As a product of the ’90s, my teenage years involved specifically seeking out the smallest, lightest, and least-bladed razors to help me achieve ‘peak femininity’ (and I have the scars to prove it). So when I laid eyes on my first safety razor, the environmentalist in me rejoiced, but the ’90s kid in me was taken aback.
It was large, bulky, and heavy, but most importantly, it required *gulp* effort.
But after some, okay a lot, of research into safety razors vs. cartridge razors, I quickly found the benefits of a safety razor largely outweighed the convenience of a (plastic) cartridge razor. And after making the switch, my days of plastic ‘refills’ and plastic disposable razors are behind me. My skin and my conscience are happy and I’m convinced everyone should make the switch.
photo by Oui The People
Safety razors vs cartridge razors: what’s the difference?
Safety razors may look new and shiny, but they’re kind of the OG way to shave. Waaaay back in the early 1900s, King Camp Gillette—yep, that Gillette—patented the first safety razor. With some help, he invented a blade so thin you could throw it away instead of sharpening it. How convenient!
By the early 1970s, everyone was using a partially disposable razor, and by the end of the decade, the fully disposable razor was living its best life.
Benefits of safety razors over cartridge (disposable) razors
After 100+ years, safety razors are recapturing our attention as they embody a perfect blend of convenience and sustainability with the added bonus of being great for your skin.
Safety Razor Benefits For Your Skin
- A silky smooth close shave – It’s the angle of the razor against your skin that gives you a close shave, not necessarily the number of blades.
- Reduced razor burn and irritation – Having the touchpoint of only one blade is a huge benefit for anyone with sensitive skin or prone to shaving irritation.
- Reduced acne, bumps, and ingrown hairs – Multiple blades pull, tug, and repeat, whereas the single blade reduces that pull leading to less razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs.
- Safety razors also easily come apart for cleaning. You can’t really clean a cartridge razor so soap, skin, and other stuff remain in between the blades and on the strip and contributes to acne and irritation.
The razor industry generated a staggering amount of revenue and pollution in 2021 ($17,405,000 to be exact). With recyclable metal handles and infinitely recyclable stainless steel blades, safety razors significantly reduce plastic waste.
safety razor benefits for the environment
- No plastic is manufactured or sent to the landfill
- Refills are affordable, universal (and plastic-free) – The universal design of the blades allows for affordable replacements from various retailers or local eco-shops—meaning long-term convenience and cost savings for you.
- Blades and handles are recyclable – Many take-back programs are available which ensure blade recycling.
- Extremely long lifespans – A safety razor will last you for years but it’s great to know that if/when you need to dispose of your razor, the entire razor can be recycled.
- Return your blades to the original manufacturer.
- Contact your recycling center for local recycling instructions.
- Check out local eco-stores for blade return programs.
How long does a safety razor last?
With good care and maintenance, a safety razor handle will last for years, potentially even a lifetime. The duration of each blade will vary depending on how often you use it, and your preference, but the general consensus is that each blade will last around 6 shaves.
Keeping your razor clean and ‘dry’ will help the razor and the blades last longer and keep it from rusting.
To clean your safety razor
- Rinse off the hair and soap
- Open the razor
- Shake off the water/pat dry
- Close it back up tightly
- Keep it stored out of the water.
How to use a safety razor
Safety razors are known for higher quality shaves mostly because of their purposeful design and the materials used to make them.
Tips for using a safety razor
- Select an assistant (soap, oil, shaving cream)
- Place the razor against your skin at a 30-45 degree angle
- Lightly pull, working with the shape and weight of the razor.
Because the head doesn’t pivot (on most), you’ll want to pay closer attention to the shape of your skin and adjust as you go. If you have thick or coarse hair, try shaving with the direction of hair growth first and then repeat against the direction of hair growth.
How to choose & change a safety razor
There are a few varieties of safety razors to fit different preferences and needs. Look for a style that makes the most sense to you!
*When changing and handling your blade, grab the blade by the short outer ends.
the two-piece
On a two-piece safety razor, the top piece screws on and off from the bottom piece which is attached to the handle.
To insert the blade, unscrew the top piece, place the blade on the mounting posts, put the top piece back on, and tightly secure it.
the butterfly
The butterfly razor feels both modern and ancient at the same time. Twist the lower part of the handle which will open the top piece in two flaps from the center outward. Put the blade in the middle and twist the handle again to close it tightly.
the three piece
In the three-piece safety razor, the handle detaches from the two top components.
To change the blade, unscrew the handle from the top two pieces, separate them, insert the blade, reform the sandwich, and screw the handle back on.
6 plastic-free safety razors outperforming their cartridge counterparts
Oui The People. Oui The People, previously recommended by Eco Club, makes the list again. With a focus on creating a beautiful and functional product for sensitive skin, their carefully crafted two-piece razors ensure a smooth shave anytime, anywhere. *No blade return program offered.
Albatross. Inspired by majestic ocean-flying birds, the Albatross razor company was born from a sailor’s firsthand experience of ocean pollution, trash, and wildlife destruction. Albatross offers three razor options and a unique return program that upcycles old blades into reusable silverware!
UpCircle Beauty. UpCircle Beauty, a certified B-Corp, started when two siblings noticed the wasted potential of coffee grounds, tea leaves, and fruit stones. They began repurposing coffee grounds into skincare products and have quickly expanded into a full line of skincare including a plastic-free two-piece safety razor! A blade return program is available for UK-based residents.
Leaf Shave. Leaf Shave is revolutionizing shaving with razors that offer a superior shave, reduce single-use plastic waste, save CO2 emissions, and eliminate tons of packaging. Create a personalized shaving experience with three customizable safety razors and a blade return program for proper recycling.
Eco Roots. Eco Roots is a female-owned brand empowering everyone to shop zero waste. Their stainless steel three-piece safety razor is crafted with precision and elegance and fits every shaving need, preference, and aesthetic while remaining 100% recyclable. *No blade return program offered.
Gillette. Gillette safety razor and blade refills, inspired by the original centuries-old design, are available at Target for a low-waste shave. Gillette currently partners with TerraCycle to provide a blade recycling program near you.
It’s pretty obvious I’m a safety razor fan, and I hope you are too now! In the great razor debate, these 6 brands are not only a ~cut~ above the rest, but they’re also delivering superior environmental and skin benefits that only a safety razor can provide.
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