10 Zero Waste Shaving Cream Options

Everyone seems to have talked about sustainable razors, but zero waste shaving cream often goes unnoticed. If you buy the type that comes in an aerosol can, it can technically be recycled (depending on where you live), but it still can create a lot of waste. Plus, a lot of conventional shaving cream is full of questionable ingredients we probably shouldn’t be washing down the drain. Other types of shaving cream come in plastic tubes that aren’t recycled and sit in landfill for hundreds of years. Here are 10 zero waste shaving cream options to choose from.

FYI, this is a guest post written by Little By Lottie, a zero waste advocate and blogger. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

10 Zero Waste Shaving Cream Options

What is the most environmentally friendly way to shave?

The honest answer to this is probably – don’t! If you’re the kind of person who feels comfortable enough not to shave, you don’t have to, and this is the best way to produce no shaving related waste. 

However, it is almost summer, and I know that many people feel more comfortable in shorts and a tank top if they have shaved first. So, for those that do prefer it, the most environmentally-friendly way to shave would be to use a reusable razor rather than a disposable one and find one where the heads can be easily replaced and recycled. Then, find yourself an eco-friendly alternative to conventional shaving cream, and you’ll be good to go!

What can I use in place of shaving cream?

Shaving without shaving cream means you’re more likely to accidentally cut yourself or get razor burn, which we definitely want to avoid! Shaving cream softens the hairs and acts as a lubricant for the razor, and there are plenty of things you can use instead.

Conditioner is one alternative and saves you from having lots of things clogging up the side of the bath! Different oils, such as baby oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, work too. Another suggestion is aloe gel, as it helps soothe and moisturize the skin. 

Of course, you’ve got to be careful where you’re applying these things, and if you’re shaving to wear your new bikini, it’s best to use something that is marked safe for sensitive skin, like baby oil.

Is shaving cream eco-friendly?

There are multiple factors to this, such as the ingredients as well as the packaging. The short answer is that most conventional shaving creams aren’t eco-friendly. The ingredients used get washed down the drain and into the water system, and some of them don’t naturally break down and can cause harm to aquatic life. They can also be bad for us, as they clog pores and can sometimes cause irritation.

The packaging can also create problems. The aerosol cans are able to be recycled in certain places, but using aerosols is bad for the environment. The propellants used to spray the shaving cream are released into the atmosphere and contribute to air pollution and global warming.  

How do you make shaving cream eco-friendly?

Finding one that isn’t in an aerosol can is a great start! Even better if you can avoid plastic packaging too. The next step is double-checking the ingredients; you want to find ones with organic, natural ingredients and avoid things like sulphates, phthalates, and emulsifiers. 

Can I use moisturizer as shaving cream?

The short answer is yes! Moisturizer is another great alternative as it softens and hydrates the skin and hair, exactly what you want shaving cream to do. Just make sure that you don’t rub it in too much; otherwise, it won’t work as a lubricant between your skin and the razor. 

Zero waste shaving cream options

I’ve put together a list of zero-waste and eco-friendly shaving cream options to help you find a good alternative to switch to! You definitely want to pair these with a zero waste safety razor. All of these zero waste shaving cream options can be used by men or women.

This organic shave bar by Ecoroots is a great alternative to shaving foam. They use natural ingredients, and the bar form means that there is zero waste in both the product and packaging. You simply rub it to create a lather and apply that to the areas you want to shave.

Fat and the Moon have created a shaving cream that contains no chemicals and comes in a recyclable glass jar. The clay gives a smoother shave and reduces nicks, and the shea butter moisturizes the skin. It’s easy to use as you simply scoop a little bit out of the jar and apply it, then shave as normal!

Tiny Yellow Bungalow’s shave soap bar is a fantastic alternative. It contains organic oils as well as clay to help create a smooth, moisturizing shave. The bar’s wrapping is made from seeded paper, which you can plant, and flowers will grow! They also have a range of other shaving products, such as a mug to keep your bar in and a brush to help create a good lather. Every time Tiny Yellow Bungalow gets an order, they plant a tree, which is another great way that this shop is helping the environment!

Well Kept’s shaving soap comes in an organic cotton cloth bag to keep it fresh, and its concentrated form means that it lasts a lot longer than conventional shaving cream. Its non-toxic ingredients leave your skin lightly scented and feeling moisturized.

Another great shaving soap is this lemon and lime scented one from Chagrin Valley. They use locally sourced, organic ingredients, free from any chemicals. You can easily recycle the cardboard box the soap comes in.

Abbondanza Soap Co.’s shave and body bar comes package-free, meaning there is no waste to worry about! Made from organic ingredients, the bar is lightly scented and helps achieve a close shave. It also helps to get rid of dry skin by including shea butter.

This foaming oil from Marie Veronique can be an excellent alternative for anyone! The willow bark helps to soften the hair, and the oils help create a smooth shave. This is a fragrance-free option for those who prefer that, and it comes in an easily recyclable glass bottle.

Hanna Herbals shaving butter is thicker than the shaving foam that we may be used to, but this only means that it is excellent at keeping your skin smooth and moisturized. Free from chemicals, the shaving butter comes in a jar and is handmade, so not only are you supporting the environment, but also a small business!

Hipeecraft’s foaming shave cream comes in a glass jar with a pump, making it super easy to use. You can choose between two scents, rosemary mint and lavender, and once you’ve used up your original cream, you can order a refill that comes in biodegradable packaging. Another great small business to support!

My final suggestion for you is this shave whip from PeriOpal Skin. This shave whip comes in a glass jar from natural ingredients making it easily recyclable. There’s a huge range of scents to choose from, from pina colada to sandalwood, and there’s even a fragrance-free option for those who prefer it.

What do you think of these zero waste shaving creams? Let me know your favorite in the comments!

Want more? Check out this guide to zero waste shaving.

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