The Refill Revolution
By Rohma Ejaz
The unfortunate truth about the beauty industry is the impact it has on the environment. With COP26 still very much front of mind, our thoughts are turning to real ways to minimise our consumption without compromising on the products we know and love.
Leading the way in this revolution has always been The Body Shop. Founder of the iconic brand, Anita Roddick said, ‘Why waste a container when you can refill it? And why buy more of something than you can use? In the Second World War, we reused everything, we refilled everything, and we recycled all we could…The foundation of The Body Shop's environmental activism was born out of ideas like these.’ Fifteen years since her death, the brand continues to promote this ethos, aiming to have 159 refill stations in stores across the UK by the end of this year.
Image Credit - Bodyshop
Smaller, niche brands have also seized upon the mindset of refilling wherever and whenever possible. Scottish-based, Koha Beauty founder, Z Hartley has always had the environment at the heart of her business, ‘We use minimal packaging at all times. We also offer refills of our hand sanitiser. All other packaging can be reused or recycled. This is simply not optional in the current climate.’ Sisters Arabella and Charlotte from East Lothian beauty brand Raven Botanicals agree, ‘We supply our products in widely recyclable materials like glass and aluminium and all of our pumps and droppers are reusable. We always encourage our customers to buy refillables if they can.’
Now it’s the turn of the big boys to play their part. With the likes of L’Oreal introducing shampoo bars and luxury perfumer and cosmetics house, La Perla bringing us refillable perfume bottles and lipstick cases - it would seem the entire industry has begun to embrace the concept.
We rounded up some of the coolest products that just so happen to be refillable too. Scroll on for the best refillable beauty brands to add to your routine.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream Moisturiser Refill
Charlotte's Magic Cream Moisturiser Refill: a sustainably minded pod that cuts down on single-use plastic. Based on Charlotte's hand-made 'backstage' formula originally created to prep models' complexions before the shows, this cult moisturising cream is all that’s needed to bring dulled, dehydrated skin back from the brink.
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush
Kjaer Weis is somewhat of a pioneer of refillable beauty, as most of its products have been offered in refillable glass and metal packages since the brand’s inception. We’re particularly fond of this dewy cream blush that just melts into your skin, and the gorgeous compact that closes with a satisfying click. (The case retails for £13 and the refill compartment is £25).
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps are good for just about any cleaning task. Face, body, hair & food, dishes, laundry, mopping, pets & clean your house and body with no synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents. These soaps are perfect for those who are looking to cut down on waste in the home and use chemical free, natural and sustainable products around the house. The whopping 3.8 litre bottle is handy for decanting into smaller bottles for multiple uses to reduce plastic waste.
Dame reusable applicator set
The award-winning design launched in 2018 is easy to use, self-sanitising and is compatible with any applicator-free tampons. Simply rinse off the reusable applicator and zip it away in its accompanying pouch once you’re finished. Although the price is higher than you may expect, it’s certainly a worthwhile investment as the medical grade reusable applicator is designed to last for life.
Hawkins and Brimble Eco-Refillable Hand Wash
Make an everyday moment a touch more luxurious with the New Eco Luxury Handwash. The liquid hand soap contains Hawkins & Brimbles signature elemi & ginseng fragrance. Gentle notes of rose, coffee and vanilla, resting on a bed of musk and amber. The sophisticated aluminium bottle is the perfect sink-accessory and the gentle foaming texture will leave your hands clean and cared for. The aluminium bottle is designed to last a lifetime & the 100% recyclable pouches contain 77% less plastic compared to our original bottle & cap.
Isla Rosa Micellar Water
This Micellar water is a unique concoction tailored to enrich the skin using three core ingredients - Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel and Blueberry, with frequent use the skin is left feeling quenched, dewy and fresh. To enforce sustainability they also offer a return the bottle scheme to reduce waste.