In 2020, sustainable beauty isn’t just a trend: It’s a full-on movement. And while safe, clean formulas and ethical business practices are as important as ever, when it comes to packaging, it’s what’s on the outside that counts, too.
We’ve talked about going plastic-free and have shared our know-how when it comes to recycling your empties, but what about products that break the bottle cycle altogether? Presenting, the very best beauty products from body wash to lipstick to liquid eyeliner that are helping the green cause by reducing waste — and looking good doing it.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Follain Refillable Everything Soap
Use it H2T, on Fido, or even as a mild dish and laundry detergent: Follain’s refillable liquid soap is gentle on skin, but tough on everything else. It’s available in two invigorating scents — Lavender and Lemongrass — and if you go to the store, you can combine the two for a mind-blowing result.
Follain Refillable Everything Soap, $, available at Follain
Paul & Joe Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV
Calling all cat lovers: Paul & Joe’s makeup line creates some of the coolest refillable lip products around that also happen to be shaped like a feline friend. Plus, the vintage-inspired cases feel like the coolest beauty heirloom.
Paul & Joe Lipstick SPF 25 Clear UV, $, available at Beauty Bay
Paul & Joe Lipstick Case CS, $, available at Beauty Bay
Myro UO Exclusive Plant-Based Refillable Deodorant
Skin care, makeup, now natural deodorant? Myro’s 2019 Beauty Innovator Award-winning refillable deo stick checks off all the boxes: Non-hideous packaging, no aluminum, and refills that are just $8.
Myro UO Exclusive Plant-Based Refillable Deodorant, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner
Yes — the $42 price tag is a lot, but once you try Surratt’s artist-favorite liquid eyeliner, you’ll be hooked for life…which luckily, isn’t as wasteful as you might imagine, given the fact that you can pick up refill barrels of inky black pigment for under $20.
Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner, $, available at Sephora
Surratt Auto-Graphique Eyeliner Refill, $, available at Sephora
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush
Danish makeup brand Kjaer Weis was an early adopter to luxe, refillable cosmetics, and the Cream Blush is truly as good as it gets — which is why you’re lucky if you can snap it up while it’s in stock.
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush, $, available at The Detox Market
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Refill, $, available at The Detox Market
L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate Refill Duo
If you know someone (maybe that person is you!) with a soft spot for fancy French body lotion, then this glass-encased L’Occitane milk concentrate (which comes with a 200ml pouch refill) will make for an amazing treat-yourself gift.
L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate Refill Duo, $, available at Amazon
Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick
Is it a lipstick, or an objet d’art? Leave it to Guerlain to make refillable beauty devastatingly chic with lipsticks that are buttery-soft and totally customizable with your choice of lipstick case (with a hidden mirror, BTW).
Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick, $, available at Sephora
Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick Case, $, available at Sephora
Detox Mode Impossible Soap
Impossible? Believe it. The Detox Market’s in-house brand, Detox Mode, makes a pretty excellent case for ditching the plastic bottle with this sweet almond, bergamot, and cedarwood-infused body wash.
Detox Mode Impossible Soap, $, available at The Detox Market
Clove + Hallow Pressed Mineral Foundation Refill Pan
Nix shine and get minimal coverage with Clove + Hallow’s pressed mineral foundation, which is vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free.
Clove + Hallow Pressed Mineral Foundation Refill Pan, $, available at Clove + Hallow
Clove + Hallow Refillable Compact, $, available at Clove + Hallow
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
