Shave the Planet: The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Razors and Shaving Cream
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Did you know that, as early as 4000 BC, women used arsenic and other dangerous substances to remove hair from their bodies? They did this to prevent the spread of diseases or harmful animals such as lice and even the ancient Egyptians removed hair from their bodies. They waxed themselves instead of using harmful substances. Both men and women removed all their hair from head to toe but purely for aesthetic reasons.
After World War I, also known as the roaring ’20s, women become more independent and felt freer in their bodies. This was accompanied by the rise of the hair removal industry as bodily hair became the symbol of self-neglect. The marketing of hair removal products increased, beauty salons started to offer hair removal services and new permanent hair removal technologies were developed.
Whether or not you want to participate in this hair removal trend is up to you. I greatly admire women you are confident enough to go au naturel but it is not for me. I would like to remove some of my bodily hair but I want to do that as sustainably as possible.
What is wrong with Disposable Razors?
Unfortunately, most razors nowadays are disposable meaning after a few uses, they end up in landfills and contribute to the waste problem. Did you know that each year 5.000 billion (that is 5.000.000.000.000) disposable razor blades are used and disposed of worldwide? This amount is incredible and the fact that we still produce these types of razors is astonishing.
This is completely opposite to the first razor ever made. Gillette’s first razors were made completely recyclable and plastic-free. A little over 50 years ago they decided that adding plastic to their design was a great improvement and to make them disposable as well so people no longer had to change that sharp blade avoiding touching the blade and making it safer to use. Back then, using plastic was innovative and a great step forward. These razors were easy to use and much more convenient as they could be thrown away after use. Back then the impact their choices have on the environment was never even considered as convenience was much more important.
Now we are more aware of how our choices affect the environment we live in. Now we know that razor blades like these are very hard to recycle because they are made of lots of different materials. This is not only plastic, which in itself is hard to recycle, there is also metal and rubber present in a disposable razor. Next to that, they are also hazardous to work with because they are so sharp and therefore often end up in landfills as it is too much work to safely take apart and properly dispose of.
What makes this even worse is that these disposable blades often come individually wrapped in plastic and these individually packed razors are again wrapped in another plastic package. So both the manufacturing of the razor and the packaging require a lot of materials and energy for production.
Fortunately, we now know better and once you know better you can do better. So we know not to use disposable razor blades but there are more reasons to switch to a safety razor.
What are the Benefits of a Safety Razor?
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It is better for your skin
The first one is the fact that because a safety razor has only one blade, there is less skin irritation, shave bumps, and ingrown hairs that are common with cartridge razors.
If you use a 5 blade cartridge razor and go over an area of your body or face 3 times, you have now exposed one area of your skin to 15 passes of a blade. In comparison, if you are using a safety razor, you are only exposing the skin to one blade each time a blade passes. The fewer times that you use a blade so close to your skin, the less it will be affected and the happier your skin is going to be.
It is cheaper
Yes, the initial investment of a safety razor is high but once you have made that purchase, the costs for a safety razor will be very low. A new blade for your safety razor will cost about 50 cents. This will obviously depend on the brand you choose.
The first year a safety razor might cost you €30 for a new razor and €26 for a new blade each week (€0,50 x 52 weeks). So €56 for the first year but for the next 10 years, a safety razor will costs you only €26 a year as you no longer have to purchase the razor but you only need new blades.
Disposable razors will costs you about 2 euro a piece (again this differs greatly per brand) and a new razor each week will result in €2,- x 52 weeks= €104 euro each year for disposable razors.
These exact same costs will return each year as disposable razors obviously are disposed of and can not be reused so they have to be purchased again.
They are better for the environment
They are more eco-friendly as you could read above, disposable razors create an immense amount of waste worldwide while a safety razor is much more eco-friendly. Once its lifetime is over, which is usually over 10 years long, the razor is completely made out of steel and therefore can be completely recycled.
10+ Eco-friendly Razors
Leaf Safety Razor
Introducing the ultimate sustainable shaving solution: Leaf razors! Ditch the plastic disposables and embrace a better, eco-friendly shave every time. These sleek and modern razors boast a pivoting head and up to three blades, making them the perfect tool for achieving a close, smooth shave. With all-metal construction, these razors are built to last and are easy to clean. But what really sets The Leaf apart from other safety razors is its spring-loaded pivoting head. It hugs every curve and contour of your body for a precise and effortless shave without any wastefulness. Customize your shave experience by loading all three blades for the closest shave, or choose to load only one or two blades in the middle and/or top positions for sensitive skin or hard-to-reach areas. Plus, with its stunning design, The Leaf will look great on any countertop. Make the switch to The Leaf and join the sustainable shaving revolution!
