Each year, over 120 billion units of beauty packaging are produced globally—and most of it ends up in landfill or incineration. In the UK, an estimated 95% of cosmetics packaging is thrown away after a single use. Across the pond, only about 9% of US plastics are ever actually recycled, according to the EPA. That £15 lipstick or $25 moisturiser you love? Its plastic tube will likely outlive your grandchildren unless something changes.
But here’s the good news: beauty is going refillable. From high-end blush compacts to everyday deodorants, there’s now a wide range of sleek, sustainable, and surprisingly affordable beauty products designed to be reused over and over. Whether you’re browsing the aisles of John Lewis or Target, or scrolling through Naturisimo or Amazon, refillable beauty is reshaping the eco beauty space across both the UK and US.
Ready to save money, cut trash/rubbish, and still look and feel amazing? Keep reading—these practical swaps will help make your skincare, hygiene, and makeup routines not only greener, but smarter too.
The Problem: Beauty Waste’s Hidden Cost
Beauty packaging is notoriously difficult to recycle. Mixed materials, small plastic sizes, and lack of collection services mean that much of it—bottles, caps, pumps—ends up in the bin/garbage can. Council recycling programmes (UK) and municipal recycling systems (US) vary wildly, and most simply don’t accept cosmetic packaging.
There’s also the waste of money. A study by WRAP UK shows that British households bin over £500 million of used toiletries annually. In the US, the EPA estimates nearly 2 billion personal care containers are tossed every year. That’s money down the drain, literally and figuratively.
The Solution: Sustainable Self-Care with Refillables
Switching to refillables isn’t just an ethical choice—it makes practical sense. Refills typically cost 20–60% less than buying the full product again. You reduce your plastic output significantly and gain longer-lasting, often better-formulated products.
Below, we’ve curated 10 tried-and-tested refillable products across skincare, hygiene and makeup—from budget drops under £10/$15 to luxe eco beauty options worth the splurge. All are widely available in either the UK or US (often both), and perfect for your next step in sustainable, stylish living.
Best Refillable Beauty Products Across Skincare, Hygiene and Makeup
1. Wild Refillable Deodorant [PRODUCT:Wild Refillable Deodorant]
Price: from £12 / approx. $15 (includes aluminium case + refill)
Best for: Budget-friendly hygiene swap
Wild’s refillable deodorant is a hit with over 10 million refills sold globally. The stylish aluminium cases come in a range of punchy colours, and their compostable refills include scents like Orange Zest and Coconut Dreams. UK-based but available in the US via Amazon and international shipping.
- Pros: Affordable starter kit, compostable refills, zero single-use plastic
- Cons: Scent options rotate frequently, may need reapplication during hot days
2. Fussy Refillable Deodorant Starter Kit [PRODUCT:Fussy Starter Kit]
Price: from £18 / approx. $23
Best for: Eco enthusiast seeking reliability and chic design
Made in the UK, Fussy uses probiotic technology to keep odours at bay and is backed by science (and 5,000+ five-star reviews). Refills are plastic-free, and their elegant matte pastel cases fit perfectly in minimalistic bathrooms. Subscription options make replacing sustainable and seamless.
- Pros: Long-lasting refills, plastic-free packaging, B-Corp certified
- Cons: Less widely available outside the UK
3. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Compact [PRODUCT:Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Compact]
Price: £45 / $56 for compact, £28 / $35 for refills
Best for: Luxe makeup that lasts (and impresses)
The sleek stainless-steel compact by Kjaer Weis is more than a makeup product—it’s a lifelong accessory. Made in Italy and certified organic, these cream blushes glide on beautifully, leaving skin radiant. Refills snap in easily, and options include rosy classics to bold pigments.
