The Sustainable Razor Edit
By Malia Noll
Updated by Jaclyn Tracy
Image: Hannah Pobar
Annually in the United States, plastic razors and cartridges that are discarded is currently over 2 billion.
“If everyone in Vancouver discarded one razor cartridge a week it would equate to approximately 2497 tonnes per year – that’s equivalent to 379 garbage trucks. You can imagine how quickly that number grows when you consider all of Canada, North America or even the world. A seemingly tiny object we use briefly and toss away has dire consequences when you consider the global scale.” — Well Kept
It may seem small but switching to a reusable razor can make a huge impact. To help you do your part, we’ve created a roundup of the best sustainable razors we’ve found on the market! All of our picks are made of high-quality materials (all metal for nearly indestructible designs to last a lifetime) and have blades that can be recycled, so you’re truly never throwing anything away. Choose from single and multiple blade options to pivoting or fixed head designs, plus a handful of timeless color options for any preference. No matter what you prefer in your shaving routine, we’re confident everyone can find a new solution in our Sustainable Razor Edit.
Keep reading for a guide to SISTAIN-approved razors for a shave you’ll feel good about!
Image: Well Kept
WELL KEPT
Well Kept was founded in order to reduce the number of plastic razors and cartridges that are discarded annually in the United States (currently it’s over 2 billion!). They have carefully crafted a luxurious, high performing line of refined essentials for your self care routine, rooted in sustainability—think all-natural, plastic-free and low waste alternatives. The razor in particular stands out for its timeless design and composition of solid brass that is designed to last a lifetime. Softly glide over skin for the closest, smoothest shave you’ve experienced.
Best Use: Thicker hair (beard, bikini line) because of the single blade it’s a smoother, closer shave.
“Out of all the razors I think this one is the hardest to learn, but also the smoothest shave. I use it most often if I haven’t shaved in a long time because it’s great at grabbing all the hair in one swoop.”
— Jaclyn Tracy, Founder
Tips: With this razor, you do have to adjust how you typically shave. It’s a heavy razor so there’s no need to apply any pressure. Just glide. Take it very slow, especially when the blade is fresh.
Sustainability Practices:
Used blades can be stored in the company’s chic blade bank and sent back to Well Kept once full to be recycled!
Razor is plastic-free, reusable and long-lasting. Simply replace the blade every 5-8 shaves.
Price Range: $$
Image: Hannah Pobar
LEAF RAZOR
Leaf Shave boasts two lifetime guaranteed razors, the Leaf or the Twig, depending on your type of use. The Leaf Razor includes a re-imagined pivoting head that’s ideal for shaving across the body’s natural curves in a perfect glide. Opt for up to 2 blades at a time, or remove one or two when shaving sensitive areas.
Best Use: Thinner hair because of the double blade. Legs and underarms because it’s easier on curves. Do not use on areas where you are prone to ingrown hairs, double blades increase likelihood of ingrowns.
Tips for Use: This is the closest alternative to a conventional razor because of the flexible head. Take it very slow, especially when the blade is fresh.
“I use this razor exclusively for my legs. I also personally use my index finger to hold the blade in place to get a slightly closer shave while gliding up the leg.”
— Jaclyn Tracy, Founder
Sustainability Practices:
Plastic-free, reusable
All razors come with a lifetime guarantee for extra assurance that the company is confident in the lasting quality of their products.
Crafted with an all-metal design, you won’t find any plastic or other synthetic materials in either razor.
Store used blades in the company’s blade recycling tin and send them back to Leaf Shave once full to be recycled!
Price Range: $$
Image: Hannah Pobar
TWIG RAZOR
The Twig razor redefines the classic safety razor, but with a sustainable, built-to-last design. It has a fixed head and a single blade, offering a traditional shave for every body.
Best Use: Thicker hair (beard, bikini line) because of the single blade it’s a smoother, closer shave.
“This one is easiest to travel with. Because I can use it on both my legs and my bikini line plus it’s lighter weight than the Well Kept razor. However please do be aware, all safety razor blades can be removed by TSA. It’s only happened a couple times to me and most of the time they leave one or two in my bag, but still worth noting.”
— Jaclyn Tracy, Founder
Tips: Take it very slow, especially when the blade is fresh.
Sustainability Practices:
Plastic-free, reusable
All razors come with a lifetime guarantee for extra assurance that the company is confident in the lasting quality of their products.
Crafted with an all-metal design, you won’t find any plastic or other synthetic materials in either razor.
Store used blades in the company’s blade recycling tin and send them back to Leaf Shave once full to be recycled!
Price Range: $$
Our Picks
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Malia Noll is a former public accountant turned self-employed copywriter who works with small businesses to build genuine connections to customers through strategic writing. Malia is based in Columbus, Ohio and specializes in promotional writing, email marketing and editing.
