What's so special about Preserve's razors?
The company is cruelty free and the razors are made from BPA free, 100% recycled #5 plastic, and the handle is, itself, completely recyclable after you're done with it. The package can double as a travel case and is made from renewable wood sources, and the blade features a gluten free lubrication strip that's made of only aloe, vitamin E oil, a vegan colorant, and a plastic compound to hold everything together. Do you know what goes into mainstream razor lubrication strips? I sure don't, although I do remember a certain Gillette razor a couple years back whose package proudly listed propylene glycol as a selling feature. (And if PG is considered a plus, I really don't want to know what else is going in there!)
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this is where I ran into a couple snags. The feel of the razor - both in my hand and while shaving - reminds me very much of disposable razors. Preserve advertises that their blades "flex and pivot to prevent nicks and cuts," which confused me for a minute, since, before going to their website, I had just finished writing that the head was stationary. On closer examination, the blade has maybe a couple millimeters of wiggle room, but it isn't anywhere near the pivoting action you get from a Venus or similar razor. It also tends to alternately skip and drag as you go.
I rarely buy dedicated shaving creams, opting instead for conditioner or body wash, but those haven't been cutting it here. (Get it, cutting it?) I've started using Kiss My Face's Key Lime Moisture Shave and while the razor works significantly better with an actual shaving product, I still find it next to impossible to get a close shave under my arms. I also think I've had more nicks, cuts, and razor burn in the last two months with Preserve than I've had in the last five years of shaving with other razors. Could it be a combination of the razor + shaving products + my shaving skills? Absolutely, but take it as you will.
Finally, if, like me, you noticed that Preserve doesn't exactly disclose full ingredients for their lubricating strip either - a vegan colorant and plastic compound are hardly INCI specific - I will say that it performs differently from any other lubricating strip I've used, which gives me hope that the ingredients are pretty different as well. Preserve's strip is very solid and it doesn't break down or get gummy the way that mainstream ones do.
The Bottom Line
I love what Preserve stands for as a company and that they're providing a more environmentally friendly option, but the razor itself has left me pretty underwhelmed. All in all, it's created a lot more stress than I need with my hair removal, so I'll likely be looking elsewhere when I run out of blades. Now, if Preserve were to come out with a deluxe model with a real pivoting head and greater flexibility, that's something I could see myself getting fully behind. I also hope that we'll see a switch to recyclable blades in the future, since that's the part that gets disposed of regularly, not the handle.
What do you think? Have you tried Preserve before?
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I gave up on razors a long time ago and switched to epilating. I know it is not for everyone. I have been looking into getting a razor simply for travel (my last epilator broke when checked in my baggage). I wonder if using cartridges of this brand on a venus razor would solve the issue of lack of pivoting
ReplyDeleteThat would be a perfect solution, but sadly the blades aren't compatible with a Venus. You're not the first person to recommend epilating, but honestly, I'm kind of terrified, haha :) Might have to look into it more though!
DeleteI've been considering buying one of these razor because like you I like what the company stands for. My legs are so delicate at the best of times that I would be concerned about the lack of pivot in the head. I have to agree with you eco friendly blades would be a good move as I've had my Venus handle for donkey years, it's the blades that I dispose with more often.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. I'd imagine most people aren't disposing of the handle very often, especially if they're making the effort to be more eco-friendly with Preserve!
DeleteSo glad that you did this review. I'm looking for new razors and preserve was at the top of my list.. not anymore. I get so irritated add is that I feel I'd be shaving just to hide the irritation that that this razor seems to give. Of course it might work differently for me but, I'm not willing to risk it. Great review Caitie!
ReplyDeleteIgnore typos and additional words, posting this from my phone lol
DeleteI'm glad it was helpful. I never thought I got irritated easily before this razor! Although, if you see Ria's comment below, and other reviews I've read, it does work well for some people, so you never know... :)
DeleteSo interesting to hear different perspectives! It's a shame it doesn't work too well for you. I got one of these a couple months ago and it actually works better for me than any other popular brands I've tried! I agree the handle does feel a little like disposables though, some sort of deluxe version would be a great idea :) x
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, for sure. It makes me wonder if it really is just a combination of factors like shaving cream, etc. I'll have to keep experimenting with it :) I'm glad it works so well for you anyways!
DeleteI haven't tried this razor, but earlier this year I tried out some different ones hoping to find something cheaper. I've used a man's razor for years because they are a little cheaper than women's and they seem to irritate my skin less. Disposable ones do not cut it, literally. haha I finally decided it was worth the extra money to just buy the mach 3 razors I've used for years. At least my bf uses the same and I can steal his blades when I run out before I buy more. haha I haven't tried a more green razor, but seems like reviews I've read of different ones have not been positive. I know some people recommend a safety razor, but I would cut my leg off I just know it.
ReplyDeleteI've used men's razors before too...they work just as well as women's as far as I'm concerned. I guess the only real difference is the aesthetics. I've considered safety razors too, but I feel the same as you. I don't think I'm quite there yet!
DeleteI'm glad you reviewed this razor but I only wish I read it before I placed an order for Preserve products during their online sale. I hope my experience is ok! What a bummer it didn't work out for you :/
ReplyDelete-Kasey
I've read positive reviews too, so it's fully possible that it's just me! I hope it works out better for you :)
DeleteHi Caitie, thanks for this post: I've been wanting a razor that's greener too. No finds so far, but I'm so glad you've passed on your views of this one!
ReplyDeleteIt'd be great if the mainstream ones were greener. And a wooden one would be pretty!
Leanne x
Completely agree, how awesome would it be if mainstream ones were green? Maybe one day!
DeleteA wooden one would be super pretty :)
Wow! I've been eyeing Preserve razors for a greener shave. I used to cut my legs all the time until I switched to Gillette Venus Sensitive razors. I think I'll say no to Preserve razors for now. I'm looking forward to a review on the Plein Vanity blog though.
ReplyDeleteYour most important tool is best safety razor blades. Don’t get skimpy with your razor and buy the low quality or cheapest one. You don’t want the cheapest; you want the best. Poor quality shaving razors end up being more trouble than they’re worth.
ReplyDelete