one out and then click a new one in.
The razor felt a bit lightweight for my liking, but it did a top job on my face and an excellent job on Mrs. M’s legs.
If you like a pivoting head and disposable razor blade cartridges but still want to do as much as you can to help the planet, then this is an option worth considering.
✔ Low Price
✔ Recycled Plastic Handle
✔ B Corp Certified
They Say: A triple-blade razor for triple the shaving power. Preserve's Recycled Plastic Triple Razor features an easy-to-grip, no-slip handle made from 100% recycled #5 plastic from yogurt cups. Designed to give both men and women an effortless shave, the titanium-covered blades features a Vitamin E and aloe vera lubrication strip, with two extra replacement heads. Plus, when you're done with it, the razor handle is completely recyclable through Preserve's take-back program.
We Say: Yes, I know...this is most definitely not a plastic-free razor!
However, before you boo me off stage and tear up my tree hugger membership card, please allow me to explain.
Preserve is a B Corp Certified company turning mountains of yogurt pots into razors before they have the chance to find their way into our landfills and waterways.
What's more, this razor doesn't go to landfill when it reaches end of life. The razor handle is completely recyclable through Preserve's Gimme 5 Program, which recycles #5 Plastics via a mail-in recycling program and local recycling bins
This triple blade option gave my face a decent shave daily. However, it did struggle slightly with three days worth of growth.
If you’re going to tackle longer hair or larger areas such as legs, then the Preserve Shave 5 Recycled Plastic Razor is the better option.
Plastic disposable razors are not ideal. However, if you are going to go disposable then make sure it’s an environmentally friendly razor made by Preserve.
✔ Long Lasting Blade
✔ Can be Re-Sharpened
✔ Highest Quality Materials
They Say: Feather Artist Club SS Razors feature a handle for a secure grip and stainless steel body for a traditional, comfortable shave. The handle provides a comfortable, slip-resistant grip and is resistant to disinfectants, chemicals, and heat up to 135°C (275°F). The razor can be disinfected by either boiling or using ethanol. The razor head can easily be dismantled and cleaned from the inside by rinsing water directly on the mechanism.
We Say: Environmentally friendly razors don’t come much cooler than this!
Weighing in at 1.8oz and with a 4.88” scotch wood handle, this Feather Artist Club razor is one serious piece of kit for a closer shave.
It’s not for the faint-hearted, though. Or the unsteady of hand. This is one razor-sharp razor!
The blade is made from the highest quality materials and will stay sharp for a long time. When it starts to lose its edge you can sharpen it or easily pop it out to be replaced.
Using a straight razor (also known as a cut-throat razor) like this for the first time is a bit of a daunting experience. Sweeny Todd, anyone!?
However, with some practice and LOTS of caution, I managed to get probably the closest shave of my life!
✔ No Replacement Blades Needed
✔ Long Run Time Between Charges
✔ Multi-Use
They Say: High impact, shock resistant, dual foil rechargeable lithium ion waterproof shaver with popup precision ground trimmer best for shaving, trimming and wet or dry shave. Long lasting lithium ion technology go months between charges with regular use. Kit includes shaver, charger, storage travel zipper pouch, styling guide, and oil to increase blade lifespan.
We Say: Electric razors are certainly not as environmentally friendly as handhelds. But I feel that a high-quality, energy-efficient, long-lasting electric shaver can be considered an environmentally responsible shaving option.
My initial research and testing in this area kept throwing up Wahl as the most sustainable shaver brand.
The Wahl Lifeproof Shaver has a continuous run time of 90 minutes.
It took me less than a minute to get a decent shave when using it every day. Meaning I would only have to charge the unit once every three months.
So, yes, there is an electricity consumption issue to take into account...but, when only charging four times per year, the amount of electricity used is pretty low (and of course some of us are generating our own with solar panels anyway!)
This low power usage, coupled with the robust nature of the unit (it feels like it could last a lifetime), means that the environmental impact of this shaver over its entire usable life might be lower than that of other models.
Each razor I tested was judged on a wide range of criteria, including:
You can learn more about each of these best safety razor criteria below as I explain what to look for in an eco-friendly razor.
If you're looking for the most eco-friendly way to shave, choose a razor that meets the following criteria.
The most sustainable material for reusable razors is either bamboo or recyclable metal.
Recycled plastic razors are also on the market. They’re not the most sustainable option, but they're certainly better than disposable plastic razors.
The way safety razors are designed means that they’re suitable for most skin types and levels of hairiness with a small amount of practice.
They’ve been around since the early 1900s and have stood the test of time. Usually made from wood or metal, a safety razor has a sturdy handle and a single (often double-edged) blade contained in a protective head.
The handles last a lifetime. The razor blades are economical and eco-friendly to replace. The ultimate reusable razors.
Handle size is a personal preference, but the general rule is that the bigger your hands, the bigger the handle you’ll need.
Just like handle size, the weight of your razor is a personal preference based on your shaving style.
If you like to apply pressure when saving, you might be better off with a lighter razor. If you like to let the razor do all the work, a heavier model might be what you’re looking for.
A good level of grip is essential for both men and women to avoid cuts and nicks caused by the razor slipping out of your hands.
Basic disposable razors and electric shavers are the easiest to use.
Safety razors are a middle ground.
Specialty, professional-grade razors, like straight razors, for example, are the trickiest to get used to.
A top eco-friendly razor should have easy-to-change razor blades. Replacements should be affordable and readily available when you need more blades.
Most conventional disposable razors have three to five blades, with the first blade often slightly dull to lift hair for the subsequent blades to cut more effectively.
Multiblade razors are marketed to provide a closer shave and reduce bulging as the blades glide across the skin, but they can also create more friction and irritation due to cutting closer to the skin.
Multi-blade razors can tug on hair and scrape the skin multiple times, increasing the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Single-blade safety razors typically require fewer passes over the skin compared to multiblade razors, which can lead to a more comfortable shaving experience overall.
To recycle used blades, it's recommended to store them in a blade bank or a homemade container, which can then be recycled once full, ensuring safe disposal.
Safety razor blades are made of steel and can be recycled through some brands or local recycling services, but they must be placed in a safety tin or sharps container before recycling.
Disposable razors are not accepted by curbside recycling due to their mixed materials, while single-blade safety razors only produce waste from the blade itself, which is easier to recycle.
Safety razors are usually more expensive than disposable razors to buy initially due to the high-quality materials used to make the durable handles. However, the low cost of replacement safety razor blades means you soon save money compared to expensive cartridge blade replacements.
Replacement blades for a safety razor can cost as little as $0.10 to $0.24 each. Standard multi-blade cartridges often cost between $2.00 and $4.75 per head.
A safety razor typically becomes cheaper than a cartridge system within about nine months of use.
Yes, straight-edge razors are now only really used by professional barbers and stylists...or the VERY brave at home!
Yes, because safety razor handles can last a lifetime, and their blades can be recycled. This makes safety razors a viable zero-waste option and definitely eco-friendly.
This depends on the quality of the blade, the thickness of your hair, and how often you shave. If you’re keeping your razor clean and dry after each use, the only time you should need to change the blade is when you notice a deterioration in the quality of the shave. Blunt blades can aggravate sensitive skin.
Dermatological guidance for pseudofolliculitis barbae (the clinical name for razor bumps) consistently recommends single-edged razor blades or foil-guard razors, and advises against double or triple-bladed razors because they shave too close (SOMA Skin & Laser).
A foil shaver, such as the Wahl Lifeproof, is a good option because it leaves the cutting edge slightly above the skin surface. This means hairs aren't sharpened to a point below the follicle opening, which is the exact mechanism that causes hairs to curl back and reinfect the skin.
I can think of four alternatives to shaving. Each with varying eco-friendly credentials.
Man, woman, non-binary. Regardless of how you identify in terms of gender, getting the best eco-friendly shave is not complicated.
You just need a good quality safety razor, made from long-lasting, durable materials, with blades that you can easily recycle once they’re too blunt to remove your hair.
If you prefer a wet shave, remember to pair your sustainable razor with an organic and eco-friendly shave cream or soap, for the ultimate environmentally conscious shave.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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