The 8 Best Eco-friendly Razors for a More Sustainable Shave

• Best eco-friendly razor overall: Hanni The Weighted Razor
• Best eco-friendly razor for sensitive skin: OUI the People The Single
• Most traditional eco-friendly razor: Leaf Shave The Leaf Razor
• Best eco-friendly razor for smaller places: Leaf Shave The Twig Razor
• Best eco-friendly razor for the price: EcoRoots Safety Razor
• Best eco-friendly razor for beginners: Rockwell Razors 6S
• Best drugstore eco-friendly razor: Gillette Planet KIND Starter Kit
• Best bamboo eco-friendly razor: Public Goods Bamboo Razor Handle

Balancing a wish for silky, hair-free skin with an eco-aware routine can be tricky.

Many razors prioritize convenience, which is why billions of single-use plastic razors and cartridge heads wind up in landfills annually. Back in 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put the figure at 2 billion , and it’s likely risen since then.

The upside: sustainable razors exist. Once you adapt to what are commonly called safety razors, you’ll drastically reduce waste and enjoy a remarkably close shave.

Below you’ll find why eco-friendly razors are worth considering, our picks for the top options, and some practical tips.

Eco-friendly is just the beginning

An eco-friendly razor isn’t merely low-waste — thanks to durable metal handles, it can approach zero-waste. The only replaceable component is the metal blade.

While some local recycling programs don’t accept loose blades, many brands provide solutions. Companies like Hanni and Leaf Shave sell blade bins — small metal tins with a slot for used blades — which many recycling centers will take. Alternatively, TerraCycle runs programs that accept difficult-to-recycle items, including spent blades and disposable razors.

Sustainability is a major draw, but how do these razors perform? Short answer: exceptionally. Safety razors deliver a superb shave while reducing irritation.

Marketing often suggests more blades equal better results, but if you’ve battled irritation or recurring ingrowns, you know that isn’t always true.

Multi-blade razors use a lift-and-cut action. The first blade lifts the hair; subsequent blades slice it off. That can produce a tight shave, but it also increases the chance of ingrown hairs and creates more friction — which leads to irritation and razor burn.

A single blade trims hair right at the skin surface. You still get a close result, but with less risk of ingrowns and less friction overall.

Part of the reduced irritation also comes from how a safety razor is used. Those metal handles — often chrome or stainless steel — are noticeably weighty, intentionally so. The idea is to let the razor’s heft do the work.

Rather than pressing and repeating strokes, a safety razor calls for a lighter hand. There’s a learning curve, yes, but the payoff is skin that feels incredibly smooth without the pain of waxing. People lovingly call it “dolphin skin,” and it’s easy to see why.

Some things to consider

Eco-friendly razors are excellent, but a few downsides exist:

• Higher upfront cost. Initially, you’ll spend more on a sustainable razor. Many models exceed $100 with blades included, so it’s an investment. However, blade refills are generally cheaper than cartridge replacements, so you’ll cut costs over time.
• Checked baggage only. If you travel strictly with carry-on luggage, note that safety razor blades must go in checked bags, per a 2018 TSA blog post .
• No rushing. If you’re accustomed to speedy shaves, you’ll need to slow down to prevent cuts. Short, gentle passes are key.
• Needs upkeep. A safety razor is meant to last, so it requires a bit more care than a disposable model. If it doesn’t include a stand, dry it after use and store it somewhere safe to avoid rust or damage.

A note on editorial testing

Sorting through product specs and user feedback can be overwhelming; we aim to simplify the shopping process.

That sometimes involves staff testing products in real life, and other times aggregating user reviews from retailers.

For this guide, our writer personally tried one of the razors to provide firsthand insight and also combed through customer reviews to determine which models earn a spot on the list.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $20
• $$ = $20–$50
• $$$ = over $50

The best eco-friendly razors

Best eco-friendly razor overall

Hanni The Weighted Razor

• Price: $$
• What’s included: razor, five blades, silicone travel cap

Hanni nails both design and accessories.

The Weighted Razor features a 5-inch grooved powder-coated metal handle. It’s available in three finishes, and a butterfly mechanism secures the wafer-thin blade.

Twist the base and the top opens for blade changes. Each blade is wrapped in paper, and spent blades belong in the blade bin — remember, zero waste.

I’ll admit I was nervous to use it at first. The weight felt intimidating, and the double-edged blade seemed daunting. My initial pass resulted in a small nick because I pressed too hard. Once I eased off, I understood the fuss.

Beyond a well-made handle and the handy blade bin, Hanni offers Shave Pillow, a clever shaving stick that spreads like deodorant for an outstanding dry shave — minimal hair, no irritation, and good hydration.