- Pros: Premium quality, stunning packaging, refill savings over time
- Cons: High initial cost, metallic compact is hefty
Dedicated Comparison: Budget vs Mid-Range vs High-End
| Product | Best for | Price | Formats | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Refillable Deodorant [PRODUCT:Wild Refillable Deodorant] | Starter switch for eco-curious families | £12 / ~$15 | Aluminium case + compostable refill | UK direct; ships to US via Amazon |
| Fussy Starter Kit [PRODUCT:Fussy Starter Kit] | Design-conscious eco enthusiasts | £18 / ~$23 | Refillable capsule + plant-based formula | UK; Amazon US in 2024 |
| Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Compact [PRODUCT:Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Compact] | Premium adopters of sustainable beauty | £45~ / ~$56 (+ £28/$35 refills) | Luxury metal compact + refill pan | Naturisimo (UK); Amazon, Nordstrom (US) |
4. The Body Shop Refill Stations [PRODUCT:The Body Shop Refill Station]
Price: £6–£12 / $8–$18, containers sold separately
The Body Shop has been rolling out refill stations at hundreds of UK stores, and select US locations are beginning to follow suit. Just bring back your aluminium or glass container and refill favourites like Shea Shower Cream or Ginger Shampoo.
5. Fluff Refillable Lip Gloss [PRODUCT:Fluff Refillable Lip Gloss]
Price: approx. £18 / $22
An Australian brand gaining traction in both the UK and US, Fluff’s non-toxic, vegan formula and stylish packaging are matched with an easy refill mechanism. Gloss refills click effortlessly into the case—no sticky mess.
6. Rituals Refill Jars and Bottles [PRODUCT:Rituals Refill Jars]
Price: from £8–£20 / $10–$24
Rituals offers over 50 products in refillable formats—from home scents to skincare. Their facial creams, like The Ritual of Namaste, now come in eco-luxe glass jars with snug refills. Also available on Amazon US.
7. Ethique Solid Beauty Bars [PRODUCT:Ethique Solid Beauty Bars]
Price: from £5 / $6 per bar, plastic-free
Technically a no-packaging solution, Ethique’s concentrated solid face cleansers, conditioners and bodywash bars replace up to three bottles each. Fully compostable paper wraps and shelf-stable formulas make storage easy, even in small spaces.
8. Elaluz Refillable Stick Bronzer [PRODUCT:Elaluz Refillable Stick Bronzer]
Price: £28 / $34 (refillable)
Sleek and travel-friendly, this cream bronzer offers seamless blending with a refillable twist system. Vegan, clean ingredients and a growing US and UK fanbase make it a worthy alternative to disposable sticks.
9. Kinship Naked Papaya Enzyme Cleanser [PRODUCT:Kinship Refill Cleanser]
Price: £20 / $24
Kinship’s refill pouches replace 30% of traditional plastic and reduce cost per use. Their gentle, effective enzyme-based cleanser is ideal for sensitive or teen skin—perfect for family bathrooms.
10. L’Occitane Eco Refill Pouches [PRODUCT:L’Occitane Eco Refills]
Price: from £18 / $26
With over 25 products offered in low-waste pouches—hand soaps, shampoos, and moisturisers—L’Occitane strikes a balance between luxury and low-plastic living. Accessible online and in-reuse stations globally.
Cost Analysis & Environmental Savings
Making the switch to refillable products could save a family of four over £180/$230 annually on skincare and hygiene basics alone, based on refill vs full-pack pricing. In terms of plastic, swapping six standard items (deodorant, cleanser, shampoo, etc.) avoids about 1.8 kg (4 lbs) of packaging waste per person each year—roughly the weight of a household desktop printer. Multiply that by every family on your street, and the change adds up rapidly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying refills in plastic bottles: Look closely—some “refillables” simply repackage in more plastic.
- Incompatible refills: Not all refills fit older containers, especially if brands change formats. Always check before reordering.
- Skipping cleaning: Even refillable containers need washing before reuse to prevent bacterial growth. Wash in warm, soapy water or run through dishwasher (if applicable).
Advanced Tips for Refillable Regulars
Planning multiple products from a single brand? Opt for bulk refills (many offer 1-litre / 0.26-gallon eco packs). Try refill apps like Refill UK or ZeroWasteStore in the US to find local stations and browse verified options. You can also DIY-reuse glass containers from past products—simply sterilise, label, and refill with your product of choice.
Conclusion: Step Into the Refillable Future
From starter-friendly deodorants like Wild to ultra-luxurious makeup compacts by Kjaer Weis, refillables make it easier than ever to upgrade your routine while reducing waste. Whether you’re in Manchester or Michigan, Norwich or New York—making smart choices for your skin, your wallet, and the planet is genuinely achievable.
For more ways to reduce waste and embrace true eco beauty, explore our Body & Skincare section for zero-waste routines, DIY tips, and more product guides just like this one.
Leave a Reply