The best sustainable razors for a smooth, guilt-free shave

Thanks to sustainable razors, self-care doesn’t have to leave a carbon footprint. These eco-friendly tools are designed to be long-lasting and durable so you can shave without the guilt of contributing to plastic pollution. From natural materials to recyclable packaging, sustainable razors are the perfect choice for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying super-smooth skin.

But with so many options, it can be hard to know which ones are worth investing in. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best sustainable razors that provide a close shave while still being kind to the planet.

My top picks

While keeping Mother Earth intact might be your top priority, you also want a close shave that doesn’t irritate or nick your skin. Never fear—my top picks will give you the best of both worlds.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bambaw Rose Gold Double Edge Safety Razor

Made with high-quality copper-zinc alloy and a single, eco-friendly blade, this weighted razor will make you wonder how you ever shaved without it.

Product Specs 

• Number of Blades: This razor has one blade.
• Color Options: This razor comes in eight different colors.
• Material: This blade is made out of copper-zinc alloy.

Want to up your grooming game in every way imaginable? The Bamba Rose Gold Double Edge Safety Razor is a sustainable and stylish option that looks as good as it works. Its metal handle and blade cartridge provide just the right amount of weight and balance, making it easy to maneuver and get a clean shave. Plus, the double-edge design reduces the risk of nicks, cuts, and razor burn.

Because the blades are also eco-friendly, you won’t have to replace them as often as other models—just swap them out when they start to dull. And the razor itself comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured that it will last for years to come. While some reviewers warn that the weight takes some getting used to (which is the case for all safety razors), its effectiveness for the price makes it a sustainable winner.

2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Preserve POPi Shave 5 Razor System 

If weighted razors freak you out, this affordable option from Preserve might be a better fit.

Product Specs 

• Number of Blades: This razor has five blades.
• Color Options: This razor comes in three colors.
• Material: This blade is made out of recycled plastic pulled from the ocean.

Most sustainable razors are safety razors. And while these models are known for producing a cleaner, less irritating shave, the weight can be intimidating for first-time users. If you’re not ready to make the leap—but you still want to be conscious of your plastic consumption—Preserve’s POPi Shave 5 Razor System is a great choice.

It looks and functions just like any other five-blade razor, but with one important difference: it’s made of recycled plastic pulled from the ocean. The blades themselves are also recyclable, and the ergonomic handle adds comfort and control for a smooth shave every time. Users also love the soothing, lubricating strip that’s often missing from safety razors. One reviewer said it was so gentle that “you will question if you are shaving anything or not.”

3. BEST STAINLESS STEEL: ZOMCHI Double Edge Safety Razor

This stainless steel razor is so long-lasting it might outlive you.

Product Specs 

• Number of Blades: This razor has one blade but comes with a pack of five.
• Color Options: This razor comes in six colors.
• Material: This blade is made out of premium stainless steel.

If you’re looking for a sustainable razor that will last you a lifetime—or close to it—ZOMCHI’s Double Edge Safety Razor is your best bet. This double-edged razor is made from premium stainless steel that’s been treated with a rust-resistant coating so that it won’t corrode or dull over time. It has a sturdy design that’s ideal for getting an ultra-close shave, and its textured handle provides extra grip and maneuverability.

To add to this model’s sustainability, each razor also comes with a pack of 5 blades and plastic-free packaging. And all of ZOMCHI’s blades are eco-friendly, so you can be sure that the environment is well taken care of. Reviewers love the clean shave they get from using this razor as well as how long-lasting the blades are. One person even said they’ve been using it almost daily for half a year, and it still works like new.

4. BEST BAMBOO: BAMBAW Bamboo Double Edge Razor

For a better grip and sustainable shave, go bamboo with this stylish alternative from BAMBAW.

Product Specs 

• Number of Blades: This razor has one blade.
• Color Options: This razor comes in two colors for the metal comb.
• Material: The handle is made out of sustainable bamboo and the closed comb is made out of stainless steel.

Not a fan of the slippery metal handle of most sustainable razors? BAMBAW’s Bamboo Double Edge Razor is a great alternative. The extra-long handle is made out of sustainable bamboo, which gives it a lightweight, but durable feel that won’t slide out of your hands when wet. And because the razor’s closed comb is made of high-quality stainless steel, you still get the close shave of a metal razor.

Priced lower than the average sustainable shaver, BAMBAW’s model is wallet-friendly and good for the planet. The company supports zero-waste NGOs like 5 Gyres and the Plastic Soup Foundation so you can feel good about your purchase every time you shave.

5. BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: WLDOHO Double Edge Safety Razor

Say goodbye to ingrown hairs and bumps with this sustainable razor from WLDOHO.

Product Specs 

• Number of Blades: This razor has one blade.
• Color Options: This sustainable razor comes in one color.
• Material: The handle is made out of sustainable sandalwood, and the blade guard is crafted from stainless zinc alloy.

Shaving can be a pain in more ways than one for people who have sensitive skin. If your razor leaves a trail of irritated ingrown hairs or inflamed red bumps, then you might want to try WLDOHO’s Double Edge Safety Razor. This sustainable razor is designed with a unique head that allows for more control and a gentler shave without putting additional pressure on your skin.

The handle is made of sustainable sandalwood, while the blade guard is crafted from stainless zinc alloy to reduce rusting and corrosion. Plus, the razor is designed with a flat end so you can stand it up on its own for easy storage.

My verdict

If you’re looking for sustainable razors that offer a quality shave, my top picks are the Bambaw Bamboo Double Edge Razor and ZOMCHI Double Edge Safety Razor. Both offer sustainable blades and handles, ergonomic designs for better control, and rust-resistant materials that will last you years.

How I chose the best eco-friendly razors

Searching for sustainable products can be a bit of a minefield. But when it comes down to it, the biggest “green” flag to look for are materials that stand the test of time. That’s why I chose razors with blades and handles made from bamboo, stainless steel, and sandalwood.

Just because you’re going green doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. So I only included products with plenty of user evidence that they worked well and provided a close shave. Weighted safety razors with a double-edged design seemed to be the most effective, so I focused my search there.

What to know before you buy a sustainable razor

Unfortunately, finding an eco-friendly razor isn’t as simple as looking for the right label. Deceptive language and greenwashing make it hard to figure out what is truly sustainable. As a buyer, it’s important to educate yourself on all the various factors that play into a product’s sustainability. The more you know, the more likely you are to find a razor that both reduces waste and gets you the closest shave possible.

Types of sustainable razors

While there’s a bevy of options for general razors, going green does narrow your choices a bit. You won’t find any rechargeable motors or heated blades here (even though electric razors are a step up from disposables, they’re not typically made with environment-friendly materials). Instead, you’ll find three main types of eco-friendly razors: traditional, double-edged, and safety.

Traditional

Much like what you’re already used to, traditional sustainable razors use single-edged blades that are meant to be disposed of after a certain amount of use. But unlike the cotton-candy pink models you remember from your teenage years, the handles of these plastic-free razors are made with sustainable materials like stainless steel and bamboo.

Double-Edged

These razors get their name from the double-edged blades they use, which allow you to shave using both (yes, both) sides. As the blades are made from stainless steel instead of plastic, they can be rinsed, dried, and reused for months. Even though you’ll eventually need to replace them, you’re contributing far less waste than with regular disposables.

Safety

You know those old-school razors your dad used that were super heavy? Well, they’re making a comeback. As the name implies, safety razors are much safer than other types due to their weighted design. But the benefits don’t stop there. Their single, double-sided blades make it harder to nick yourself, and the stainless steel material makes them sustainable, durable, and long-lasting.

Eco-Friendly Materials

When it comes to finding an eco-friendly razor, materials do matter. Look for razors made out of stainless steel, wood, or bamboo. Steel is crazy durable and can last longer than an entire century. But it’s also prone to rust, so you have to be careful where you store it.

Bamboo and wood are less durable than steel but still more so than plastic. Plus you don’t have to be as vigilant about rust. And plastic razors are actually considered sustainable if the plastic they’re made out of is recyclable.

Number of Blades

The number of blades in a razor doesn’t necessarily affect its sustainability, but it can influence your shave. Razors can have as little as one blade or as many as 10—and how many you’ll need depends mainly on your skin and hair.

More blades are great for cutting through coarse strands, but it’s also a heck of a lot easier to cut yourself. If the hair you’re shaving is on the finer side, a single blade will do just fine. 

Extra Accessories

The extra accessories you get with a razor can make a huge difference, so pay attention to the small details. Does your razor come with an ergonomic handle or an adjustable head? Does it offer plenty of refills or a high-quality case for storage? All of these things can help keep your razor sharp and ready for use.

The packaging that the razor comes in is also important. Whenever possible, go for eco-friendly packaging that’s made from biodegradable or recycled materials. Some innovative brands have made it so that the box the razor comes in doubles as a travel case.

The advantages of sustainable shaving

Shaving with an eco-friendly razor offers plenty of advantages when it comes to both your skin and the environment. For one, your skin will thank you for using a razor made from stainless steel, bamboo, or wood. Not only are these materials kinder to the environment, but they also don’t contain any artificial chemicals that can irritate your skin.

Even though these razors can cost more upfront, they can actually save you money in the long run. That’s because the cartridges are designed to last for months, if not years, and can be reused multiple times before replacement—way more than your average disposable. You also get more control over your shave with a double-edged or safety razor, which makes it easier to avoid accidental nicks and cuts.

• Sustainable razors reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills.
• The blades last longer than disposable ones, saving you money over time.
• The materials are more natural and less likely to irritate your skin.

Tips for using eco-friendly razors

Using a sustainable razor is great for the environment, but there are a few tips you should keep in mind before diving in—especially if you’re opting for a weighted safety razor. 

Safety razors are usually made of stainless steel, so be sure to store yours in a dry place (so not in your shower) when you’re not using it. Also, take the time to clean your razor after each use. This is especially important if you’re using a stainless steel blade, as it’s prone to corrosion if not properly maintained. You can use rubbing alcohol or warm water and soap, but make sure it’s completely dry before storing it away.

No matter what kind of sustainable razor you get, you’ll want to pay close attention to your blades. Replace them when they start to dull, as this will ensure that you get a close and comfortable shave every time. Waiting too long can increase your chances of nicks and cuts.

• Store it in a cool and dry environment when not in use.
• Replace the blades when they start to dull.
• Clean the razor after each use to prevent corrosion and rust.

FAQs 

By now, you’re well-versed in the importance of going green with razors. But switching out your self-care products for more natural alternatives can be a daunting task. If you’re new to the eco-friendly shaving game, here are some frequently asked questions to help get you started on your sustainable shaving journey.