Refills have definitely started to trend in the skincare category, but which brands are doing it right? These are my top 4 skincare brands dedicated to environmental sustainability, while providing fantastic products.
Some brands sell at-home refills, some have in-person refills, and some have a send back program. All of these work well depending on your lifestyle!
Rebrand Skincare
Rebrand is a skincare company based in the Bay Area, California. Rebrand offers 5 skincare products that come in glass packaging initially. You can then purchase a 2X Refill in aluminum to refill at home, or visit a refill shop near you to refill in person. The 2X Refills are curbside recyclable, and Rebrand has a closed loop system for their refill shops.
Created by a cosmetic chemist, Rebrand focuses on creating high-quality products like Power Serum, a brightening serum with stable Vitamin C. You can also check out Rebrand’s full environmental impact in the 2023 Sustainability Report.
Price: $15 - $35 | Refill at home: Yes | Refill in person: Yes
Little Seed Farm
Little Seed Farm is a grass-fed dairy goat farm in Lebanon, TN. They’ve branched out to create face and body care products using their goat’s milk. They offer 5 face-specific skincare products, plus some body care products including their bestselling deodorant. All products come in glass packaging.
You can refill in person at participating bulk refill stores. You can also send back your glass packaging, which they will reuse for future orders and sell on their site as “Refilled Products”.
Price: $14 - $30 | Refill at home: No, but you can send back empties (you pay shipping) | Refill in person: Yes
Activist Skincare
Activist is a skincare company based in Los Angeles, CA. They offer 7 skincare products that come in glass packaging initially. You can then purchase a 1X refill in a mylar pouch. Although mylar is not recyclable, you can send the pouch back to them for TerraCycle.
This brand has great values and focuses on safe ingredients and ethical manufacturing.
Price: $28 - $57 | Refill at home: Yes | Refill in person: No
Plaine Products
Plaine Products is a personal care company based in Terrace Park, OH. While they’re most well known for their hair care products (shampoo and conditioner), they also make 4 skincare products. All products come in aluminum containers with aluminum lids, and you can choose to add a pump for your first order. You can send back aluminum packaging, which they will use for future orders. They also work with refill shops to refill in person.
The founder Lindsey McCoy is one of the original proponents of closed loop systems, and is a leader in the refill movement.
Price: $13 - 26 | Refill at home: No, but you can send back empties (they pay shipping) | Refill in person: Yes