Latest news with #safetyrazor
The Independent
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
9 best environmentally-friendly razors for a clean shave
Razor blades are meant to be changed frequently, which means waste quickly adds up, not to mention the handles, too. Opting for a razor that lasts a long time (and actually looks nice enough that we want to hold onto it for years), and one that can be recycled, ideally blades and all, is a great alternative. While multi-blade razors are easy to use and tend to deliver a closer shave than single-blade razors, if you have sensitive skin or skin issues, consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari recommends sticking with a single-blade razor (these are often called safety razors). 'Safety razors require a little more patience and skill, even though the technique can be acquired quite quickly', says Dean Harries, co-founder of plastic-free shaving brand Shoreline Shaving. They're weighted, which means they 'give you a smooth shave without the need to apply your own pressure, as long as the blade is sharp', he explains, and recommends short, slow strokes when shaving. And, only 'shave against the grain once you're confident.' After testing lots of razors, some from brands you've heard of, and some you may not have, I've chosen my favourite (the Mühle companion unisex safety razor, thanks to its beautiful design and sharp blades). But, I've also found an adjustable razor, one with a bikini line trimmer, and a blade subscription. Many of the brands in this review have recycling take-back schemes. You should also be able to recycle metal blades as scrap metal at recycling centres, too, but check whether your local centre will do this. How I tested I've been testing these razors over several months. A lot of the brands have their own shaving soaps and shaving oils, but I used the same shaving cream with every razor to keep variables to a minimum. It's also worth noting that most of the brands I tried send blades with their razors, and most of the razors were compatible with any double-edged blades, so you can choose a different blade if you so wish. I assessed each of the razors using the following testing criteria: Ease of use: I acknowledged how comfortable and ergonomic the handles were, assessing their texture and width. I considered the weighting of the head and the handle and how balanced this felt in use. I also changed the blades of all of the razors to assess how easy this was. Shaving results: I made a note of which blades arrived (if included) with each razor, and how gentle and close of a shave I was able to achieve. Environmental considerations and credentials: I asked all of the brands where their razors were made, what materials they're made from, and if and how they could be recycled. I also asked them to confirm whether their razors arrived in 100 per cent plastic-free. I assumed the durability and expected longevity of the razors, looking at the materials and sturdiness of the design. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lois Borny has years of testing experience to call on, having joined The Independent 's IndyBest section in 2021. She has a particular interest in finding the eco-friendly changes you can make (from waterless shampoo to plastic-free shampoo bars) to better the planet. Beyond this, Lois is conscious of greenwashing and makes sure to fact-check the claims that brands make to ensure that you're getting the best advice possible. All of the products that feature in this review have been tried and tested by Lois The best eco-friendly women's razors for 2025 are:
The Independent
09-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
8 best safety razors that will help you boss your grooming regime
Walk into any supermarket or pharmacy and you'll find rows of flashy multi-blade razors – complete with lubrication strips and even vibrating handles, in some cases – promising your smoothest ever shave. While these cartridge razors dominate the shelves, they don't always represent the best options – particularly if you've got sensitive skin. More blades can mean more tugging and friction, which often leads to irritation, razor burn, and those dastardly ingrown hairs. Enter: the safety razor – a simple, single-blade tool that's been quietly making a comeback. Originally designed more than a century ago (the double-edge safety razor was first patented by Gillette in 1901), safety razors, by their very design, come with less drag, making them ideal for anyone prone to redness or bumps. Safety razors are also far better for the planet, with no plastic cartridges and fully recyclable blades. They can be easier on your wallet, too. Sure, they can take some getting used to, but, once you've mastered the safety razor, it'll be hard to go back. We put a range of models to the test, from beginner-friendly razors to precision tools for seasoned shavers. Whether you're looking to cut down on irritation or just want a more sustainable shave, keep scrolling for the best safety razors worth adding to your grooming routine. How we tested For this review, our tester shaved with a number of different safety razors – mainly double-edge safety razors, although, they did find a rare single-edged safety razor to include (more on that later). Each razor was used at least twice, using the blade included, or a Shark blade if a blade was not packaged with the razor. For context, our reviewer has thick, curly, dark hair, which makes them more prone to ingrown hairs. Therefore, they did not shave against the grain, as they find this increases the likelihood of irritation. Nivea's shaving gel (£2.70, was used pre-shave, while Nivea's sensitive after-shave balm (£8.69, was used post-shave. While our tester would advise using a shaving brush and shaving soap for the full safety razor experience, he understands those new to using a safety razor might not have a full shaving set, which is why he used these easily accessible Nivea products instead. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Richard Jones has been writing feature reviews for IndyBest since 2022. Whether he's reviewing men's wallets, hoodies, joggers or safety razors, he prioritises high-quality products that deliver, and he will only recommend those be believes are worth your money. The best safety razors for 2025 are:
