What is the Most Eco-Friendly Method of Shaving?

Every year, billions of plastic razors are thrown away worldwide, ending up in landfills where they will sit for hundreds of years without breaking down. How many times have you had to shave your face each week? Has the environmental impact crossed your mind? A disposable plastic razor and foam shaving aerosol can are plastic disposables and environmental impacts sitting in your bathroom closet right now, and you don’t have a clue.

Fortunately, one of the easiest and most effective methods to incorporate sustainability into your life in 2026 will be changing your shaving routine to an eco-friendly one. Simply put, you do not have to make any concessions to do this. In fact, traditional wet shaving is the most eco-friendly and sustainable shaving option, and it provides an exceptionally close, smooth, and irritation-free shave at a much cheaper cost than the supermarket option. The purpose of this guide is to help you take the first step towards a more sustainable, skin-friendly, and wallet-friendly zero-waste shaving routine.

The Real Cost of Disposable Razors on the Environment

Most men do not think twice about throwing away a blunt cartridge razor or a used disposable. It is a small object; how much harm can it really do? The answer, when you multiply one man's shaving habit across an entire population over decades, is significant.

How Much Plastic Does Shaving Actually Produce?

The scale of plastic waste generated by the shaving industry is staggering. In the United States alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that approximately two billion disposable razors are discarded every single year. In the UK, the picture is equally concerning. WRAP's ongoing work to eliminate problem plastics has already resulted in the removal of 33 billion single-use plastic items from the UK market; yet disposable razors remain one of the most persistent sources of personal care plastic waste.

Most people do not think about the impact that shaving has on the planet, but it has far more plastic waste than expected. Most razors and cartridge handles are made with a fusion of plastic polymers, rubber, and metal, which makes them next to impossible to recycle using household recycling systems, so they are sent to landfills that can take 500 to 1,000 years to decompose. During that time, the metal will corrode, and the plastic will break down into microplastics, which will contaminate the soil and water. The problem does not just end with the razors; cartridge refills come in non-recyclable plastic blisters, and shaving foam cans are made of metal, but the pressurized foam makes them tricky to recycle. Overall, the average male shaving routine creates a lot more waste than people expect.

Why Disposable Razors Are Hard to Recycle

The main reason razors and cartridges are difficult to recycle is that they are made from fused materials like plastic, rubber, and metal, which cannot be easily separated by standard recycling facilities, so they usually end up in landfills instead. While cartridge systems seem more sustainable due to reusable handles, in reality, most users replace them frequently, still generating significant multi-material waste. Additionally, subscription-based cartridge services often increase waste by encouraging more frequent blade replacements than necessary.

The Most Eco-Friendly Shaving Method – Traditional Wet Shaving

If you are looking for the most sustainable way to shave, the answer is traditional wet shaving using a metal safety razor or a cutthroat razor. This is not a new trend; it is a return to the way men shaved for generations before disposable plastic became the default. And in terms of environmental impact, nothing else comes close.

Why Safety Razors Are Zero Waste

A double edge safety razor is the most environmentally friendly razor you can buy, and it’s for one reason only. The only part that needs to be replaced is the razor blade, and that blade is made of recyclable stainless steel. The handle and head of the razor are made of solid metal, which, for safety razors, is brass, stainless steel, or zinc alloy, which is then plated with chrome or gold. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Many wet shavers use the same safety razor for ten, twenty, or even thirty years.

Consider a cartridge system where the entire cartridge head, plastic housing, rubber strips, lubricating band, and multiple blades must all be replaced every week or every other week. An average cartridge shaver throws away between 50 and 100 cartridge heads in a year.

Over the years, shaving habit contributes 1,000 or more units of mixed material, which are non-recyclable and plastic waste, from one person alone.

In contrast, a safety razor does not cause plastic waste. Instead, it generates used blades, which are stainless steel and 100% recyclable. We explain how to recycle blades in the blade recycling section below.

The environmental case for safety razors extends to cost as well. A quality metal safety razor is a one-time investment. DE razor blades cost a fraction of cartridge refills, typically a few pence per blade compared to several pounds per cartridge, which means the financial saving over a lifetime of shaving is substantial. Sustainable and economical are rarely the same thing, but with traditional wet shaving, they genuinely are. Explore the full range of double-edge safety razors at Haryali London, each one hand-crafted for a lifetime of use.

Why Cut Throat Razors Are the Ultimate Sustainable Choice

If the safety razor is the most eco-friendly razor for most men, for men, the cutthroat razor or straight razor or barber razor is the ultimate zero-waste shaving tool. A good quality cutthroat razor will produce absolutely zero ongoing waste. It has no blades to replace, no cartridges to throw away, and no packaging to dispose of. The razor is stropped and honed to maintain its edge and, when well looked after, will last for generations.

