In case you didn’t know, regular shaving cream is actually quite bad for the environment, something that we’ll touch on further below. What we’re really here to do today is to take a closer look at some of the best zero-waste shaving cream that is available on the market. This is a special type of shaving cream that has minimal or zero-waste, as well as minimal or no environmental impact.
Zero-waste shaving creams usually come in solid bars or in refillable containers, which helps to reduce single-use plastic use, among other methods of keeping this shaving cream eco-friendly. Let’s find out exactly what zero-waste shaving cream is, what its benefits are, and what some of the best zero-waste shaving cream options on the market at this time are.
Why Is Regular Shaving Cream Bad for the Environment?
You might be wondering why regular shaving cream isn’t ideal as far as the environment is concerned. Well, there are actually quite a few reasons as to why shaving creams are bad for the environment.
Packaging
One of the main reasons is due to packaging. Most shaving creams usually come in aerosol cans or plastic tubes, both of which are absolutely terrible for the environment. Aerosol cans emit a variety of chemicals into the air that aren’t healthy for us or the environment, and plastic tubes contribute to plastic waste.
Chemicals
Another reason why regular shaving cream is terrible for the environment is because many of them contain a variety of synthetic chemicals. These include, but are not necessarily limited to artificial fragrances, sulphates, and parabens, all of which are extremely harmful to both us humans and the environment around us. They can contaminate water and ground alike, which then affects plant life, wildlife, and eventually us humans too.
Aerosol Cans
OK, so we already touched on this above, but it is important to note just how bad aerosol cans are for the environment. The reason we are stressing this is because most shaving creams come in aerosol cans. They use propellants such as propane and butane, both of which are not good for the ozone layer and contribute to overall air pollution.
There is also the simple fact that the transportation, production, and disposal of regular shaving cream products creates a large carbon footprint.
The Benefits of Zero-Waste Shaving Cream
If you want to help the environment, then switching to a zero-waste shaving cream is something that you should certainly consider. There are a variety of benefits that come with such zero-waste shaving creams. Of course, by using natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, the number one benefit is that you help to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.
Not only are these ingredients healthier for the world around us, but for you as well. If you are putting something on your skin, it should be non-toxic, organic, and as healthy as possible. That’s why many zero-waste shaving creams use essential oils, Shea butter, and coconut oil. Overall, zero-waste shaving creams also don’t use aerosol cans and generally don’t come in single use plastic packaging.
This therefore helps cut down on the amount of waste that we create and put into landfills. Overall, the initial cost is a bit higher with zero-waste shaving cream products, although they generally last longer than regular shaving cream, which actually makes them a bit more cost effective over the long run.
How to Choose the Best Zero-Waste Shaving Cream
Take a look at some of the best zero-waste shaving cream options out there, let’s take a quick look at some of the main purchasing considerations you need to keep in mind before buying any such product.
- Always look for products that are organic and natural. You want things that are gentle on the skin and don’t contain any harmful chemicals at all. Anything with sulphates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances needs to be avoided at all costs.
- You should always look for a zero-waste shaving cream that has minimal packaging. If there is packaging, it should be biodegradable or recyclable. Even better is if you can find zero-waste shaving cream that comes in refillable containers.
- As is the case with all types of shaving cream, even zero-waste shaving cream is often formulated for specific skin types. Whether you have dry or oily skin, there should be a type of zero-waste shaving cream for you.
- Although you don’t want any harmful ingredients, some natural essential oils used for fragrance are acceptable. Consider the smell that you want. Overall, just read some reviews to see exactly how well received these products are.
The Best Zero Waste Shaving Cream – Reviews
Now that we know everything there is to know about zero-waste shaving creams and why they are so beneficial for you and the environment, let’s take a closer look at some of the best options available out there at this time.
Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shaving Bar
Here we have a great zero-waste shaving cream option for you to consider, one that comes complete with compostable packaging. It’s made out of a variety of natural ingredients such as Kaolin clay and coconut oil, therefore providing you with a moisturising shave every time.
It might cost a little much, but it is also equivalent to three full shaving cream cans, therefore actually making it quite cost effective. Another benefit of this particular zero-waste shaving cream is that it is great for sensitive skin. Even better is that it is pH balanced.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Shaving Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Shaving Soap is a great type of zero-waste shaving cream because it can be used on the underarms, legs, and face. One of the biggest benefits is that it comes complete in a recyclable tube that is created from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Furthermore, the shaving soap itself is made with fair trade or ingredients that are also organic. These include ingredients such as hemp oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and others.
It’s a great shaving soap because it produces a rich lather and allows for a smooth shave. You might also like how this product is 100% cruelty free and vegan, not to mention that it Comes in at a reasonable price.
Lush Dirty Shaving Cream
If you’re looking for some great zero-waste shaving cream, then this is a great option to consider. It’s made with all natural ingredients that are designed to be moisturising and gentle on the skin. Just some of the ingredients here include Shea butter, honey, and oat milk.
It comes to us in a neat little black pot that is made from 100% recycled plastic, which is also recyclable. One of the main benefits is that it’s designed to hydrate the skin. You might also like the fact that it is totally cruelty free.
Naked Necessities Natural Shaving Soap
What we appreciate about Naked Necessities Natural Shaving Soap Is that it comes in plastic free packaging, so it’s good for the environment and doesn’t have any issues in terms of disposal.
What many people will also like about it is that this product is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive of skin.
It’s known for producing a really rich and creamy lather that will help any razor glide over the skin with ease. It’s made with beneficial ingredients such as shade butter, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Bentonite Clay Shaving Soap by The Yellow Bird
Bentonite clay may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to shaving, but shaving soap made with bentonite clay is actually very eco-friendly. Bentonite clay is not only eco-friendly, but it also helps detoxify the skin, therefore allowing for more vibrant and healthier skin.
Besides bentonite clay, there is also a variety of essential oil and shea butter included here. It’s all about being gentle on the skin and providing you with a shave free of irritation. The 10 packaging it comes in is not made of plastic and is also recyclable.
Bamboo Charcoal Shaving Soap by EcoRoots
EcoRoots is a really great brand to consider as far as zero-waste shaving cream is concerned. First and foremost, this is a cruelty free and vegan shaving cream. Moreover, it’s also made with totally natural ingredients, with just some of them being castor oil, shea butter, and bamboo charcoal. The bamboo charcoal is especially good because it allows for great detoxification, which soothes your skin and allows for better skin health. Shea butter and Castor oil are also healthy for your skin, not to mention the fact that the product comes in a plastic free and recyclable tin.
Alluvian Orm Stout Shaving Soap
Here we have another fantastic zero-waste shaving cream product, one that is interestingly enough made out of stout beer. Besides stout beer it also contains coconut oil and cocoa butter. It produces a really rich and creamy lather that should help a razor glide smoothly across your skin, all well-being go friendly. Even better is the fact that it is actually handcrafted by real humans. It comes complete in a recyclable metal tin, so you don’t have to worry about any plastic packaging.
Viking Revolution Shaving Soap
Last but not least, we have this particular zero-waste shaving cream from Viking Revolution. It’s 100% free of all synthetic chemicals. It’s made with mango butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, and other beneficial ingredients that are designed to protect and moisturize your skin.
These ingredients also allow for a really thick and creamy lather for a great shaving experience. You might also appreciate how this product is specifically designed for sensitive skin, so you shouldn’t break out when you use it. The plastic free tin it comes in is just an added bonus.
