BEST Zero-Waste Shaving Creams For An Eco-Friendly Close Shave

Who doesn’t love the feeling of a smooth shave with your favorite shaving cream? I know I do.

What I don’t love is the wasteful aerosol cans that release chemicals into the air, onto my skin, and then, on disposal, build up in landfills.

So, I’ve found some fantastic zero-waste shaving bar options that are kind to your skin and the environment. Let’s get into it.

What’s wrong with traditional shaving creams?

Traditional shaving creams, while effective for their intended use, have several drawbacks, especially when considering environmental and health perspectives.

The aerosol cans used in many shaving creams are difficult to recycle, leading to waste.

Nonrecyclable plastic packaging used in other formulas can take hundreds of years to decompose and end up accumulating in landfills and oceans.

Traditional shaving creams contain synthetic chemicals that may harm aquatic life once they wash down the drain or contaminate the earth as the waste breaks down in landfills.

Chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates can disrupt ecosystems and harm wildlife.

Conventional shaving creams in cans generally contain butane and/or propane (volatile organic compounds) as propellants to expel the shampoo from the can.

While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel looked at the safety of butane and propane and found them “safe” under the present condition of concentration,” they also noted that exposure to these ingredients in testing caused animals to pass out or die.¹

Why would I want that in my shaving cream!?

Furthermore, some traditional shaving cream brands still do animal testing, which is an ethical concern for many consumers.

Finally, some harsh chemicals in conventional shaving cream, like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and artificial fragrances, can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitivities.

Why zero-waste shaving cream?

Zero waste shaving creams are designed with the environment in mind, from ingredients to packaging.

They avoid harmful chemicals and use natural ingredients that are kinder to your skin and the planet. Their nourishing ingredients help prevent razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs.

The packaging is often biodegradable or recyclable, significantly reducing waste.

Most zero-waste products are concentrated in bar form, lasting longer than their conventional counterparts and saving you money over time.

By choosing zero-waste options, you’re not just pampering your skin but also taking a stand against unnecessary waste and pollution and supporting businesses committed to ethical practices and environmental stewardship.

But with so many options sprouting up, which ones truly stand out?

The Best Zero-Waste Shaving Cream Options

Eco Roots

Eco Roots citrusy organic shave soap is enriched with cocoa and shea butter.
It foams up to a rich lather for a close shave and is perfect for use with safety razor blades.
The shaving soap is vegan, cruelty-free, package-free, and manufactured in the USA.
Ingredients: Saponified oils of Sunflower*, Coconut*, Castor*, and Safflower*, Lemon Essential Oil, Lavandin Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil, Bentonite Clay, Coconut Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter*, Shea Butter*, Avocado Oil*, Rosemary Extract. *Organic

Badger

Badger’s Shavng Soap Bar is moisturizing and enriched with aloe vera, coconut oil, and glycerin for slip.
It builds to a rich lather that reduces irritation and improves razor glide.
Badger is a women-owned, certified b corporation. A certified b corporation meets rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency.²
It’s made in the USA.
Their palm oil is certified USDA organic and certified RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)
Ingredients: Sodium Palmate (Organic Palm Oil & Sodium Hydroxide), Sodium Cocoate (Organic Coconut Oil & Sodium Hydroxide), Water, Organic Glycerin, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Bergamot Oil, Sodium Citrate, Organic Vetivert Oil, Organic Aloe, Organic Sandalwood Oil, Organic Cardamom Oil, Organic Vanilla Extract, Organic Black Pepper Oil, Organic Myrrh Extract

Leaf

Leaf is best known for their well-made safety razor. Their shave soap is made for slick lubrication to enhance blade glide and reduce razor burn.
It’s made without colorants or scents, and ships with plastic-free, carbon-neutral packaging.
Ingredients: hydrogenated soybean oil (soy wax), water, cocos nucifera (coconut oil), potassium hydroxide (lye), theobroma cacao (cocoa butter), ricinus communis (castor oil), sodium hydroxide (lye), glycerine (vegetable glycerin), kaolin (kaolin clay)

Chagrin Valley

Chagrin Valley’s citrus shaving soap is made with nourishing plant oils and butter, along with coconut milk and bentonite clay.
It produces a creamy lather with good slip, offering plenty of moisture for a closer shave.
It’s certified organic, vegan, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free, contains certified sustainable palm oil, and is made in the USA.
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil*, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Palm Oil (Sustainable), Organic Castor Bean Oil, Distilled Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Avocado Oil , Organic Cocoa Butter*, Organic Virgin Shea Butter*, Organic Coconut Milk, Bentonite Clay, Organic Lemon Essential Oil, Organic Lime Essential Oil, Organic Bergamot Essential Oil, Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Organic Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil, Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Organic Cornstarch, Organic Soapnuts, Organic Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE)

