Low Waste Beauty Begins With Your Everyday Routine
Low waste beauty doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly — it means making simple swaps that actually stick.
Ever feel like every beauty brand suddenly expects you to own a refill station, five glass jars, and a minimalist label maker? Same. While refill systems can help, they’re not always the magical fix we hoped for. Depending on where you live (or how your schedule looks), they can feel more like a Pinterest fantasy than part of a real-life beauty routine.
And here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. The goal isn’t to overhaul your makeup routine overnight or toss everything that’s not in recycled cardboard. It’s about slowing plastic consumption in ways that fit your life — even if that means reusing what you already have, shopping more intentionally, or leaning into natural ingredients when you can.
You don’t need a perfect system to make a real difference. Just a few thoughtful tweaks can take your skincare or makeup routine from wasteful to wonderfully low-impact.
Swapping your usual face wash for a gentler blend made with natural ingredients (like green tea or aloe) can make your routine feel more intentional — and better for your skin, too.
Check out my full guide on sustainable beauty practices for more ideas on how to make your beauty habits more eco-conscious.
Why Refillable Isn’t Always Practical
Refill systems sound amazing in theory — until you actually try to fit them into everyday life. Between confusing return policies, limited access, and the fact that not all “refills” are as eco-friendly as they seem, it’s no wonder so many of us get stuck.
Some refill programs rely on plastic pouches that still generate plastic waste. Others ask you to ship empties across the country just to get a discount — which kind of defeats the point. And let’s be honest: not every skincare routine fits into a world where everything is perfectly, sustainably packaged.
If you’d like to dive deeper into how small beauty choices impact the planet, you can learn more about how low-waste beauty habits help protect our oceans.
And even when products are technically sustainably packaged, they often still come wrapped in layers of outer packaging or glossy cardboard packaging that’s not actually recyclable.
Then there’s the cost. Refillable beauty often comes with boutique pricing and niche logistics. If your local shop doesn’t offer plastic-free packaging — or any refill option at all — you’re not failing the planet. You’re just living in the real world.
If you’re curious about how refillable skincare packaging really works (and when it makes sense), you can check out my full guide to refillable skincare packaging.
What I Actually Do to Reduce Packaging Waste
Let’s be real — I don’t have a perfect zero-waste setup, and that’s totally fine. But there are a few things I do consistently that really help cut down on excess packaging (and eco-guilt).
One of the simplest shifts I made was reusing amber glass bottles and jars from old skincare products. You know those 50 ml serum bottles that feel too pretty to toss? I clean them out and use them for my DIY blends — facial oils, toner mixes, even travel-sized cleansers. Honestly, half of my DIY stash lives in things I once bought, used up, and repurposed. Bonus: anything that was originally packaged in glass tends to be way easier to clean and sterilize.
When I buy ingredients, I try to order in bulk and look for shops that ship plastic-free or at least use recycled paper and compostable cardboard for padding. Some suppliers really get it. For example, Alexmo ships ingredients in impressively low-waste packaging — no plastic tape, minimal padding, and a solid commitment to reuse. Even Aroma-Zone has started offering more items in cardboard instead of plastic jars, which is a small but exciting shift. And more and more local sellers are catching on, too. I’ve received orders wrapped in kraft paper, sealed with paper tape, and even one packed in a reused shoe box — 10/10 would order again.
For storage, I stick to materials like glass, metal, and reusable silicone. No trendy pumps or weird dispensers that are impossible to clean. Just clean lids, wide mouths, and solid, simple designs.
And you know those tiny “travel” packs and influencer minis? I skip them completely. They’re usually overhyped, overpackaged, and impossible to refill. Instead, I’ve created a little ritual: if I finish something, I ask myself — can this be reused? If not, I let it go and focus on keeping my stash small, practical, and sustainable.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being mindful, one jar at a time.
Why Recycling Isn’t a Long-Term Strategy
Recycling has its place — but it’s not the hero the beauty industry wants us to believe it is. A lot of brands love to shout “100% recyclable!” while quietly relying on packaging that rarely makes it past your local facility. And even when it does, the story doesn’t end there.
