New Brand Uni Has Reminded Us Why We Love Beauty Refillables

And while we applaud everyone for recycling, it’s a sad fact to learn that of the 95% of cosmetic packaging that’s thrown away, of the 14% that makes it to the recycling plant, only 9% is actually recycled. The rest heads to landfill, according to the British Beauty Council
Stats also show that 61% of Brits feel guilty about the amount of plastic bottles they use as a result of their beauty routine, so it’s a no brainer that we’re keen to expand our refill offering as part of our luxury line-up at Space NK.
The latest brand to arrive with a planet-positive bang is called Uni, an American brand with a ‘blue beauty’ philosophy and that’s currently exclusive to Space NK. “Uni is inspired by our ocean and everything we do is made from and for our ocean. A third of single use plastics found in our landfills and ocean come from the beauty industry so we wanted to be a part of the change we wanted to see in the world,” explains Alexandra Keating, founder of Uni.
As well as skin-safe and reef-safe ingredients, the bodycare range is climate neutral, uses upcycled ingredients and favours a closed-loop system thanks to their recycled aluminium refill bottles. “Our customer surveys and high repeat rates all say that customers love refillable solutions. But refills need to be a part of an amazing product offering - not solely the product offering.”
This is where brands are now hitting the nail on the head. Creating packaging that’s equally as covetable as their less sustainable counterparts (where plastic and single-use mechanisms are rife), if it’s the ‘on show’ part you’re keen to keep, it’s a win-win. Plus, it’s more economically viable as refills tend to be more affordable. They are also likely to be lighter to ship which means a reduced carbon footprint.
Need a refresh on some of our favourite refills around? Here’s our edit of must-haves, which is by no means exhaustive.
Best Refillable Beauty Products In 2025
Uni
24-hour Body Serum Refill, £40.00Uni’s hero product, the refillable 24-hour serum does what it says on the tin (read: bottle) and keeps skin hydrated and nourished from am to pm. Suitable for all types of skin, it’s formulated with Uni’s Marine Complex™ and is scented with cedar leaf, juniper and sandalwood which is refreshing, sophisticated and not at all overpowering. In a bright orange bottle, you can refill your body serum again and again and again. And we recommend you do so.
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Skin Rocks
The Eye Cream Refill, £55.00Slot this into the original packaging and carry on as you were. As someone considered a beauty industry icon, Caroline Hirons’ and her brand are fusing both ingredient and packaging innovations to create most wanted skincare products. Using peptides, hyaluronic acid, Persian silk tree bark extract and diamond power, expect a brighter, smoother and plumper eye area.
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Caudalie
Premier Cru The Cream Refill, £73.00Proof that luxe skincare is stepping into sustainability whole heartedly, pop this refill pot into your existing jar and you’ll also save £12 on the collagen boosting face cream. Brightening and evening skin tone as well as reducing fine lines and plumping the skin, expect more refills from this brand in due course, including the famous Vinoperfect range.
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Emma Lewisham
Illuminating Face Oil Cleanser Refill, £41.00One to watch in the sustainable beauty field, Emma Lewisham looks at how she can make every one of her products as efficacious as it is environmentally friendly. This oil cleanser is formulated with 100% naturally derived ingredients, melts away makeup and impurities, leaves skin soft while the pouch allows for a quick and mess-free refill into the original pump bottle.
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LANEIGE
Water Bank Cream Moisturiser Refill, £28.50In its baby blue packaging, Laneige’s Water Bank Cream is easy on the eyes and this refill just extended its shelf life. Giving you the chance to top up the 50ml moisturiser, this is designed to hydrate, strengthen and minimise water loss (as well as minimising waste).
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Medik8
Press & Glow Refill, £28.00Reduce your plastic waste by topping up your Medik8 Press and Glow bottle with this refill. For those who haven't tried the resurfacing formula before, be prepared for smoother, softer feeling skin after just one use.
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Tata Harper
Water-Lock Moisturiser Refill Pod, £56.00Tata Harper's innovative pod locks into the original jar, saving packaging while remaining chic. Plus, the unique hybrid formula combines hydrator and primer for perfect smooth skin under makeup.
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Hourglass
Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick, £35.00This sleek gold lipstick holder comes with one shade, but you can pick another as your refill, or stick with a favourite. Hourglass' slim-shaped bullet makes application a breeze and the creamy satin formula gives great colour payoff.
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Kora Organics
Berry Bright Vitamin C Eye Cream Refill, £46.00Miranda Kerr is passionate about making her beauty brand as sustainable as it is efficacious and her bestselling Turmeric Glow Moisturizer and this brightening eye cream are both available in refills.
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Surratt
Expressioniste Brow Pencil Refill Cartridge, £38.00Achieve naturally fuller-looking and well-defined brows with this space-saving and entirely recyclable eyebrow pencil. When you’re running low, hang on to the holder and just replace the cartridge.
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Charlotte Tilbury
Bronzing Powder Refill, £34.00Instead of replacing your Airbrush Bronzer each time, simply eject the empty powder and replace with this fresh new refill instead. Environmentally-friendly and cost-effective? We’re sold.
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Diptyque
Figuier Reed Diffuser Refill, £75.00Luxury Parisian fragrance house Diptyque offers a wide range of refills, including for its reed diffusers. In true Diptyque style, the refill is almost as elegant as the original packaging and it comes with six fresh rattan reeds to replace your existing ones.
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Augustinus Bader
The Serum Refill, £290.00Augustinus Bader is one of our top selling skincare brands and the company takes sustainability seriously. Not only is the packaging recyclable, but The Serum and The Eye Cream are refillable (and it's lighter on your wallet too!).
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Aesop
Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser 500ml Refill, £37.00The majority of Aesop's hand, bath, body and hair products are available in refills, so you don't have to worry about eager house guests over-indulging in the hand washes, body cleansers and nourishing creams.
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