We all want to make less waste, right? Yet, ask yourself this: How many empty bottles or jars have you tossed out this year alone? Even when you rinse and recycle carefully, this process also uses up energy, plastic and resources for the recycling to be done.
So, is there a way you could avoid this problem? One solution springs to mind at least: building your own refill skincare routine. This simple habit can make you a bit more sustainable and doesn’t require you to sacrifice your beauty regime (including the quality of products, the results or the convenience) too much.
It seems like the beauty industry is finally paying attention and catching up to our demand for conscientious living. More and more brands are investing in refillable skincare, multifunctional solutions and packaging we can keep for years. It’s a smarter and more eco-friendly way to approach taking care of our skincare and the planet in one fell swoop.
Why Refillable Skincare Is Becoming the New Beauty Standard
Despite still sometimes falling for pretty packaging (you know you do), today’s consumers want products that also work and are upfront about the contents whilst not creating a heap of waste. Refillable skincare offers a shortcut to solving this problem by keeping the durable container and helping us to swap only the contents once we finally run out.
This change adds to a gradual (and increasingly bigger) reduction in packaging waste. This makes your shopping habits more thoughtful and hopefully moves you towards investing in what works for you (not just getting the new impulse buy from your feed).
A Simpler Routine Is Better for Your Skin, Too
Of course, we have likely all been guilty of buying that miracle serum that people rave about online. But healthy skin thrives on a less shiny formula: consistency.
What skin seems to love best is using (and sticking to) formulas that work. One thing that helps skin thrive is to protect the skin barrier, that layer that keeps our complexion hydrated, healthy and happy. What makes our skin less happy is when we constantly introduce new trendy products as it can cause irritation or sensitivity.
Having a refill routine can help us stay loyal to what works for our skin and avoid getting swept up in the shiny new skin trends. This can make our skincare routine easier to take care of and take away a little of the overwhelm created by the internet’s trends.
How to Start Your Refill Routine (Without Overhauling Everything)
How do we start this new habit whilst not throwing out anything you already own? After all, isn’t being sustainable meant to start by using what you already have? Below are the suggestions:
- Finish the products you already have then replace them. Use up all your current products and then buy something new, once the current one is almost done.
- Check if the products that work for you can be refilled. Many products like cleansers, moisturisers, serums and body care products are now refillable. Go to your favourite brands and see if you can refill them first.
- Choose products that are multifunctional. Most of your skin needs can be covered by a great moisturiser, gentle cleanser and hydrating serum. No need to fill up your cabinet with clutter.
- Keep your shelf organised. You are less likely to buy duplicates if you see what you own, so keep them visible.
- Make your goal: progress. Think of each refill as one less container made, shipped and discarded.
The Benefits Go Beyond Sustainability
There are more benefits to being sustainable other than producing less waste. Can you guess it? You reduce your costs too. Refills tend to be cheaper than buying a new product.
For us busy women juggling many things (active lifestyle and responsibilities included), a simpler skincare routine can scratch one more thing off our to-do list and create room for our time to be used elsewhere.
Ready to build your own refill routine?
Explore our curated collection of skincare products below: thoughtfully chosen products that are as good for your skin as they are for the planet.
