Best Non-Toxic Razors in 2025


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What we look for:
- Durable materials like stainless steel and brass
- No plastic
- Products from transparent brands we trust
Common Harmful Chemicals in Razors
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Ingestion or dermal absorption of the chemical at more than 800-1000 mg/kg/day can lead to central nervous system depression and liver and kidney changes in animals, despite there being no significant developmental toxicity. The chemical acts as an eye irritant; however, it is poorly absorbed through the skin. Unanticipated side effects are unlikely unless there is exposure to mists of heated liquid. Notably, animal feeding studies have shown that the chemical could damage the CNS, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and the reproductive system.
Ethylene oxide is a flammable, sweet-smelling gas that easily dissolves in water. This man-made compound is primarily used to create ethylene glycol, which is used to make antifreeze and polyester, and is also used in small quantities for controlling insects in stored agricultural products, sterilizing medical equipment and fumigating spices. Ethylene oxide may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, damage to the brain and nervous system, reproductive effects, and is considered by the EPA to be carcinogenic if inhaled. Exposure risks, which are notably prevalent for healthcare workers engaged in sterilization tasks, include CNS depression, eye and mucous membrane irritation and in some cases, cataracts. Despite these hazards, there are conflicted reports regarding ethylene oxide's carcinogenicity in humans.
Ethylene oxide derived glycol ethers: A review of the alkyl glycol ethers potential to cause endocrine disruption, Adverse health effects of ethylene oxide and occupational exposure limits, Campaign For Safe Cosmetics: Ethoxylated Ingredients, Ingredient Breakdown: ETHYLENE OXIDE, Ethylene Oxide Overview, What is Ethylene Oxide?, Ethylene Oxide Hazard Summary, FDA Authority Over Cosmetics: How Cosmetics Are Not FDA-Approved, but Are FDA-Regulated, DEFINE ETHOXYLATES OR ETHOXYLATED SURFACTANT AND ITS APPLICATIONS?, Known and Probable Human Carcinogens, OSHA Fact Sheet
1,4-Dioxane is a clear, water-soluble liquid that is primarily used as a solvent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents. Other uses leverage its solvent properties, including cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers generally reduce 1,4-Dioxane to low levels in these products due to its potential health risks. Acute exposure can result in symptoms such as vertigo, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage, and the substance is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Notably, severe kidney and liver damage, CNS effects, and even death have been recorded after heavy or prolonged exposure.
What Is 1,4-Dioxane in Laundry and Cleaning Products?, Effect of ethoxylation and lauryl alcohol on the self-assembly of sodium laurylsulfate: Significant structural and rheological transformation, Final Risk Evaluation for 1,4-Dioxane, Ongoing and Completed Chemical Risk Evaluations under TSCA, Preliminary Information on Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution, Use, and Disposal, TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEW OF 1,4-DIOXANE, 15th Report on Carcinogens, 1,4-Dioxane, Determination of residual 1,4-dioxane in surfactants and cleaning agents using headspace single-drop microextraction followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics: A Manufacturing Byproduct, An integrated assessment of the 1,4-dioxane cancer mode of action and threshold response in rodents, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, Product Profile: Hand Sanitizer, Occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic raw materials and finished cosmetic products, Chemical Profile: 1,4-dioxane
Ethylene is a colorless gas used in various applications, from welding to manufacturing plastics and accelerating fruit ripening. Human exposure to high concentrations can cause memory disturbances, loss of consciousness, and even death by suffocation, as it affects the respiratory center in the brain. Chronic exposure has been associated with sensory and cardiovascular alterations. Animal studies show that prolonged exposure can cause decreased food intake, changes in blood cells, and hypertension, but no substantial changes in behavior, body weight, or organ structure were observed. It is metabolized into carcinogenic and mutagenic ethylene oxide in some species, but no significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was found in rodents exposed to ethylene.
BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.








