Possibly more troubling than the impact disposable razors have on the environment, shaving cream is even worse.
Chemicals and ingredients in the shaving creams and gels (like glycols, PEGs and, isopentane) that are used can have a damaging effect when they make their way into the water ecosystem. Many of the ingredients cannot dissolve in water, which can impact the growth of animals and plants. They are also absorbed by fish and other organic matter in water ecosystems and can make their way back to our tables.
How is shaving cream bad for the environment?
Shaving cream, like many personal care products, can have a negative impact on the environment. Here are some reasons why:
- Packaging waste: Shaving cream is typically packaged in aerosol cans or plastic tubes, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and pollute the environment if not disposed of properly.
- Chemical pollution: Many shaving creams contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that can harm aquatic life and contaminate waterways.
- Energy consumption: The production and transportation of shaving cream require significant amounts of energy, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
- Water usage: Shaving cream requires water to rinse off, which can contribute to water waste.
All-natural shave soaps like Stirling do no such harm on the environment, reducing the impact of your morning shave and keeping the environment and natural water sources clean and chemical-free.
The best eco-friendly shaving cream alternatives
1) Stirling Soap shave soap
Price: $14.25 for a 5.8oz jar
Materials: Made from beef tallow, sustainable palm oil, and fragrances.
Brand ethics: Stirling Soap is a small company based in Arkansas that is committed to bringing high-quality soaps to market that do not hurt the planet. All of their soaps are made with natural ingredients, sustainable palm oils. Where possible their labels are made of post consumer waste content, and their plastic wraps for the soaps are made of biodegradable plastic.
Browse dozens of unique scents from Stirling's line of shave soaps. Made from all-natural ingredients these soaps give you a rich, luxurious lather that results in a smooth shave leaving you refreshed and ready for the day.
2) Bare Natural Soap Co All Natural Shave Soap
Price: $6.95
Materials: Made from shea butter, kokum butter, organic virgin coconut oil, vitamin E, organic aloe vera juice, organic castor oil, and organic hemp seed oil
Brand ethics: Bare Natural Soap Co. Features All-Natural, Vegan handcrafted, unique soaps, skincare products & candles made in small batches & made with materials found in nature like plant-based oils, botanicals, organic oats, almond and coconut milk.
This handcrafted shave soap pucks provide all the skin soothing suds you need for a classic close shave. Bare Natural Soap Co uses a dual lye recipe to make our shave pucks- this makes for an incredible, creamy, bubbly and luscious lather. One puck will last for many, many, months of shaving to be used over and over again with a shaving bowl and brush.
Raw Shea butter, raw mango butter, organic coconut oil, fair-trade raw organic cocoa butter, vitamin E, organic aloe vera juice,, organic castor oil, and organic hemp seed oil will moisturize your sensitive skin, while hydrating essential oils give you a clean, fresh scent, soothing your skin and helping prevent skin irritation.
3) Eco Roots organic shave soap
Price: $12.99
Materials: Made from a blend of coconut, sunflower, castor, and safflower oils as well as a mix of essential oils.
Brand ethics: EcoRoots is on a mission to provide you with the best eco-friendly and low-waste products out there. Their products are kindly made for every person, every body, every identity. From beauty and health to household products, their eco-friendly lineup is here to help you find sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials! Today, they feature over 50 low-waste products for you to choose from. They ship their products in compostable plastic-free packaging giving you a guilt-free shopping experience from start to finish.
Say goodbye to itchy skin and bumps when you shave with this Organic Shaving Soap, a delicious mix of citrus and lemon notes enriched with shea and cocoa butter - a foamy treat for your legs that also help reduce plastic waste.
Made with organic coconut oil, avocado oil, citrus essential oils (lemon & lime).
- Vegan
- Manufactured in the USA
- Made with Organic Ingredients
- Cruelty-Free
- Zero-Waste
- Package-Free
- Plastic-Free Shipping
4) Noble Otter shave soap
Price: $18.00
Materials: Made from stearic acid, beef tallow, coconut milk, glycerin, castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, kokum butter, mango seed butter, and a mix of fragrances.
Brand ethics: Noble Otter is a soap company dedicated to providing excellent quality grooming products for men. Everything from shaving soaps, to cologne. Using all-natural ingredients and created in the USA, Noble Otter is committed to bringing you natural products and minimizing the impact to the environment.