Twig Safety Razor
Get ready to upgrade your shaving game with the Twig razor! This sleek and modern razor is the perfect tool for achieving a smooth and gentle shave that's not only better for your skin but also for the environment. Unlike traditional double-edge safety razors, the Twig is specifically designed to be easy to use, with a single-blade fixed head that's forgiving for a quick and effortless learning curve. Its small safety razor head also makes it a breeze to shave tight spots, leaving your skin feeling silky-smooth. But what really sets the Twig apart is its safety-first design. Without a second live-edge on the other side, this razor is super safe and easy to use, making it the ideal choice for shaving intimate areas or hard-to-reach spots. Don't settle for less-than-perfect results or wasteful disposable razors. Try the Twig and experience a better, more eco-friendly shave today!
Well Kept Safety Razor
Get ready to say goodbye to those plastic disposable razors with the Dusty Rose Safety Razor from the incredible brand, well kept! This eco-friendly razor is the perfect tool for achieving your closest, irritation-free shave while also reducing the amount of single-use plastic on our planet. Made with a sturdy handle crafted from solid brass and a high-quality steel blade, this safety razor glides over your skin with ease, removing hair without tugging or pulling. Say goodbye to pesky razor bumps and ingrown hairs! But the benefits don't end there. Using a safety razor is not only more cost-effective than conventional razors in the long run, but it's also better for the environment. When you're done with your trusty razor, both the blades and the handle are completely recyclable. So invest in yourself and the planet by switching to a safety razor today. You'll love the results, and the planet will thank you!
Albatros Butterfly Safety Razor
Are you tired of the wastefulness of plastic razors? Look no further than the Butterfly Safety Razor from Albatross! Crafted from high-polished stainless steel that resists corrosion, this razor boasts a butterfly-style opening for easy blade replacement. It even comes with 10 replacement blades and a handy hemp razor bag. But what really sets this razor apart is its commitment to sustainability. After each blade is used, simply collect them and send them back to the Albatross take-back program for upcycling into something new. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you'll also enjoy a close, irritation-free shave with a razor that is built to last for years to come. Say goodbye to plastic razors and join the Albatross movement today!
Eco Roots Safety Razor
Get ready to upgrade your shaving game with our premium razor! Crafted from top-quality zinc alloy and stainless steel, this razor is both sturdy and sustainable. In fact, when it's time for a replacement, simply recycle it for an eco-friendly choice. But that's not all - with just one blade, you can avoid those pesky shaving burns, bumps, and ingrown hairs. Achieve a super smooth shave with just one pass! And the best part? This razor is cost-effective in the long run. When your blade gets dull, just replace it and reuse the razor. Plus, with 5 complimentary blades included, you'll be set for a while. But this razor isn't just practical - it's also gorgeous. With a great weight and stylish design, it will be the perfect addition to your bathroom counter. Don't settle for a subpar shaving experience. Upgrade to our premium razor today and experience the difference!
Bambaw Safety Razor
Say goodbye to skin irritations and ingrown hairs with Bambaw's safety razor for women - the key to achieving the closest shave effortlessly. This durable metal razor is made from high-quality materials that are designed to last a lifetime, making it the perfect sustainable gift for women. Unlike disposable plastic razors, the double-edged razor blades can easily be replaced, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run. Plus, the rose gold safety razor comes with a detailed digital manual that guides you on how to achieve the perfect shave for different body parts, as well as tips on extending the life of the blades and the reusable razor. It even includes two homemade recipes for shaving cream! Don't settle for a subpar shaving experience. Switch to the Bambaw ladies safety razor for an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and luxurious shave every time.
Zomchi Double Edge Safety Razor
Say goodbye to subpar shaving experiences and harmful waste with ZOMCHI's upgraded double edge safety razor! While we are currently in the process of updating our packaging, rest assured that we are committed to providing the best possible metal razor for the closest, cleanest shave. That's why we offer a 5-year guarantee - if you encounter any issues with our razor, just reach out to our customer service team and we'll get it sorted out within 24 hours. Plus, with its stylish texture grip and excellent control, our razor offers the maximum shaving experience. And don't worry about buying extra blades - we've got you covered with 5 standard blades included in the box. Made with rust-resistant stainless steel, these blades are easy to replace, so you can enjoy a sustainable shaving experience that minimizes single-use plastic waste. Upgrade your shaving routine and join the fight against disposable razors with ZOMCHI!
