Shop Sustainable: The Leaf Eco Friendly Razor (Review)

The personal care space has made so many strides towards sustainable products and zero-waste living in recent years. The options for sustainable grooming products have soared as people strive to replace disposable items like razors with reusable options that minimize plastic waste. I've tested many different safety razors and reusable razors and have found that the LEAF razor is my favorite one. From a clean shave to a more eco-friendly routine, switching to a safety razor is a great choice that benefits both your skin, your wallet, and the amount of waste you produce. Whether you’re a seasoned user or considering a reusable razor for the first time, here’s an in-depth review of Leaf razor, aka – the best sustainable razor on the market.

Why Choose a Sustainable Razor?

Disposable razors, typically made from plastic, contribute significantly to landfill waste. Even if you don't shave every day, it's' still good practice to frequently change your razor to ensure you have a sharp blade and limit knicks, burns, and cuts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that millions of entire plastic razors are discarded every year, adding to the plastic razor pile-up. 

Razor heads and cartridges are intricate items, making them extremely difficult to recycle. Most end up in the trash yard. By switching to reusable razors, such as the metal safety razor, this offers a long-lasting, plastic-free option that delivers a closer shave while reducing your waste going to landfill. By choosing a reusable razor with replaceable blades, you cut down on disposable plastic use and help curb plastic waste. While there are many options to choose from, here are a few things I looked for in the search for the best sustainable razor.

Key Features to Look for in a Safety Razor

Single Blade vs. Cartridge Razors

Unlike multi-blade cartridge razors that scrape across the surface of the skin, single-blade safety razors reduce friction, providing a smoother shave with fewer ingrown hairs. Single-blade razors are supposed to offer an incredibly close shave without the irritation often associated with multiple blades. However, the benefit of using multiple blades is that they reduce the number of times you must go over a certain area again. 

Material and Build

High-quality sustainable razors are usually crafted from stainless steel or recyclable materials, which adds durability. The weight of the razor is an essential factor for achieving the perfect shave; a weighted handle offers better control, allowing the razor to glide smoothly with minimal pressure. Options with renewable bamboo handles, like those from Jungle Culture, are also available, combining natural materials with a comfortable grip. Some brands like Gilette are taking a stepping stone approach, adding the familiar silicone grips for better grip. However, the heads for these options are not plastic-free razors. 

Blade Replacement and Maintenance

Disposable plastic razors that end up in landfills after a few uses are often expensive and bulky to store. A zero waste razor with replaceable blades, such as a double-edge safety razor, reduces the need for constant purchases. You can buy the safety razor blades in bulk once a year for usually less than $10, and it'll last you a while. Reusable safety razors allow you to replace the blade without disposing of the entire razor. Many double-edge razor blades come in recyclable cardboard packaging, making disposal easy and eco-friendly. It's best practice to replace your razor blades every couple of uses, so be sure to purchase the correct ones in bulk. 

Handle Length and Grip

A short handle or an extra-long handle affects the balance and maneuverability of the razor. Options like the black safety razor from Shoreline Shaving come in various handle lengths, allowing you to find what works best for your shaving routine. A weighted handle with a pivoting head is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or for shaving hard-to-reach areas. The Leaf razor is a great weight that has excellent holding points for comfort and grip.

My Top Pick for The Best Sustainable Razor is the LEAF Shave

Known for its pivoting head and close shave, the Leaf Razor is a great option for those transitioning from cartridge razors. Its flexible blades and lightweight design make it suitable for sensitive skin, while its replaceable blade system reduces plastic waste.

There’s no plastic razor or safety razor out there that’s like a Leaf Shave. The LEAF Shave razor is a reusable razor that uses three blades with a pivoting head to allow for a more comfortable shave. Compared to conventional safety razors that stay in a fixed position, the LEAF razor is a more familiar option for those of us who have used conventional razors for a long time. With Leaf, you'll get a great shave from the best sustainable razor on the market. 

Other benefits of Leaf Razor are that they package and ship plastic-free. They measure, record, and aggressively offset the carbon footprint of their organization. And financially support climate action non-profits. Leaf Shave users will keep 3+ million disposable plastic razors out of landfill this year. You could be the 3Million +1! By ditching your plastic razor, you'll make a real difference.  

Benefits of Switching to a Sustainable Razor

Cost Savings in the Long Run

While a new razor might seem costly upfront, sustainable razors with replaceable blades save money over time. You’ll purchase replacement blades rather than entire razors. Blades are significantly cheaper than cartridges, which can cost upwards of $30 each. If you buy a new razor and new cartridges every couple of months, in a year's time, you'll have spent the same amount as buying one Leaf Razor. 

Better for Your Skin

The Leaf Shave Razors are unique in that they offer a pivoting head to achieve a close shave around difficult areas like kneecaps and cheekbones.  Because you can replace the blades easily, you'll get a closer shave, smoother skin, and fewer ingrown hairs. 

Reducing Plastic Use and Waste

Traditional disposable razors contribute significantly to plastic waste, whereas a zero-waste razor minimizes your waste footprint. Choosing a razor with recyclable packaging and replaceable, disposable blades allows you to enjoy a sustainable shave without adding to the plastic crisis.

Drawbacks of Switching to a Safety Razor

1. No lubricating strip

One of the conveniences of conventional razors is that they've added a lubricating strip to them to help you retain moisture. However, the workaround for this is to just make sure you use shaving cream and moisturize afterward. 

2. Changing the Blades

I have to admit that there is a convenience to using a conventional razor in not having to handle the stainless steel blades. But once you've done it a few times, it's relatively easy to do. However, if you struggle with dexterity issues, this may be an issue for you. 

The Best Eco-Friendly Razor for You

Ultimately, the best sustainable razor depends on your preferences and shaving routine. For those who want an ultra-smooth shave with minimal irritation, a metal safety razor with replaceable blades, such as the Leaf Razor, is a reliable choice. 

For more sustainable product recommendations, check out our sustainable brand directory, where we vet sustainable brands for you. 

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