Hanni’s starter set includes everything needed to switch to sustainable shaving. After trying it, I’m a convert.

Best eco-friendly razor for sensitive skin

OUI the People The Single

• Price: $$$
• What’s included: razor, 10 blades

Available in rose gold and periodically in matte black, The Single is a stylish safety razor.

It’s engineered and produced in Germany with sensitive skin in mind, considering blade angle, weight, balance, and length.

Limited monthly availability speaks to the brand’s attention to detail.

Packaging is eco-friendly too — all paperboard.

Customer feedback is excellent: about 92% of over 550 reviews praise the shave quality, even for delicate skin.

Most traditional eco-friendly razor

Leaf Shave The Leaf Razor

• Price: $$$
• What’s included: razor, 10 blades

If you like the feel of a disposable razor but not the environmental cost, the Leaf Razor is for you. It’s plastic-free while offering familiar features.

Unique to this model is the ability to load up to three blades, and the pivoting head speeds up shaving. Built-in magnets help align blades perfectly during loading.

The long, grooved handle is comfortable, and a silicone sleeve is available if you want extra grip. Packaging is plastic-free and shipping is carbon neutral. The Leaf accepts any standard safety razor blade.

Nearly 2,700 overwhelmingly positive reviews praise the comfortable and effective shave.

Best eco-friendly razor for small places

Leaf Shave The Twig Razor

• Price: $$$
• What’s included: razor, five blades

The Twig Razor is the Leaf’s compact counterpart: a full safety razor that excels at smaller zones like the bikini area or underarms.

At roughly half the size of a standard safety razor, it offers better maneuverability for precise work.

It uses the same magnetic blade alignment and twist-to-open design for ease of use.

Best eco-friendly razor for the price

EcoRoots Safety Razor

• Price: $$
• What’s included: razor, five blades

The EcoRoots razor combines the perks of a quality safety razor with an attractive price point. Its rose gold finish looks great, and it’s more budget-friendly than many competitors. The razor is crafted from recyclable zinc alloy and stainless steel.

Reviewers find it simple to clean and easy to switch blades.

Extra credit: EcoRoots donates part of proceeds from each razor sale to the Ocean Conservancy.

Best eco-friendly razor for beginners

Rockwell Razors 6C

• Price: $$
• What’s included: razor, five blades

Rockwell takes the safety razor concept and refines it.

The Rockwell 6C double-edge razor includes six shave settings, making it a great pick for newcomers. Swap plates in the handle to change the blade exposure and angle for tailored comfort.

Different plate heights suit sensitive skin, fine hair, stubble, or coarser hair types. Rockwell claims the design helps reduce nicks and cuts, even for less experienced users.

The 6C is available in three finishes and accepts any double-edged blade brand.

Best drugstore eco-friendly razor

Gillette Planet KIND Starter Kit

• Price: $
• What’s included: razor, eight blades

When it comes to mainstream disposable razors, Gillette is a household name. Its Planet KIND line leans into sustainability.

While it’s still a five-blade cartridge razor and won’t offer all the advantages of a safety razor, it’s convenient for quick shaves and easily found at drugstores.

The handle uses 60% recycled plastic, and both handle and cartridges are recyclable via TerraCycle. Gillette provides free shipping labels for sending used blades to TerraCycle for recycling.

Packaging is recyclable as well.

Best bamboo eco-friendly razor

Public Goods Bamboo Razor Handle

• Price: $
• What’s included: razor (blades sold separately)

Public Goods presents a plastic-free alternative: a refillable bamboo handle that fits the brand’s three-blade cartridges.

If you choose this path, consider TerraCycle for recycling old cartridges. The handle itself is attractive, well-balanced, and durable.

Users praise the value and the clean shave it provides.

Best practices for using a safety razor

Mastering a safety razor takes practice. Keep these pointers in mind:

• No pressure. This matters most. Safety razors are crafted with balanced weight; the handle’s heft is meant to do the work. Pressing as you would with a plastic razor often leads to cuts.
• Set the angle. Rather than holding the razor nearly parallel as with a cartridge, tip it to roughly a 30-degree angle relative to your skin for optimum results.
• Slow down. Rushing won’t help. Use short, light strokes and pay attention. Shaving with a safety razor can be an act of self-care.
• Use lubrication. Apply shave cream, lather, or oil to reduce friction and avoid irritation.
• Store it right. After shaving, dry the razor and put it somewhere safe to prevent damage or corrosion.

The takeaway

You don’t have to stop shaving to shrink your environmental footprint. A safety razor is an upfront investment, but with a bit of practice you’ll be adept quickly. Enjoy smoother, less irritated skin while helping keep razors out of landfills.