Jungle Culture Safety Razor
Say goodbye to wasteful disposable razors and hello to the future of sustainable shaving with Jungle Culture's collection of plastic-free safety razors. Available in six vibrant colors, including mint green, pastel pink, and rose gold, these eco-friendly razors are the perfect beauty swap for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint. With a straight textured handle for extra grip and fashioned from high-quality chrome, these single-blade razors are built to last a lifetime. Plus, they come with 10 safety razor blades, a hessian travel bag, and a gift box with a magnetic closure. As a responsible US and UK brand, Jungle Culture makes it easy to switch to sustainable living with their alternative to disposable razors. Not only do they provide the perfect shave, but they also give you a clear conscience and a community of eco-conscious individuals. Join the movement and give the perfect eco-gift with Jungle Culture's traditional safety razors.
Senskinn
Experience the ultimate luxury in shaving with our elegant safety razor designed especially for women. Say goodbye to irritating razor burns and hello to the closest, cleanest shave possible with the double-edge comb. Our razor's ergonomic design provides excellent control and precision for an effortless shaving experience. And the best part? It's eco-friendly! No more disposable plastic razors clogging up landfills. Simply replace the easily-recyclable double-edged razor blades as needed. Our metal shaver is a zero-waste solution for sustainable, eco-friendly shaving. Plus, it's easy to use! Our mechanical design makes it simple to load and unload blades for hassle-free shaving. It even comes with a beautiful rose gold finish, making it the perfect gift for any woman who loves sustainable personal care products. With 5 blades included and an in-depth e-guide to help you achieve the perfect shave and extend the life of your blades, our razor set is a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their shaving game.
Kinghood Double Edge Safety Razor
Upgrade your shaving routine with the KINGHOOD double edge safety razor - the perfect choice for both men and women! With its unique and beautiful colors, this razor will leave you with unforgettable memories. It's the perfect gift for couples and loved ones on any holiday. Not only is it stylish, but it's also eco-friendly! Say goodbye to disposable plastic razors that end up in landfills. The KINGHOOD safety razor is a zero-waste option that can be reused and recycled, making it a planet-friendly choice. Plus, with five gorgeous colors to choose from, you can find the perfect one to match your sustainable lifestyle. And let's not forget about its performance! With its anti-slip design and high-strength brass construction, this razor provides a comfortable and close shave without any skin irritations or ingrown hairs. And with 10 extra stainless steel blades included, you won't have to waste time and money buying replacements. Say hello to a high-end, quality shave with the KINGHOOD safety razor.
The Grooming Society
Get ready to take your shaving experience to the next level with our high-quality double edge safety razor! Crafted from brass and zinc alloy, this razor is built to last with a solid and durable design. The stainless steel blades are also rust-resistant for long-lasting use. Plus, with a grip texture on the 4-inch handle, you'll experience enhanced anti-skid grip for a safer and more convenient shave. And for even more convenience, we've included 10 double edge blades in the package, so you can reduce time and money on buying extras. Installing and removing the blade is also a breeze with the easy-to-use closed comb design. And if you have any issues, don't worry - we offer a 365-day after-service guarantee for a full refund or replacement. Upgrade your shaving routine today with our double edge safety razor!
Eco-Friendly Shaving Cream
Suds & Co
Say goodbye to harsh chemical-laden shaving creams and hello to our all-natural, zero waste, and lanolin-infused soap! Specially crafted with the essential oils found in pine and cedar wood, our soap is designed to provide a luxurious and eco-friendly shaving experience for all. The addition of bentonite clay creates a rich and creamy lather, giving you a smooth and close shave for irresistibly touchable skin. With each bar weighing in at around 4.5oz, it is guaranteed to last between 6-12 months, as long as it's kept dry. Not only will you be doing your skin a favor by using our natural soap, but you'll also be doing your part for the environment by reducing your waste. Try our lanolin-infused soap for a sustainable and enjoyable shaving experience that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Badger
Say goodbye to those pesky ingrown hairs, nicks, and painful shaves! We understand the struggle, which is why we've found the ultimate solution: Badger's Organic Shaving Soap. This bar of goodness is packed with glycerin, coconut oil, and aloe vera that create the perfect "slip" for your razor to glide effortlessly across your skin, leaving you with a bump-free, ultra-smooth shave. And that's not all - this magical soap also contains low furocoumarin bergamot, a non-photosensitizing essential oil that reduces irritation and redness. For the ultimate shaving experience, pair it with a pre-shave oil to moisturize and prepare your skin and follow up with a post-shave balm to soothe and nourish. Say hello to the ultimate shaving experience with Badger's Organic Shaving Soap!
