Sustainable Men’s Grooming: Eco-Friendly Shaving and Skincare for Men

October 29, 2025•Sustainable

More men today are embracing skincare and grooming, and many are conscious of sustainability in these routines. Sustainable men’s grooming means choosing products and tools that minimize environmental impact and promote well-being. This covers everything from selecting natural-based face wash to picking a zero-waste razor. Here we explore practical tips for an eco-friendlier male grooming routine.

1. Switch to a Reusable Razor Disposable plastic razors are one of the worst offenders for waste. The EPA estimates over 2 billion plastic razor cartridges are thrown away each year in the U.S. alone. These razors are mixed-material (plastic handle, rubber grip, metal blades) and **nearly impossible to recycle. They sit in landfills for centuries, leaching chemicals into soil and waterways. Eco Alternatives: Consider a safety razor – a classic metal razor with replaceable double-edge blades.

Made of stainless steel or brass, a safety razor can last a lifetime with proper care. When the blade dulls, you only replace the thin metal blade (which can be recycled as scrap metal), drastically cutting plastic waste. Though the upfront cost ( ~$30-$60 ) is higher, you may save money over time since a pack of metal blades is much cheaper than cartridge refills. Another choice is a straight razor (the old-school single blade). It requires skill to use safely, but a quality straight razor can serve for decades. Over time it can pay for itself compared to continually buying new disposables. If you prefer a new-looking single-blade feel without all plastic, bamboo disposable razors are an option.

These have a bamboo handle (biodegradable) and a standard blade. After you’re done, you remove the blade for scrap-metal recycling and compost or trash the bamboo handle. Brands like Preserve or Truefitt & Hill sell bamboo razors.

Electric Shavers

Electric razors (foil or rotary) avoid single-use plastic, but they have metal parts and electronics. They last multiple years if maintained. When they finally wear out, recycle the metal and electronics at an e-waste facility. The trade-off is electricity use during shaving. If convenient, go for an energy-efficient model or one that can run on battery power to reduce its footprint.

2. Choose Plastic-Free Shaving Creams and Soaps Many shaving creams and gels come in plastic cans or tubes, and some contain chemical foaming agents or fragrances. To reduce waste and irritants: waste choice. These lather just as well with a brush and last a long time. Ingredients are usually natural oils (coconut, olive) and some glycerin. They avoid aerosol propellants found in cans. (Just make sure any box is compostable or recyclable.)

some organic or natural brands do). Some eco-friendly brands even sell refill pouches to pour into your tin. oils. This yields zero plastic and all-natural ingredients.

Focus on minimal ingredients

fewer chemicals = easier on skin and environment. Avoid synthetic surfactants (like SLS) that irritate skin. Instead, brands with plant-based cleansers (cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside) are gentler. Check that the label lists mostly Latin/INCI names (e.g., Aqua, Glycerin, Sorbitol) which often indicates a minimal formula. 3. Upgrade Aftershave and Moisturizers Alcohol-based aftershaves in plastic bottles can dry out skin and produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Consider switching to a natural aftershave balm. Many eco brands offer balms in glass or metal containers, made with soothing aloe, shea butter, and essential oils. These hydrate skin without harsh chemicals. If scent is important, pick a product with natural fragrance (caution: some people react to essential oils) or truly fragrance-free.

For daily moisturizer or sunscreen (yes, sun protection is important for men too!), look for skincare brands that use recyclable packaging. Glass bottles with pumps, metal tins, or tubes labeled recyclable (with #2 HDPE or #5 PP) are better than mixed plastic bottles. Also, choose reef-safe mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to protect your skin and oceans, instead of chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone that harm coral. 4. Sustainable Hair and Body Care Men’s shampoos, body washes, and deodorants often come in bulky plastic bottles. Try some eco-friendly swaps: bottles. They come in cardboard or compostable wrap. Body bars (like Castile soap bars) also clean well without plastic containers.

stores). Refill your glass or metal bottle each time. This reduces plastic and transports less water. refillable metal tubes. Or use bamboo paper-board stick deodorants (they feel like plastic at first but break down). Make sure ingredients suit your skin (baking soda can irritate some).

have “Men’s lines” (usually green/black label), but read labels. Often, “men’s” products are identical to regular ones aside from scent. No shame in using any unisex natural shampoo or soap.

5. Minimalist Skincare Routine A simplified grooming routine uses fewer products (and packaging) overall. Instead of five different lotions and potions, focus on multi-taskers: Using 3-4 products instead of 8 means less waste. And travel becomes easier (carrying one product everywhere). Many men find they don’t need separate toner, scrub, aftershave, etc. on a daily basis.

6. Read Labels and Choose Better Ingredients Sustainable grooming also means safe ingredients. Refer back to our article on cosmetic red flags: avoid parabens, phthalates, silicones, and petroleum in your products. Choose products with natural anti-irritants like aloe, chamomile, or niacinamide. Brands that list ingredients openly (full INCI list) are more trustworthy. Apps like CodeCheck or EWG’s Skin Deep can scan barcodes to highlight hazards.

7. Conserve Water and Energy Your grooming’s carbon impact isn’t just products: it’s also how you use them. Hot showers and long hand washing add up. To cut your carbon footprint: open.

Small habits like these, combined with energy-efficient razors or brushes, make your grooming routine much greener. 8. Support Ethical Brands Finally, look for brands aligning with values: cruelty-free (no animal testing) and sustainably made. A Leaping Bunny or PETA logo on a men’s grooming product assures no animal testing. Check if the brand has responsibly sourced ingredients (e.g., ethically harvested shea butter) and climate goals. Some smaller companies champion environmental causes (for instance, donating a portion of sales to ocean cleanup or planting trees for each sale).

Conclusion

Sustainable men’s grooming is about mindful swaps. By choosing a metal safety razor and zero-waste soaps, simplifying your routine, and supporting transparent brands, you’ll shave both plastic and energy waste. Your skin (and the planet) will thank you.

Shaving Bars or Soaps: A bar soap or shaving soap in a cardboard box or paper wrap is an excellent zero-

Aluminum Tubes: If you use cream or paste, look for brands that package in recyclable metal tubes (like

DIY Creams: Some men even make their own shaving cream from coconut oil + shea butter + essential

Solid Shampoo/Body Bars: Shampoo bars lather with water on your hands and last 2-3 times longer than

Refillable Containers: Buy liquids in bulk pouches or at refill stations (some cities have package-free

Natural Deodorant: Plastic-roll-on deodorants can be replaced with cream deodorants in glass jars or

Look for “Men’s” Products: Interestingly, packaging color should not affect ingredients. Many companies

A gentle face cleanser that also doubles as body wash.

A single serum or balm for beard and face.

Sunscreen that also moisturizes (SPF moisturizer).

If you have a beard, a beard oil can serve as conditioner too.

Turn off the tap while lathering shaving cream or shampoo.

Use cold water for face washes when practical.

Shorten showers: Every 2 minutes saved is energy (and water) conserved.

Air dry tools: Instead of using a heated dryer on your hair every day, try towel drying or setting it in the

Sustainable Men’s Grooming: Eco-Friendly Shaving and Skincare for Men

Electric Shavers

Focus on minimal ingredients

Conclusion

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