Zero Waste Shaving Guide: The Best Plastic Free Shaving Essentials

Does the idea of zero waste shaving (because of the safety razor) scare you? As a woman, I’ve been marketed cheap plastic razors my whole life (usually pink) that never last. A safety razor looks so much more intimidating – and the media will have us believe only men can use these. But how dumb is that? Anyone can use a safety razor – even if there is a bit of a learning curve. And let me tell you – once you use one, you won’t want to go back. It’s going to save you so much money and get you a smoother shave.

More importantly, switching to a safety razor will prevent tons of waste. Disposable razors are a nightmare for the environment – 2 billion of them end up in the landfill every year (and that’s just in the US alone). Also, according to the EPA, it takes about 1000 years for these to degrade. So, yeah, not cool. Lets make the switch to safety razors, yeah? Here’s the ultimate zero waste shaving guide and 16 of the best plastic free shaving products on the market.

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Zero Waste Shaving Guide: The Best Plastic Free Shaving Essentials

What is the most environmentally friendly way to shave?

The most eco-friendly way to shave is by using a safety razor with plant-based shaving soap. Safety razors were invented in the 1900s and will help you gain a closer shave, while minimizing waste. The razor is reusable and the blades can be replaced and recycled.

Are razors bad for the environment?

Disposable and “reusable” razors (like the ones Gillette sells) are made with plastic. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 2 billion razors and refill blades get tossed out in the U.S. each year. This leads to them ending up in landfills, or worse, our environment, where they’ll break up into microplastics over time (and continue to pollute).

Even if you have a razor blade that’s not “disposable” it still has plastic components in it – the razor blades will rust away over time, but the plastic handle will remain, perhaps for hundreds of years.

I will say Gillette is at least trying – they have a line called Planet Kind which makes razor handles with 60% recycled plastic and utilizes 85% recycled plastic and paper packaging that’s also recyclable through Terracycle.

Still, most razor companies are not doing this at all. Nor are they using recycled materials in their products.

Lets not forget how much energy and raw resources it took to make those razors. More often than not, virgin materials are used which must be extracted from the earth using unsustainable methods like mining or fracking. Then it takes further energy to take those raw materials and mold them into usable products (e.i. plastic). In other words, the entire life cycle of your razor blade likely has a high carbon footprint.

What is a zero-waste razor?

Zero-waste razors are completely gender neutral and can be used by both men and women. They work just like any other razor so you can use them on every body part from your legs, to your face, to more private areas. The main difference is a zero waste razor has no plastic components, is reusable, and has replaceable blades you can swap out and recycle. This is called a safety razor.

Why are safety razors sustainable?

Safety razors are sustainable because they help you create a zero waste shaving routine. They’re typically made from plastic-free materials like stainless steel or brass. They require blade replacements every so often (depends on how often you shave), but they’re fully recyclable. You can put your used blades in a small glass jar and wait for it to fill up before recycling.

Are there reusable razors?

Yes, there are reusable razors – several big brands like Gillette are trying to create recycling programs for their products (which is great). I’m pretty sure they’ve partnered with TerraCycle, an organization that specializes in hard-to-recycle waste, to create a take-back program. You can recycle all brands of razors with them.

That said, a reusable razor blade typically only lasts five to 10 shaves – and that’s still not enough to be very sustainable in my eyes. For this reason, I will always recommend safety razors because these are designed to last so much longer. All you have to do is remember to replace the blades.

Is shaving with a safety razor dangerous?

Nope! Lots of people think shaving with a safety razor will be dangerous, but it’s honestly not true. In fact, a safety razor with a high quality blade will help reduce skin irritation altogether. I always get a really smooth shave with mine and never once has my skin bothered me. Also, I don’t cut myself any more than with a conventional razor – in fact, cuts are rare.

The main thing to remember is just to go easy. Have a light hand. Let the razor do the work. You don’t need to apply much pressure at all. And yes, there may be a bit of a learning curve – but that’s okay! You will get used to safety razor shaving over time.

What about shaving your face?

If you want to shave your face, I recommend investing in a shaving brush with a bowl – Leaf Shave sells these – to slather on some shaving soap. You can use a mug to mix together some shaving soap and water until it gets foamy, then apply it to your face with the brush. Then get to work and start shaving!

How do you refill the blades?

