BIC Marks 50 Years of Shaving Innovation
From the world’s first one-piece shaver to today’s premium designs, BIC continues to shape the future of shaving worldwide
Shelton, Conn. – In 1975, BIC revolutionized everyday personal care habits with the launch of the world’s first one-piece disposable shaver – the iconic BIC 1. With this bold move, shaving became easy, safe, affordable and accessible to all. Fifty years later, the BIC 1 remains the company’s most sold razor worldwide, a true testament to its timeless design and trusted performance.
This year, BIC proudly commemorates 50 years of continuous innovation and industrial excellence in blade technology and skin-friendly design and continues to enhance daily routines for millions across the globe.
“At BIC, we are committed to innovating with purpose. We continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of our consumers,” said Gary Horsfield, BIC Blade Excellence Category Leader & Group Supply Chain Officer. “Our razors blend cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, offering an exceptional and smooth shaving experience that has become an essential part of everyday life.”
Commitment to Precision and Industrial Excellence
BIC's journey in blade manufacturing began in Greece at BIC Violex, its largest global shaver production facility, where production of the BIC 1 began in 1974 just one year before its commercial launch. Today, 99% of the plant’s output is exported to primarily North America, Mexico, and Europe. The site produces over 25 million shavers per week and manufactures more than 40 different types of razors. It also serves as one of BIC’s global innovation hubs, where all new shaving products are prototyped and developed.
BIC has since expanded production to France, Mexico, Brazil, and Kenya, collectively producing over 6 billion blades annually and distributing razors in more than 160 countries. Through cutting-edge precision engineering and nanotechnology, BIC blades are now up to 2,000 times thinner than human hair, a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation.
To help ensure a safe and superior shave, every blade undergoes over 60 rigorous quality checks and is processed under extreme temperatures, from 1,100°C to -80°C, to ensure durability and performance while safeguarding excellence in every product. Because when it comes to personal care, we believe reliability should never be a question.
This unmatched scale and trust have made BIC a daily essential in grooming routines worldwide.
Innovations Tailored to All
BIC has continually advanced its shaving range to meet the diverse needs of consumers—adapting to different skin types, grooming styles, and lifestyles with thoughtful precision.
- Women’s Shavers: BIC’s women razors today feature two- to five-blade systems with lubricating strips and moisturizing bars, infused with oils and natural butters for a smooth glide and skin that feels soft and silky after shaving. Comfort shields protect your skin from irritation, while lightweight, textured handles ensure a secure grip, even in the shower. Fragranced handles and vibrant, color-coded designs transform daily grooming into a sensorial, feel-good ritual.
- Men’s Shavers: BIC’s men’s razors are engineered with one to five ultra-sharp stainless-steel blades. Depending in the model, they feature fixed or pivoting heads that follow facial contours, precision blades for sculpting beards and sideburns, lubricating strips for added comfort and advanced blade coatings —delivering a consistently smooth and close shave.
Advancing Sustainability
“At BIC, we believe in developing simple, inventive, and reliable products responsibly taking into account the planet, society, and future generations,” said Karen Schwartz, Vice President BIC Blade Excellence Category. “Our philosophy has always been to use only what’s needed. That mindset drives both our innovation and sustainability goals.”
BIC is making strides in sustainability by leveraging its global manufacturing expertise and longstanding ethos of doing more with less:
- Recycled Materials: Razor handles now feature up to 90% recycled content in models like the BIC Hybrid Flex 3 and Comfort 3 Refillable, and 87% in the upgraded Twin Lady/Silky Touch. Further improvements are ongoing across other models.
- Recycled Steel: Blades are made with 80% recycled steel, delivering performance with a reduced environmental footprint.
- Packaging: 85% of all plastic packaging is now reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
- Renewable Energy: BIC has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions at its factories, with 92% of energy now sourced from renewable energy.
Evolving with Purpose: BIC’s Journey to Empower Women Through ‘Your Time to Shine
Alongside BIC celebrating 50 years of shaving innovation, the brand recently launched a new global platform, “Your Time to Shine.” The new campaign celebrates self-care, self-expression, and honest, behind-the-scenes moments that fuel confidence every day.
Rooted in BIC’s half-century legacy of skin-friendly innovation and thoughtful design, the campaign is a testament to how BIC Soleil empowers women to shine in their own unique way.
Featured Products:
- BIC Flex 5 Sensitive – a new male shaving experience clinically proven for sensitive skin.
- BIC Twin Lady/Silky Touch - featuring 87% recycled handle and a fresh look
- Soleil Escape Coconut and Sandalwood – A luxurious glide with coconut and sandalwood-scented handle.
- Soleil Glide – Newly enhanced Moisture Bars enriched with three natural moisturizing butters that hydrate skin during and after shaving.
- BIC 1 – celebrating its 50th year and remaining BIC’s most sold razor worldwide.