The 5 Best Zero Waste Razors for 2025

Zero waste razors are perfect for getting a great shave and helping the planet at the same time. These sustainable razors are designed to eliminate manufacturing waste. By switching away from throwaway plastic razors, you’ll get a higher quality reusable razor and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Reducing plastic waste is crucial for protecting ocean wildlife in particular. Millions of plastic razors get thrown away every year, contributing to the billions of pounds of trash produced all over the world. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 zero waste razors to help our readers get started switching to a more sustainable shaving routine. 

1. MÜHLE R89 (Traditional / Grande R89) 

MÜHLE’s R89 is consistently recommended for being very durable and mild which makes it great for beginners and those with sensitive skin. It’s made from high-quality metal with chrome finish, and backed by a reputable German maker — a classic reusable safety razor that eliminates plastic disposables.

Sustainability is a core value of the MÜHLE brand and they are a member of the Environmental Alliance-Saxony-Anhalt, an organisation that assists companies in the region with their environmental protection and development efforts. The only drawback is the higher price tag-you can expect to pay up to $48 for the regular chrome or black finish and $52 for the Rosegold finish. 

2. Edwin Jagger DE89 (Classic closed-comb safety razor)

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is another wet-shaving staple, promising a quality, barbershop shave. It is well-balanced, finely machined, gives a close but gentle shave, and is made to last. It’s widely praised in wet-shaving communities as an excellent plastic-free, low-waste choice.

This stylish razor comes in a variety of finishes-all plastic free, of course! This stylish razor is made of solid brass, triple-plated, hand-polished and finished in high-quality chrome plate, ensuring improved wet grip and precision control. If you would like a barbershop quality shave, this is a great option.  

3. MERKUR 34C (Heavy-duty short-handle safety razor)

The Merkur 34C is a durable German-made safety razor with a heavier head that does much of the work for you — reliable, widely available replacement double-edge blades, and long-lasting metal construction that avoids single-use plastic cartridges.

The compact and sturdy razor is great for those who are new to shaving with a blade. It’s heavy brass handle ensures a straight, close shave without compromising safety. This razor is Sustainably manufactured and is built to last a lifetime. It is also a budget-friendly buy with a set of quality blades included in the price. 

4. Rockwell 6C (Adjustable stainless steel safety razor)

Rockwell’s 6C is a great low-waste option and is highly versatile as well. It is made of aluminium and stainless steel and has quality, recyclable blades. The versatility of this razor means that one will not need many other grooming tools, which adds to its sustainability factor. There is also a lifetime warranty on this razor, encouraging users to have the razor fixed, instead of throwing it away.

It promises a great shave, with 6 adjustable shave settings with precision blade guards that provide a smooth, safe shave. You can easily adjust the blade for face, body or sensitive areas.
At $60, the pricing for this razor is on the higher end of this list but it is well worth it as you won’t be needing other grooming tools to take care of bodily hair. 

5. Bambaw Double-Edge Safety Razor (plastic-free, budget-friendly)

Bambaw is one of the more affordable, truly plastic-free safety razors on the market. This is a great entry level option if you want a low-waste switch without a big upfront price. There are a variety of designs to choose from, each made with durable stainless steel and sustainably sourced bamboo. 

The Bambaw Double-Edge Safety Razor is an excellent low cost, zero waste option for those looking for quality on a budget. To add to its value, a pack of quality razor blades is included in the price. This quality razor is made to last a lifetime. 

Why Are Most Zero Waste Razors Safety Razors?

Zero waste razors are designed and manufactured in such a way that no resources go to waste in the production process. For instance, a zero waste manufacturer wouldn’t use single-use materials to make their products. Zero waste goals directly impact the design of a product. 

Achieving zero waste status with razors requires changing the product’s design to remove as many disposable elements as possible. The cartridge-style razor design is not a good fit for a zero waste product since it requires throwing away entire razor heads every few shaves. 

Safety razors have been around for over a hundred years, so they’re not a new design. They just happen to be great for sustainable shaving. Safety razors have a single disposable part: the blade. Luckily, these blades are usually recyclable. However, you can’t just toss your used razor blades in the recycling bin. You’ll have to personally take them to a local recycling center due to the safety concerning surrounding disposable blades. 

Aside from the blade, though, every other element of the safety razor design is fully reusable and lasts for years. This makes safety razors ideal for zero waste manufacturing. Safety razors are a little different from cartridge razors, though, so make sure you understand how to use them before you try shaving with one. 

Shopping for Sustainable Razors

Zero waste razors are a high quality, sustainable alternative to disposable plastic cartridge razors. With more and more people showing interest in these awesome shaving products, there are more options available today. The zero waste razors on this list are among the very best you can buy in 2023. The next time you shave, consider using a zero waste razor – it will cut your hair and your carbon footprint at the same time.