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As a result, the demand for brands to step up their sustainability efforts is on the up, with the rise of 'refillutionaries' aka consumers committed to products and business models that drive positive change, 'galvanised into action by escalating climate change emergencies' (Clare Varga, WGSN). And this is where refills come in, as they negate the need to throw away as much packaging in the first place.
'In a bid to create a more circular economy and combat the issue of non- recyclable componentry in skincare, more and more beauty brands are turning to refillable products.'
Katie, Team Skin Rocks
Packaging manufacturers are also launching more sustainable solutions, and consumers want it too. A recent study from NPD-Circana found that refill prestige beauty sales had increased by 364% over the span of seven months, and nearly half of all participants in a survey from plastic waste prevention company CleanHub said they would pay more for products that came in sustainable packaging.
Creating refillable options isn't without difficulty, particularly when it comes to skincare, where sanitation, ingredient stability and formula efficacy all heavily rely on the appropriate packaging. Still, brands can do better by offering refillable options for parts that cannot be recycled, pumps being a common issue.
Benefits of refillable skincare:
* They save you money in the long run, as a refill is usually cheaper than an entirely new product
* Reduces plastic (and all) waste
* Great for travel as refills typically take up less room
Some brands are even taking it a step further, partnering with 'Loop' - a company which promotes a circular economy by helping brands to create zero-waste packaging. REN Clean Skincare are the first premium skincare brand to take advantage of the service. Once you've finished your product, you simply return it to a Loop drop-off point, and the brand will collect the empty bottle, sterilise and refill it before placing it back on the shelf.
So, while more is needed to make the industry more sustainable, positive steps are being made to reduce waste. In a Premium Beauty News report from Paris Packaging Week 2024, refills seemed to be the word on everyone’s lips, with everything from innovative new glass jars, organic packaging biomaterials and reusable applicators on show. As brands become more innovative with their solutions and consumer demand grows, it appears that refillable skincare could become the norm in the not-too-distant future.
Looking for skincare brands that offer refillable options? Check out the below:
Isle of Paradise Medium Self-Tanning Water
Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF 50 PA+++
Sculpted by Aimee DuoCleanse | Cleanse & Brighten
Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturiser
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Face Exfoliant
Trinny London Find Your Balance BHA Exfoliant
Words by Katie - Team Skin Rocks Qualifications - BTEC, Beauty Therapy Applied Sciences