Traditional cutthroat razors are the purest expression of sustainable grooming, a single precision instrument that requires nothing more than skill, water, and a quality shaving soap to deliver an exceptional shave. For men who want to reduce their environmental footprint to as close to zero as possible, there is no better option. Browse our full collection of cutthroat razors and cut throat razor kits to find the right starting point. And if you are new to straight razor shaving, our ultimate guide to using a cut throat razor covers everything you need to know before you begin.

Switch to Natural, Plastic-Free Shaving Soap

The razor you use is only half of the equation, and the other half is the shaving product you use, which lathers and gets your skin and hair ready to be sliced through by the blade. That is a huge environmental impact of which most men are completely oblivious.

Why Shaving Foam Cans Are an Environmental Problem

Aerosol shaving foam cans are problematic for the environment for so many different reasons. The recyclable but not infinitely recyclable, and not easily recyclable because of propellant gases, so improper recycling is actually more common than proper recycling, alleged recycling, and the pressure cans, so many UK local councils actually request not to recycle an aerosol can unless it is empty, because they will explode.

Even the environment will be worse off with the contents of the can since they are filled with synthetic surfactants with a petroleum-derived propellant and artificial preservatives, all of which are non-biodegradable. The chemicals are incredibly persistent in the environment and remain so after passing through the water treatment facility, and are also present in the drains after they are rinsed off.

The same problems are present with shaving gels and pump-action shaving creams, which also contain non-renewable synthetic chemicals, and are packaged with single-use and non-biodegradable plastics, and are also non-renewable and non-biodegradable environmentally friendly chemicals.

What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Shaving Soap

An advantage of traditional shaving soap is that it can be used as an alternative to aerosol shaving foam, which is made from foam. Quality shaving soap sticks and pucks come in fully recyclable and usually minimal packaging made from materials that can be recycled or reused, such as cardboard box tins and glass jars. There is zero plastic pump, plastic blister pack, or aerosol propellant.

When considering the ingredients of shaving soap, it is better to go with a formulation that is a biodegradable shaving soap. Furthermore, it is better to go with a formulation that is skin-friendly. Look out for ingredients like natural plant-derived oils, coconut oil, Shea butter, glycerine, and palm-free alternatives. These ingredients break down in the natural water ecosystems and won't leave harmful residues. Foam commercial shaving soap contains the same harmful chemicals as its alternative. Therefore, do not support such soap that contains synthetically made fragrances, artificial colorants, SLS, or parabens.

Natural shaving soaps have been noted skin sensitive than traditional shaving soaps, which have been noted to be the most damaging to skin sensitivity and contact dermatitis.

A single shaving soap puck used correctly with a shaving brush can last two to three months for a man shaving three to four times per week, significantly longer than an aerosol can of the same price point, and with a fraction of the packaging waste. Browse our full range of natural shaving soaps at Haryali London.

How to Recycle Your Razor Blades Properly

Most men who switch to using safety razors ask about where to dispose of the used razor blades. First off, unlike plastic cartridges, DE razor blades are made of 100% recyclable stainless steel. However, used razor blades cannot be placed in standard home recycling bins due to the potentially dangerous situation recycling employees may face.

The safe way to recycle these blades is to use a blade bank to collect all your old razor blades. A blade bank can be a small, solid metal container that has a slot on top to be able to deposit your used blades, and is often made for this purpose. Once the container is full, blade banks can be taken to a metal recycling place or other specialized recycling locations for proper disposal.

Terra Cycle runs recycling programs in the UK and the US, and they also recycle blades. While they also have recycling programs for general waste to ensure things are not ending up in the landfill inappropriately, they accept things that normal recycling programs cannot.

If you do not have a recycling drop-off location for TerraCycle, recycling centers for household waste in the UK that accept metal will also accept the blade bank tin, provided it is sealed completely. Always ensure the tin is completely sealed before transporting it. Never place loose blades in any recycling stream. Explore our range of razor blades, all packaged in minimal, recyclable materials.

Eco-Friendly Aftershave – Ditch the Plastic Bottle

The post-shave step is another overlooked source of plastic waste and exposure to harmful chemicals. While traditional aftershave splashes often come in recyclable glass bottles, many modern balms, moisturisers, and gels are packaged in plastic pumps or tubes that end up in landfills after use. A more sustainable routine focuses on products in recyclable or refillable packaging, such as glass, aluminium, or tins, while also choosing formulations made with natural, biodegradable ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals.

For better skin health and environmental impact, alcohol-free aftershave balms are a smarter choice than alcohol-based splashes, which can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier and cause irritation, especially after shaving. Instead, balms enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and plant extracts help calm redness, restore hydration, and protect the skin without contributing to chemical pollution.

