The weather is getting warmer which means some of us may be considering the post-winter shave as we box up our jumpers in favour of dresses, shorts and skirts. But there’s nothing more frustrating than mentally preparing yourself for the ‘big shower’ only to lather up the shaving cream to discover you forgot to buy a new razor.
Ahead of shaving season, I’ve been trying out some eco-friendly razors in a bid to reduce my consumption of single use plastics in the bathroom, and I’ve been pretty impressed. But one brand really stood out to me due to their high-performance blades and general ethos on shaving.
I think it’s important to share that shaving is a different journey for everyone. Some people like being totally hair-free and smooth every single day of the year. Others prefer to maintain their body hair, and it all comes down to personal preference and I don’t think anyone should be judged for their choices.
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Personally, I sit somewhere in the middle, option for half a dozen ‘big shaves’ a year, so with a good few weeks of leg hair growth to go at, I felt I was in a pretty good position to put these razors through their paces.
I compared two popular shaving subscription services, as well as an eco-friendly option from Wilkinson Sword, which is available in Superdrug if you can’t wait for the delivery time - and my legs have never been smoother.
Here’s how I got on in my quest to find the best sustainable razor to see me through the summer months and beyond.
Wilkinson Sword Xtreme 3 ECO Beauty Disposable Razors
This green option from Wilkinson Sword is the only disposable razor in the line up, with the other two having a metal body where you simply replace the head. The Xtreme 3 ECO Beauty Disposable Razors are a great, affordable option for those who may not be able to afford the investment of these reusable razors, but still want to make a more sustainable choice in the bathroom.
The razors are made with 95 per cent recycled plastic, and both the urple and grey handle, and cardboard packaging, can be recycled. The razor is made up of three flexible blades sandwiched between two thin lubricating strips with aloe vera and vitamin E. Aloe vera is naturally soothing, while vitamin E is hydrating for the skin, so is less likely to leave your skin feeling irritated.
Wilkinson Sword said: “The Xtreme 3 Eco Green delivers a close and comfortable shave that is great for your style whilst helping to reduce waste. It’s our first step towards creating a more sustainable product portfolio than before, and your first step towards great style without compromise.”
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A pack of four razors is usually £4.49 but has been reduced to £2.99 in Superdrug for four razors, with shopper ‘Springwatcher’ rating them five stars, writing: “Brilliant. Never used before but much better than their standard ones, last ages and will buy again.”
For me, I prefer razors with four or more blades, so found this razor to be better suited to my underarms over my legs. I’d also prefer slightly bigger lubricating strips, however, it did the job and is a great choice for those looking for a cheap, disposable razor that’s less harmful to the planet.
FFS
Originally launched in 2015, Friction Free Shaving rebranded to FFS Beauty in in 2020, and now stock razor subscriptions, fake tan, body care, hair care and the natural deodorant I once tried for a month.
The FFS razor starter kit is priced at £14 and comes with a premium metal handle in one of eight colours, two premium SmoothGlide blade, blade cover and matching shower holder. Shoppers can then buy extra blades as and when they’re needed with eight blades priced at £22 - less than £3 each.
I got the onyx razor, but there are some fabulous colours to choose from, including rose, olive and orchid.
Previously, many people who shave regularly have opted to use men’s razors because, generally, they’re better quality than those marketed for women. FFS Beauty said: “Using men’s blades? We’ll let you into a little secret: FFS blades are the same high standard as typical ‘men’s razors’, as they’re coated in the same titanium and diamond grade carbon that you’ll find in most ‘men’s’ blades. This means the blade can remove the most hairs in a single stroke, reducing the number of times you need to go over the same area.”
The razors have six blades which are all vegan and cruelty free, which includes the lubricating strip. And what’s more is that when you’re done with them, the can be recycled. Shavers just need to save 12 FFS blades which can be stored in the box they arrive in, packaged up and sent back to the FFS HQ. These are then broken down ready to be separated and recycled.
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The FFS razor is pretty dreamy to use. It’s handle has quite a bit of weight to it so it’s comfortable to hold and feels like it will last a very long time. The head is extremely flexible and curved with my body for a smooth, close shave with no cuts either, and the lubricating strips were thicker than on the Wilkinson Sword Razor.
And if you’re wondering how often to change your razors, skin expert and Cosmetic Physician Dr. Karim suggests changing razor heads weekly, or after around five uses, as bacteria can build up in the razor while it’s stored in the bathroom.
Estrid
Finally, I tried out the Estrid razor, which costs £7.95 for a starter kit including a steel handle razor, holder, and two blades. Customers can then sign up for a subscription of four replacement blades for £9.95, which can be delivered as often as you want on a cancel anytime basis.
The razors come in six pretty pastel colours from lemonade to matcha, and I opted for bloom which is a pale pink colour.
Estrid said: “Hair removal should be optional. Great hair removal shouldn’t. That’s why we’ve created Estrid. Your body, your hair, your control. In your account you can change the frequency of your subscription, skip one delivery or pause or cancel the subscription at any time.”
The razor is made from weighted stainless steel and has a rubber back so you won’t end up dropping it in the bath or shower every five minutes. This had the largest head and lubrication strips of the shaving trio, and was just as flexible as the FFS razor. It offers five blades, which provided a precise and smooth shave that felt really gentle on my skin, and the extra lubrication from the vegan strips was definitely noticed.
Estrid added: “Good and affordable razors don’t need to be gendered. Historically, razors aimed at women have been priced differently than those aimed at men. Not cool. Everyone, no matter gender identity, has body hair. That’s why we’ve created quality razors and caring shaving products for everyone and anyone who chooses to shave.”
The razors packaging is recyclable, and postage is free as it’s been ‘climate compensated’ through Estrid’s climate partner Tricorona. And while their blades can’t currently be recycled like FFS, Estrid says this is something they’re looking at for the future.
Personally, my favourite razor to use was the Estrid. It was comfortable and easy to use, and really glided across my skin making shaving less of a chore. I find it to be really affordable and their brand values align with my own. I’d just really like to see them implement a razor recycling scheme like FFS in the future.