Take polypropylene (PP), one of the most common plastics used in skincare tubes and pumps. According to a 2024 study published on PubMed, PP can only be recycled around four times before it starts to break down and lose structural integrity. So, even if your packaging gets recycled, it’s not a solution that will last forever. It’s more like buying time.
Yes, using post-consumer recycled materials is a step forward — especially when brands combine that with safe ingredients, vegan formulations, or certified B Corp standards. But too often, the recycling claim becomes the headline, and the actual impact gets blurry. It’s the greenwashing equivalent of slapping “natural” on something and hoping you won’t ask follow-up questions.
Some brands try to innovate their way out of the problem. You’ll see 3-in-1 makeup crayons, dissolvable sachets, or refill pods that claim to be plastic-free — but still ship in layers of protective film or non-recyclable pouches. The intention might be good, but the execution often falls short.
At the end of the day, the more powerful shift comes from reusing what you already have and simply buying less. A thoughtful vegan serum in a glass bottle you’ll reuse for years? Better than five half-used, half-recyclable tubes. Every small change adds up — especially when it comes from a place of intention, not perfection.
5 Practical Ways to Reduce Waste (That Don’t Require New Shopping)
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean buying a whole new set of eco-products. In fact, the most low-waste habit you can start today is… doing absolutely nothing. Well, sort of. Here’s what I mean:
1. Use what you have — all the way to the end.
That half-used bottle of toner? The cleanser you forgot in the back of the cabinet? Finish it. The most sustainable product is the one you already own. Give plastic bottles a final wash and recycle them — but don’t reuse them for new DIY formulas, especially if they’re water-based. Plastics can degrade over time and are harder to clean properly, so it’s best to let them go once they’re empty.
2. Reuse containers for DIY projects or bulk refills — if they’re safe.
Glass dropper bottles, jars, and metal tins are perfect for reusing. They’re easy to sterilize and ideal for oils, balms, or dry masks. Anything that was originally packaged in glass is usually safe to give a second life. But skip the flimsy plastic bottles — they’re better off in your recycling bin than in your next face mist.
3. Choose better materials when you do restock.
If you do need to replace something, look for brands that use simple, reusable, or refillable materials — especially glass and aluminum, which are easy to clean, durable, and endlessly recyclable. Think cardboard tubes instead of plastic sticks or glass jars with metal lids instead of pump bottles. Bonus points if you can buy from local makers who use minimal packaging.
4. Repurpose creatively.
Get crafty — use tins for hairpins or earrings, small jars for spices or clay masks, or even convert your old balm pot into a travel-friendly moisturizer container. It’s fun, oddly satisfying, and gives packaging a second (or third) life.
5. Adopt a “one in, one out” rule.
This one’s a game-changer. If you bring something new into your beauty stash, let go of one item you no longer use. It helps you stay intentional and keeps your routine clutter-free — which, let’s be honest, is the dream.
No fancy tools. No new purchases. Just a few small shifts that turn your everyday beauty habits into something much more mindful.
Conclusion: Progress Over Perfection
Reducing waste in beauty isn’t about tossing out your lip gloss because it’s in plastic or replacing everything overnight with products in recyclable cardboard. It’s about making thoughtful swaps that actually work for you — whether that’s refilling your body wash from a local shop, reusing a glass jar for DIY face masks, or choosing a cream blush in a tin over a single-use compact.
Start where you are. Maybe that means switching to brands that use organic ingredients, or finding a mascara that comes in refillable packaging (yes, they exist!). Or maybe it’s just choosing not to buy a fourth highlighter you’ll only use once.
Every time you choose reusability over trendiness, or take five seconds to check if that cute product comes in glass instead of plastic, you’re doing something powerful — even if no one sees it but you.
✨ Progress, not perfection. Always.
What’s one product you’ve reused or swapped for something more sustainable — and would totally recommend? I’d love to hear your low-waste wins (or even the fails). Share them below or tag me in your routine!
With love and low-waste vibes,
Kristina 🌸
