The billion-dollar refillable market opportunity
In 2019, the global beauty market was valued at $532 billion – a substantial opportunity for cosmetic conglomerates as well as small niche skincare brands to transform the industry into one that is sustainable and refillable.
Creating products that appease the excessive production of plastic and non-recyclable packaging is a must as we enter the climate decade. Whether that is in haircare, colour, fragrance or body, the market is slowly awakening to the opportunities that sustainable beauty has.
Sure, the industry phased out harmful microbeads years ago, but now it’s time for a step change to tackle the pervasive problems of plastics. It has been reported by Zero Waste Week that the beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging annually. The reliance on plastic by the cosmetics industry is highlighted by a recent study by National Geographic which found that for US made products, plastic packaging is used 120 times more now than it was in 1960. Further research conducted by Garnier in 2018, found that 56% of Brits don’t recycle their bathroom products. This serves as compounding evidence that beauty players and citizens need to rethink plastic waste and refillable beauty is a credible solution. Refillable glass vials and containers used for our lotions and potions can eliminate up to 70% of carbon emissions associated with the beauty production, according to Netherlands-based group LCA Centre.
Beauty companies leading the refillable revolution
Whilst it may not yet be practical for every single product in our make-up arsenal to be refillable, there are a host of businesses helping us buy beauty and dispose of it in a more responsible way. Circla, is a London based company which delivers sustainable beauty products that are refillable to your doorstep. Think of a milkman dedicated to dreamy ethical cosmetics, and you have Circla.
Elsewhere, market giants such as L’Oreal and Unilever have made pledges to make 100% of their plastic packaging reusable, refillable or compostable by 2025. To add to this, beauty’s war on plastic has encouraged the partnership of Terra Cycle and Loop with the likes of Weleda, L’Occitane, Garnier and Colgate to build a free recycling scheme for toiletries and beauty products across the UK.
If there was ever a time for self-care, it’s during the midst of a global pandemic. So, in no particular order, here are 10 refillable beauty brands to invest in for your cosmetic cabinet in 2021.
Danish make-up artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis has pioneered the refillable make up concept with her luxury and organic collection.
Credit: Kjaer Weis
Diptyque
No home is complete without a touch of Diptyque in bathrooms and bedrooms. These refillable pouches replenish the original glass bottles.
Credit: Diptyque
Overhead in Le Labo: “I heard they are refillable too.” These dainty travel tube refills are everything we didn’t know we needed! The lighter your bag, the smaller your carbon footprint! Any excuse to stock up.
Credit: Le Labo
French colour brand Chantecaille have perfected the timeless refillable compact. This iteration is compatible with all individual eye and cheek shades as well as the cheek cremes. My favourite thing about Chantecaille is their commitment to environmental philanthropy, you can read more here. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their annual limited edition collection which supports a special cause, for example, last year they raised awareness for endangered wildlife through their Africa’s Vanishing Species collection.
The sleekest of sustainable lipsticks. The Hourglass Confession is the perfect make up bag addition and you can use the gold applicator interchangeably depending on what shade you are in the mood for. With over twenty shades to choose from, purchase yours here.
Credit: Hourglass
This refillable pod of Ritual’s body cream sits in the original jar. The company claim that selecting the refillable option saves 70% on CO2 emissions, 65% in energy and uses 45% less water. It would be great to see evidence on how this was calculated.
Credit: Rituals
When it comes to sustainable packaging, REN have notoriously led the charge and have ambitious targets to achieve their status as a zero-waste beauty brand this year. Through their partnership with Loop, they have made their six most popular skus, including the Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Cream available as a refillable option. Read more about their plans here.
Credit: REN
This luxe leather refillable case minimises your environmental footprint and saves on the plastic packaging. La Bouche Rouge infamous lipsticks are silicone and paraben free.
The case comes in multiple colours including black, red and camel.
Credit: La Bouche Rouge
The refill duo of L’Occitane’s best-selling hydrating Almond Shower Oil is a simple yet effective way to encourage customers to stock up responsibly. The company have bold sustainability ambitions to protect biodiversity, including 1000 species and varieties of plants by 2025.
Credit: L’Occitane
Neal’s Yard Remedies
It’s no surprise to find Neal’s Yard on this list of beauty brands to invest in this year. Alongside the usual hand wash and lotions, they also retail their aromatherapy diffusers as a refillable option.
Neal’s Yards products are certified organic, cruelty free and carbon neutral. They also partner with the World Land Trust to save ancient endangered habitats across the world.
Credit: Neal’s Yard Remedies
For more recommended reading, take a look at this guide by the Bustle on how to responsibly recycle your beauty products.
*Cover art designed by Em Phu, head to @capsuletacreates on Instagram here to see more of her beautiful illustrations and contact details.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at what a sustainable beauty life cycle assessment is.
You can also read about the impact of beauty miniatures on waste here and learn how to turn the tide on plastic.
Join hundreds of other readers and subscribe to the monthly S & S newsletter.
[…] you enjoyed this article, be sure to take a look at the refillable beauty brands to invest in this […]