Well Kept
It's time to elevate your shaving routine and pamper your skin with the natural goodness of well kept's Natural Citrus Shaving Soap. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a gentle, non-toxic formula that is sure to give you the closest shave of your life! Made with ingredients like chamomile flower, lemongrass oil, and cocoa butter, this shaving soap creates a light, luxurious lather that nourishes your skin while imparting a delightful citrus scent. Pair it with your favorite safety razor to effortlessly glide over your skin and achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave. Not only is this shaving soap eco-friendly and plastic-free, but it's also highly concentrated compared to conventional shaving creams, making it a smart choice for both your skin and the planet. So go ahead and indulge in the natural goodness of well kept's Natural Citrus Shaving Soap - your skin (and the environment) will thank you!
Plum Brilliance
Get ready for the smoothest and most soothing shave experience with Plum Brilliance's Cedarwood Natural Shave Soap! Crafted with premium botanicals like cedarwood, cocoa butter, and bentonite clay, this luxurious soap is the ultimate solution to banishing nicks and irritation for good. But that's not all - with no extra plastic packaging or unnecessary additives, this product embodies the true essence of minimalism. Before shaving, simply lather up with this natural shave soap bar to create a silky-smooth surface that helps prevent cuts and irritation. And with nettles that work to tighten and tone your skin, you can say goodbye to bleeding from razor nicks. Best of all, this soap is free from sulfates, parabens, chemicals, and additives, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin. Don't settle for a mediocre shave - upgrade to Plum Brilliance's Cedarwood Natural Shave Soap and enjoy the ultimate shaving experience today!
Van Der Hagen
Say goodbye to razor burn and hello to the perfect shave with our premium men's shaving soap. Made with a luxurious blend of Mango Butter, Shea Butter, and Cocoa Butter, this soap creates a rich, long-lasting lather that lubricates your skin, preventing razor burn and reducing nicks and bumps. Our hypoallergenic formula is perfect for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, creating a protective layer that allows your razor to glide smoothly for a close, smooth shave. Experience the timeless tradition of wet shaving with the best shaving soap on the market. Our unscented formula is affordable, effective, and delivers the results you want. Protect your skin and enjoy a clean, close shave every time.
Burdock
Say goodbye to razor burn and bumps with our organic razor burn & bump treatment! Our secret ingredient is all-natural burdock root, which has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This powerful ingredient not only moisturizes your skin but also raises hair follicles for a closer shave while preventing infections and inflammation that cause razor bumps and burns. To soothe sensitive skin, we've also added natural coriander and rosemary, locking in moisture for your beard all day long. Plus, our 5oz bar of shave soap puck lasts up to 200 shaves, which is four times longer than traditional shaving cream. Great for all skin types, our organic shave soap will give you a close, smooth, and irritation-free shave without any harsh chemicals or irritants. Switch to our all-natural burdock soap and say hello to healthy, happy skin!
MoonDance Soaps
Get ready for a luxurious shaving experience with MoonDance Shaving Soaps! Handmade with care at a family-run facility in North Carolina, these shave soaps provide the ultimate razor glide for a classic, close shave. The secret? Bentonite clay and nourishing wheat germ oil create a slick, dense lather that effortlessly glides across your skin, leaving it smooth and irritation-free. And with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E, these soaps also provide deep hydration and moisturization. Whether you're a man or a woman, you'll love the clean, fresh scent and nourishing benefits of these shaving soaps. Each 3" round disk weighs 4 ounces and fits perfectly in your favorite shaving mug. So why settle for a mediocre shave when you can indulge in the best? Try MoonDance Shaving Soaps today and experience the ultimate shave.
Kitch
Get ready to elevate your shaving routine with Kitsch Shave Butter! This luxurious formula is enriched with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that keep your skin smooth, soft, and moisturized, leaving traditional shaving methods in the dust. Say goodbye to clogged razors and residue on your skin, as the clear formula of Kitsch Shave Butter ensures a smooth and close shave without any interference. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this gentle formula is free from harsh ingredients that could irritate the skin. For the ultimate shaving experience, pair it with Kitsch Perfect Glide Safety Razor. Plus, with its eco-friendly packaging and commitment to reducing single-use plastic waste, Kitsch Shave Butter is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make their shaving routine more sustainable.
Eco Friendly Shaving Accessories
Recycling Tin
Are you tired of tossing your used razor blades into the trash, knowing they'll end up in a landfill? We've got the perfect solution for you - our blade reccling tin! This tin provides a safe and secure place to store all of your used razor blades, and can even hold a few years worth of them! But what happens when the tin is full? It's easy - simply seal it up and send it back to us at Leaf. We'll take care of the rest, ensuring that your used blades are safely and responsibly recycled. Or, if you prefer, you can locate a scrap-metal recycling drop-off near you and deposit the tin there. With our blade recycling tin, you can feel good knowing that you're doing your part for the environment and making a positive impact with every shave.
