I'm fully on board, tbh.
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It's kinda depressing to think about, but a lot of disposable razors end up in landfills each year, which, you know, is less than ideal for the environment. And while we're not here to make you feel guilty if you happen to really like your trusty disposable, we are here to encourage you to explore alternatives. You might be surprised at how many options exist in the wide, wonderful world of eco-friendly razors.
Yes, that's right, they're a thing! And yes, they're really, truly just as good as your typical razor—but way more environmentally friendly. So if you do choose to shave (which is totally your prerogative!) and you think it's time for a more sustainable option, keep reading for everything you need to know about eco-friendly razors.
Safety razors, hands down. Although razors made from recycled plastic or biodegradable materials are also good for low-waste routines, safety razors are the best for a zero-waste shave routine. That's because they're typically made from high-quality materials, like brass or stainless steel. And they only require removable blades (which can be collected and recycled). The only downside? They don't have a moveable head or glide strip, so there's a bit of a learning curve at the beginning if you're a new safety razor user (check out this safety razor tutorial for starters). But with a little patience and practice, both your skin and the planet will thank you for it.
As with most beauty and skincare tools, it all depends on your price point and your routine. To provide some guidance, we've gathered 15 eco-friendly razors worth giving a try, along with the best tips for using them. If you're ready to make this sustainable swap, scroll ahead and start shopping away!
A hefty little powerhouse, this razor is entirely plastic-free and made using 100% metal. The powder-coated handle won't rust when it gets wet (which obviously happens all the time if you're a shower shaver) and features nifty finger grooves, so your grip is always secure. Another cool feature: The razor head's curve is specially angled to fit that tricky, troublesome underarm area.
Remember how we said that some eco-friendly razors have a bit of a learning curve? Well, this one is the perfect option for anyone switching to a safety razor for the first time. Not only does it have a flexible head that makes it easier to angle and maneuver around curves (like your bikini area), it also has the option to add up to three blades for a more-cushioned shave. If that weren't easy enough, you can collect your used blades in a tin and return them to Leaf to recycle.
From the zero-waste packaging to the plastic-free brass handle and recyclable blades, this eco-friendly razor is another favorite. A more traditional safety razor, this one doesn't have a flexible head, but that won't matter once you figure out how to use it. Pro tip: Small strokes. When you're trying to shave over curvy or boney areas, the smaller the stroke, the more control you'll have over the razor, and the fewer nicks you'll walk away with.
Not only will you need to get used to making smaller strokes (think a couple of inches at a time, rather than the entire length of your shin), you'll also want to rinse it after a few passes to get the closest shave. What's nice about safety razors like this chic and sustainable one is that they use double-ended blades, which means if one side gets loaded up, you can flip it over and use the other side before rinsing.
If this razor looks heavy, that's because it is—and that's exactly the point. While lightweight plastic razors require a lot of added pressure to cut through the hair, eco-friendly razors use the weight of the heavy handle to give you a super-close shave without pressure. Just angle the edge about 30 degrees, and let the weight guide you so you aren't left with irritated, inflamed skin.
If you’re used to a disposable razor, you’re probably also used to neglecting it because you're throwing it out anyways. But to get the most out of your tool (that’s the point of an eco-friendly razor, isn’t it?), take a little extra time to care for it by washing it after a shave. Good news: This chromium-plated brass base makes it more durable and easier to clean.
While we're on the topic of taking care of your razor for longevity, you'll also want to make sure to store it in a dry place (i.e., not the swampy soap shelf in your bath). Instead of the adhesive wall hangers that come with plastic razors, this shaving tool has a matching weighted stand that makes it easy to properly store your handle and keep your products organized after use.
One change you'll have to get used to with a safety razor is switching out the blade periodically. But unlike other hair removal methods (hi, DIY waxing), it's simpler than you think. This one has a butterfly opening, which means you twist the bottom of the handle to open up the doors on top so you can set a new double-ended blade inside and twist it shut. See? Easy.
The other popular style you'll find with this kind of eco-friendly shaver is one that uses two separate metal plates that screw together to sandwich the blade. This handle fits all double-edged blades, so it's easy to refill with replacements. But with this set, you already get a pack of five platinum razor blades and a matching stand, all for less than 30 bucks—such a steel (just kidding, it's made of brass).
You don't have to sacrifice a good shave for an eco-friendly razor, and you don't have to sacrifice the way it looks, either. These super-adorable pastel safety razors come in all different of colors and finishes to go with your ~aesthetic~ if you love a self-care selfie or TikTok moment. It also makes for a good eco-friendly gift.
Yes, eco-friendly razors are kinda pricey, but you know what else is expensive? Disposable refills! At least with a safety razor, like this one made of stainless steel, you’ll have it for life. Not only that, but you can get 100 blade refills for only $18. Compare that to the pack of four disposables you can get for the same price (or the cost of an at-home laser removal device), and you'll end up saving more money in the long run with a tool like this. Did we mention it also comes in recyclable or compostable packaging?
Think this rose gold tool looks intimidating? More like intimidatingly beautiful!!! Seriously, once you learn how to assemble an eco-friendly razor like this, you'll feel much more comfortable using one, and your skin will be much more comfortable, too. Because the razor blades used for this shaver are much sharper than disposable ones, they'll tug and pull less on your skin, which means less razor burn and irritation.
If you're not ready to make the switch to a safety razor just yet and prefer something a little more ergonomic, this low-waste beauty product is made from 90 percent recycled #5 plastic. It features comfortable, ceramic-coated blades, and the handle can even be re-recycled through the brand's Gimme 5 program.
If you can't part with your single-use disposable razors, at least consider switching to a plastic-free shaver. This one is made with stainless steel blades and a wheat straw handle. The fixed head might make it a little tricky to use, so make sure to prep your skin with a shaving cream to help with the glide.
OK, so this razor isn't a safety razor, but since the handle is made using 60% recycled plastic, it's a solid option if you're going the ec0-friendly route. This kit comes with eight refills, so you'll be in good shape right off the jump. And you can even sign up for a subscription to ensure you never run out of fresh blades again!
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
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