Responsible celebrations. Solid or bulk cosmetics, the choice is yours

Flagship products of this gift-giving period, 35 million cosmetics are sold during the holidays. But they have changed a little.

At the bottom of a pretty courtyard in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, you might think you’re entering an apartment, but not at all. This is where Paula Montano leads research for the 900.care brand. “We are in the research and development laboratory. It is in this very small space that we formulate all our solid products. It does not take up a lot of space because our products are dehydrated”, she presents.

From this laboratory come toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo deodorants, micellar water but solids. It’s up to the user to complete the work to be able to use them.

“Rather than transporting 90% of water in disposable plastic, we will send just the active ingredients to the customer.”

Aymeric Grange, one of the two co-founders of 900.care

at franceinfo

“It’s two sticks. Add water to a reusable bottle and it’s ready,” explains Aymeric Grange, one of the two co-founders of the startup.

Since its inception three years ago, the system has saved three million plastic bottles. This remains modest compared to the 180 million empty bottles thrown away each year, just for the shower gel family, but the objective is not to discourage consumers’ efforts for the planet. “When we look at the demographics of our customers, 70% of them define themselves as beginner eco-friendly, that is to say, I want to make an effort for the planet but I am not ready to sacrifice my comfort, to necessarily spend more time there, to pay morecontinues Aymeric Grange. We are trying to remove all obstacles so that as many people as possible can move on to these solutions.”

Never before seen: bulk in pharmacies

For the cosmetics brand La Rosée, research focuses as much on packaging as on products. Lipstick tubes are made from sugar cane residue, without a drop of petroleum, the plastic in the bottles comes from water and milk bottles, shampoos such as lip sticks and body scrubs will very soon be refillable. Even stronger, bulk products are currently being tested with other brands in pharmacies in Paris. Never seen.

“It took us a year to develop the bulk machinesays Mahault de Guibert, co-founder of La Rosée. A unique glass bottle that the consumer buys for the first time, which he fills at the bulk fountain that suits him and which he can refill. Less waste is better for the planet and for the wallets of users who save 2 euros on each recharge.