For a deeper understanding of building a complete skin-safe post-shave routine, read our guide on the 4 things you need to know for a safe wet shave.

Shave Less Often – Better for Skin and the Planet

• One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact is to shave less frequently instead of daily out of habit.
• Every shave uses water, shaving products, and shortens blade lifespan, so reducing frequency instantly lowers your grooming footprint.
• Shaving every 2–3 days allows your skin to recover, reducing irritation caused by constant blade contact.
• Slightly longer beard growth is actually easier and more comfortable to shave compared to short daily stubble.
• From a sustainability perspective, shaving every other day can cut your annual blade use, shaving product consumption, and water usage by nearly half.
• This small change offers a high-impact, low-effort way to adopt a more eco-friendly grooming routine.
• It doesn’t mean sacrificing appearance, shaving every few days with a proper wet shaving routine often delivers better results and healthier skin than daily cartridge shaving.

Build Your Complete Zero Waste Shaving Kit

Switching to a zero waste shaving routine doesn’t need to happen all at once; replace products gradually as they run out, starting with the highest-impact items.

A complete eco-friendly shaving kit includes only items that can be recycled, reused, or biodegraded.

Your ideal zero-waste kit includes:

• Safety Razor / Straight Razor: A metal double-edge safety razor or cut throat razor replaces plastic cartridges and can last a lifetime.
• Shaving Brush: A badger hair or vegan synthetic brush creates a richer lather and lasts for years with proper care.
• Shaving Soap: Natural shaving soap in cardboard, tin, or glass packaging replaces aerosol foam cans.
• Blade Bank: A metal blade bank safely stores used blades for recycling instead of landfill disposal.
• Aftershave Balm: An alcohol-free balm in recyclable packaging replaces plastic-bottled aftershaves.
• Alum Block: A natural, packaging-free mineral alternative to chemical styptic pencils and toners.

What Haryali London Offers for Sustainable Shaving

At Haryali London, every product in our range has been designed with longevity, quality, and craftsmanship at its core. Our razors are hand-finished metal instruments built to last a lifetime, not disposable plastic tools designed for planned obsolescence. Our shaving brushes, available in premium badger hair grades and vegan synthetic alternatives, are crafted to the same standard of durability. For men who prefer a cruelty-free option, our vegan silvertip badger shaving brush and vegan pure badger shaving brush offer the same quality lather-building performance without any animal-derived materials.

Our complete wet shaving kits contain everything needed to build a zero waste shaving routine from day one, razor, a brush, soap, a stand, and a bowl, all packaged and presented as a premium, sustainable grooming set. Whether you are making the switch yourself or looking for a meaningful gift for someone who cares about sustainability, a Haryali London shaving kit is one of the most considered and environmentally responsible grooming choices available in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to shave if you have folliculitis?

Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles, often triggered or worsened by shaving. Use a single-blade safety razor with a fresh blade, shave only with the grain, and apply a natural antibacterial shaving soap to minimise bacterial transfer. Never shave over active breakouts, and always disinfect your razor head after each use.

2. Can you shave your face with PCOS?

Yes, women with PCOS can shave facial hair safely. A single-blade safety razor or a dedicated facial razor used with a gentle, natural shaving soap is the most skin-friendly method. Shave with the direction of hair growth only and follow with a soothing alcohol-free balm to prevent irritation on hormonal sensitive skin.

3. What do dermatologists recommend for shaving?

Dermatologists consistently recommend single-blade razors over multi-blade cartridges for reducing skin trauma, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. They advise always shaving on well-prepared, hydrated skin using a quality lubricating product, replacing blades regularly, and applying a gentle moisturising aftercare product immediately after shaving.

4. Can razor burn get infected?

Yes, razor burn creates micro-abrasions in the skin surface that can become infected if bacteria enter the compromised skin barrier. Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, and pus. Using an alum block immediately after shaving helps close pores and provides mild antiseptic protection. If infection develops, consult a medical professional.

5. What deficiency can cause folliculitis?

Vitamin D deficiency and zinc deficiency have both been associated with increased susceptibility to folliculitis and skin infections, as both nutrients play important roles in immune function and skin barrier health. If you experience recurrent folliculitis, consulting a GP or dermatologist for a nutritional assessment is advisable alongside improving your shaving technique.

Conclusion

The most eco-friendly way to shave in 2026 is also the most rewarding. Traditional wet shaving with a metal safety razor, a natural shaving soap, and a quality shaving brush produces zero plastic waste, uses biodegradable ingredients, and delivers a closer, more comfortable shave than any disposable cartridge system can offer. The shift to a zero waste shaving routine is one of the simplest sustainable swaps a man can make, without compromising on quality, convenience, or results. You get healthier skin, significant long-term cost savings, and the satisfaction of knowing your daily grooming habit is no longer contributing to plastic pollution.