It depends on the kind of safety razor you get, so make sure to do your own research. But for most of the safety razors I list, here are the basic assembly instructions (FYI, this is specifically taken from EcoRoot’s safety razor instructions):

1. Unscrew the top
2. Add a new blade in between the safety guards
3. Twist the safety guards and blade back onto the handle

Below is a video to show you how to change the blade on the EcoRoots safety razor for further reference.

How to have a zero waste shaving routine

Ready to dive on in? Here’s the fun part – I’m going to share with you my all time favorite products, including zero waste safety razors, replacement blades, and organic shaving soap.

I’ve gone ahead and listed the best features of each product but you’ll want to check their websites for more information.

Plastic free shaving razors:

I have this razor – I gifted it to my mom. I honestly love it so much, I sometimes use it myself. It’s so beautiful, but more importantly, it gives such a smooth shave. Cannot recommend it enough!

I’ve heard great things about Albatross razors – specifically that they have a take-back program in place for their razor blades. Two thumbs up for a closed loop system!

I love the look of this safety razor and the packaging. Plus, if you purchase it through The Detox Market, they’ll plant a tree with every order.

I know that I’ve already mentioned an Alabatross razor once here, but this one deserved its own slot. Because it may just be the fastest safety razor on the market! You can load this razor so easily by just pushing the bottom of it down onto a table – the top will pop right open for you! Talk about efficient.

I love brands that include blades and a travel bag! This small husband-and-wife founded company also sells an everything travel tin, perfect for using to store old blades before recycling!

This safety razor can pivot, so it’s great for getting hard to reach nooks and crannies, like under the knee. You can adjust how intense a shave you get by loading up three blades at a time.

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Zero waste shave kits:

Designed specifically with women in mind. It’s also ideal for those with sensitive skin. Honestly, if I didn’t have their safety razor already, I’d order this kit myself!

I love the fact you can choose which safety razor you want – the classic stainless steel or the pivoting Leaf Shave head. It’s received glowing reviews so it really looks like people are loving this kit.

This kit includes a handy drawstring bag to store all your shaving essentials in which I love. You can also customize the razor option, which is super handy based on your preference!

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Plastic free shaving cream, soap + oil:

This organic shaving soap is a delicious mix of citrus and lemon notes, enriched with shea and cocoa butter. Just shave and use during the shower by applying a rich lather until it covers all the areas you want to shave. Then, once you’ve shaved, rinse with warm water.

This shaving cream comes in a container that LOOKS like plastic…but is actually 100% home compostable! Could’ve fooled me. Just apply to damp skin before shaving and rinse thoroughly after use. Its rich, creamy texture will help your razor glide!

Great for use before shaving, this shaving soap can be lathered in hand and rubbed onto your skin, or lathered in a shave bowl with a brush.

This oil is made to pair with the Well Kept safety razor, but you can honestly use any razor with it. It’s designed to soften and soothe skin, making it easier to achieve a closer shave without irritation.

This shaving soap will ensure your razor glides effortlessly across your skin. But the secret ingredient is bentonite clay which allows the razor to move smoothly over the contours of your face, legs, or wherever your shaving.

This lightweight oil will help prep your skin for shaving so you reduce chance of getting any nicks or razor burn. You can even use it for dermaplaning!

This shave butter hydrates and cushions for a close shave, without the mess of foam. You just glide it onto wet skin and shave away!

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Additional zero waste hair removal ideas:

• Sugaring. This is a method of hair removal similar to waxing, only it utilizes a paste made from lemon, water and sugar. It’s much more natural and you can do it at home, but a lot more places are offering this service, which is great. It’s said this method is best for sensitive skin and fine hair – waxing is still best for thicker hair. As with any shaving method, if you choose to do sugaring at home by yourself, be sure to do your research and take precautions beforehand. Here’s what you should know before making sugar wax.
• Laser hair removal. This is always a pretty cool option if you just don’t have the time to shave or be bothered. But it is pricy, so definitely not for everyone. Still, something to consider if you’ve got a few bucks to spare.
• Not shaving. Of course, this is the easiest choice of them all – not to shave. And it’s totally your call! There’s no rule book that says you MUST shave. To be honest, there’s so much pressure, especially on women, to shave in today’s society. Look up the pink tax – it’s a real thing. But you’re allowed to break gender norms and expectations. Only shave if you want to shave – not because anyone tells you to. You’re beautiful regardless! And lets be real, it’s the most zero waste method here.

Which of these zero waste shaving products will you try? Did I miss anything? Leave your favorites in the comments!

For more information, be sure to check out my experience with a safety razor. Or, check out my list of zero waste shaving cream options.

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