Beauty by Earth

Beauty by Earth’s Shaving Soap Bar contains a careful balance of natural ingredients to create a rich shaving lather.
It contains 75% certified organic ingredients.
It is lightly scented with lavender, lemongrass, patchouli, and cedarwood oil.
It’s Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified and ships in recyclable packaging with minimal waste.
Ingredients: Saponified Oils of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil*, and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*; Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Thobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil, Vetivera Zizanoides (Vetiver) Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract *certified organic ingredients

Kitch

Kitch Solid Shave Butter is made with a hydrating, pH-balanced formula, including shea butter and vitamin E, to nourish the skin.
It’s Leaping Bunny certified and packaged plastic-free.
Ingredients: Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Sunflowerate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Natural Fragrance*, Titanium Dioxide (non-nanoparticle form) **, Mixed Tocopherols. *Natural fragrance derived from plants. **Natural color

Ethique

Ethique’s unique 2-in-1 Shampoo and Shave Bar contains citrus and peppermint to refresh skin and hair and organic cocoa butter to soften.
It’s pH-balanced and delivers a rich lather for shampooing and shaving.
The bar is cruelty-free, vegan, and in compostable, recyclable, and plastic-free packaging.
Note that this bar contains sodium coco-sulfate (SCS). SCS is derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil and is considered a gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate.
Ingredients: Sodium coco-sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, stearic acid, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, decyl glucoside, aqua (water), glycerin, brassica alcohol, lactic acid, kaolin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, limonene¹, sodium isethionate, Citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, behentrimonium methosulfate, Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mica, CI 77891, CI 77007. Component of essential oils

Home Brewed Soaps

Home Brewed Soaps’ handmade zero-waste shaving soap has skin-softening oils and green clay to create a creamy, rich lather for the smoothest shave.
Their tea soaps are cruelty-free, non-toxic, palm-free, and scented with essential oils.
They are packaged in a recyclable kraft box.
Ingredients: Oils of Olive , Castor, Coconut, Avocado, Shea & Cocoa Butter. 100% Essential Oils of Lavender, Rosemary & Lemon. Green Tea. Green Clay.

Help me get started!

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How do I choose a zero-waste shaving cream?

When selecting a zero-waste shaving cream, consider the following:

Ingredients: Look for natural and organic ingredients that benefit your skin. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.
Packaging: Choose products with eco-friendly packaging to reduce your carbon footprint. Recyclable glass jars, metal tins, or paper are all great choices.
Brand Values: Research the brand’s commitment to sustainability beyond their products. Many zero-waste brands are involved in broader environmental initiatives and practices.
Skin Type: Ensure the product suits your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin. Natural ingredients are generally gentler, but it’s still important to choose a product that matches your skin’s needs.

How do I use zero-waste shaving cream bars?

Shaving soap bars are easy to use and versatile.

Once your skin is wet and the hair softened, massage the soap onto the area to be shaved either directly on skin, on a washcloth or with a reusable shaving brush.

Massaging well creates a rich, foamy lather for a smooth shave. Experiment to find which option works best for you based on the area to be shaved.

Then shave as usual with a plastic-free safety razor or with a traditional disposable. Done!

Tell me more about the harmful chemicals in traditional shaving cream

Formulas vary, but these toxic chemicals are commonly found in conventional shaving cream:

❌ Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA): Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used as a preservative and stabilizer in skincare products. The U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.³

❌ Triethanolamine: Triethanolamine is used in skin care products as a PH adjuster and emulsifier. Research suggests it may cause cellular changes in the liver, suggesting the risk of liver damage or carcinogenicity.⁴

❌ Fragrance: Due to laws that allow companies to protect their fragrance formulations, companies can hide toxic ingredients from consumers hidden under the general term “fragrance.” Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates. Phthalates can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of asthma and allergies. They are also endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting hormones and fertility.⁵

❌ Isobutane, Isopentane, N-butane, and Propane: Used as propellants in cosmetics to expel the product from the container. While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel looked at the safety of these ingredients and found them “safe” under present conditions of concentration,” they also noted that exposure to these ingredients in testing caused animals to pass out or die.⁶

❌ Sulfates: Such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Often found in shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste, sulfates are effective cleansers but can cause eye, mouth, lung, and skin irritation. It can also strip the skin and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness.⁷

❌ Parabens: Widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products, parabens can disrupt hormones, including estrogen, harm fertility, and potentially increase the risk of breast cancer.⁸

Final thoughts

With so many terrific options, I found it easy to make the switch to a zero-waste shaving cream.

The bars nourishing oils and butters help my safety razor glide easily over my skin without any irritation and they don’t clog the blade.

It’s also nice to know I am not piling can after can into a landfill. It’s a win-win for me and the planet!

Over to you

Have you already embraced zero-waste shaving creams? Or are you curious to give them a try? Share your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations in the comments.

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