Whether you’re a Korean skin care routine devotee or a tried-and-true minimalist, we can all agree on one thing. Less is more. At least when it comes to packaging. Because even if your regimen involves only a few steps, that’s several packages that have to be either tossed or recycled at some point, preferably the latter. (But only a small fraction of plastics actually get recycled.) The solution? Why refillable skin care products, of course.
Refillable containers are nothing new in the beauty sphere. There are already lots of options for makeup. Now thanks to brands like Pharrell Williams’ new Humanrace line and Rihanna’s Fenty Skin, the reduce and reuse trend is gaining steam on the skin care side of the industry.
Let’s be clear, though. Refillable skin care products can make an impact by cutting carbon dioxide emissions along with energy and water use. But since most of the refills come in pouch or pod form, we’re still purchasing new containers every time we need a refresh. On the flip side, brands like Le Labo and Bathing Culture allow you to take bottles back to the store to fill them back up, sometimes at a discounted price.
In fact price is another benefit of using refillable products. The pouches or pods cost less than your initial purchase so you’re not just saving the environment.
Ready to go (a bit more) green? Here are our favorite refillable skin care products.
Refillable Skin Care Products
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Tata Harper
Water-Lock Moisturizer Refill Pod, $62 at Tata Harper
Locked inside this recyclable pod is Tata Harper’s beloved lightweight hydrator. It primes and smoothes thanks to its blend of orange peptides, pomegranate spheres and macro hyaluronic acid. Once you see the impact the formula has on dry, dull skin, you’ll be buying these refills on the regular.
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Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant Refill, $52 at Dermalogica
Dermalogica’s legendary exfoliating powder relies on papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to polish your complexion. It’s gentle enough to use every day since it also includes colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to calm skin. Which is why it’s so great there’s an easy refill option.
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L'Occitane
Harmonie Divine Cream Refill, $180 at L’Occitane
Looking to visibly reduce those pesky wrinkles? L’Occitane has got your back. This cream even brightens complexions with luminous results. Yes, the refill is pricey, but it costs less than buying a whole new jar.
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Fenty Skin
Day + Night Moisturizer Refill Bundle SPF Moisturizer + Night Cream, $56 at Fenty Beauty
We’re already fans of Fenty Skin so the fact that Rihanna’s brand offers refills of its most popular products just reinforces our obsession. This a.m./p.m. set includes refills of Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen and Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream.
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Rituals
The Ritual of Happy Buddha Body Cream Refill, $15.60 at Rituals
With a zesty, spicy, fresh yet sweet fragrance of sweet orange and cedarwood, this body cream helps boost your mood and energy levels. Since this refill saves 70 percent CO2 emissions, 65 percent energy and uses 45 percent less water, the fact you’re helping the environment will also put a smile on your face.
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Kjaer Weis
Facial Oil Refill, $135 at Kjaer Weis
You probably are already aware that Kjaer Weis offers refillable makeup. But the brand also provides refills of its skin care products. This fast-absorbing facial oil is chock-full of nutrient-rich, organic ingredients that give your skin that coveted glow. You can even use it as a primer.
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Humanrace
Rice Powder Cleanser Refill, $30 at Humanrace
Currently sold out, this cleanser is worth waiting for. That’s because it offers gentle cleansing via rice particles, fruit AHAs and snow mushroom. Once you get your hands on it, make sure to keep the green lid and base so you can simply slip in the refill as needed.
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Beautycounter
The Clean Deo Refill in Clean Rose, $18 at Beautycounter
As if the fresh rose scent wasn’t enough, this long-lasting deodorant comes in handy refills. It absorbs sweat and neutralizes odor without aluminum, but still glides on smoothly without leaving any white residue behind.
