The concept of beauty refills isn’t exactly new — if you think about it, cushion foundations have been at it for years — but in light of all things sustainable and reusable these days, it might be time we seriously considered it for our skincare and makeup items. Hence, this list of refillable beauty products, and, the latest announcement from The Body Shop — their first-ever refill station in Singapore, at the ION Orchard store.
Much like how you would bag candies, this is where you get to refill shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and hand washes right at the store, thus eliminating waste and reusing existing packaging instead of throwing it away. The sustainable scheme does require you to make a one-time purchase of a reusable 300ml aluminium bottle with a pump ($6), but you can then bring the same bottle back every time you need a top-up.
This initiative is part of The Body Shop’s sustainable efforts where the refill scheme, in particular, was first launched in two concept stores back in 2019, which then echoes the brand’s early beginnings in 1976 when The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick used to refill customers’ bottles. Since then, they’ve been actively launching the concept across many stores worldwide, and will continue to do so across 500 stores globally by end of 2021, as well as a further 300 stores in 2022.
“We want to empower more and more of you to reuse packaging rather than throw it away, so we’re making the most sustainable choice easy, convenient and accessible. By embracing the circular economy, we’re helping you eliminate waste before it hits the bathroom shelf,” says the brand.
At the store, the refill station was a fuss-free experience. Simply pick up one of the refillable aluminium bottles ($6) and ask a staff member to help fill it up with either a haircare formula, shower gel, or hand wash ($12 – $17). Pro tip: if you compare the prices, you even get to enjoy about 20% savings with every bottle. You even get to customise your bottle with fun stickers!
Once you’ve finished the product, remember to give it a good wash and dry at home, before heading back to the store for a refill. Note that the shelf life of the refilled product is at 6 months, compared to the typical 12 months.
Take a look at the process below:
[click on the images to expand, and for more info.]
The refills currently available are: the Ginger Shampoo & Conditioner ($17 each); British Rose, Pink Grapefruit, and Moringa Shower Gels, Shea Shower Cream, as well as the Tea Tree and Shea Hand Washes ($12 each).
The store also has a recycling station where you can drop off your The Body Shop empties, in order for them to be recycled by recycling partner Sembcorp. Love Your Body Club members will receive a reward when they return any 5 empty plastic bottles or containers, thoroughly washed and dried, of course.
THE BODY SHOP Refill Station, Available now at The Body Shop store at ION Orchard, B3-66, and at the Plaza Singapura store in August.
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