Refillables: Untapped potential despite barriers

Despite their environmental advantages, refillable cosmetics, a segment currently dominated by hygiene products, are struggling to gain traction in France. A Senseva study for Febea reveals that 44% of consumers cite unavailability in stores as the main obstacle. Other factors include a lack of information, concerns about hygiene and safety (14%), and unawareness of their existence (13%). To stimulate adoption, Febea recommends better availability, practical formats, attractive pricing (expected by 63% of consumers) and targeted communication.

Meanwhile, the Pharma-Recharge collective (launched by Pierre Fabre, Expanscience, La Rosée, Bioderma, and Garancia, and joined by Léa Nature, SVR, Biocodex, and Uriage) will expand its bulk dermo-cosmetic offering to new partner pharmacies from October 2025. The initiative includes a more compact and modular display unit, three container sizes, and an expanded, customisable product range. Although 50% of consumers say they are willing to make this type of purchase, 30% do not do so because they cannot find the products they want. This initiative anticipates the Climate and Resilience French Law, which will require 20% of floor space to be dedicated to bulk sales by 2030 in stores larger than 400 m².

For its part, L'Oréal Beauté Dermatologique is making refills a priority for its La Roche-Posay, Vichy and CeraVe brands. These eco-refills reduce plastic use by up to 77% and boast a 97% satisfaction rate.

Bernard Cassière (Sothys Group) from Corrèze has reached a significant milestone with more than a tonne of plastic saved thanks to the growing adoption of its eco-refills for cream jars, available across all face care ranges. Launched in 2021, this initiative reduces plastic use by 93% compared to a standard full-size product. Beyond its environmental impact, the format is also cost-effective, on average, 25% cheaper.

Finally, pioneer L’Arbre Vert, which has been developing refillable products for its cleaning and hygiene products since 2006, plans to launch a new production line dedicated to refills at its Saint-Benoît site in 2026.