How to Clean Your Refillable Skincare Bottles

At Selkia, we believe our customers are true champions of sustainability. Every time you refill instead of purchasing a new bottle, you commit to reducing waste and preserving our environment. Refillable skincare is more than just a trend—a movement that can have a lasting impact. Whether it's our Cleanser, Tonic, Balm, Face Oil, or Eye Serum, all our products come in refillable packaging, and each refill is a step towards a more sustainable future.

Maintaining your refillable bottles is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your skincare products and getting the most out of every drop. Below, we've answered the most common questions to guide you through your refillable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refillable Bottles

1. What are refillable bottles, and why should I use them?

Refillable bottles are designed to be used multiple times, filled with the same product once the original runs out. By choosing refillable packaging, you reduce single-use plastic waste and help lower your carbon footprint. At Selkia, we offer refillable packaging for all our products so you can nourish your skin while caring for the planet.

2. Why does Selkia use glass for refillable bottles?

Glass is non-reactive and preserves the integrity of our natural ingredients, ensuring that your skincare remains effective. It’s also 100% recyclable and durable, making it a long-lasting option that aligns with our commitment to sustainability.

3. What’s the difference between glass, aluminum, and paper packaging?

• Glass: Highly recyclable, non-reactive, and great for preserving product quality. 
• Aluminum: Lightweight and recyclable, but often needs an internal coating that may affect recyclability.
• Paper: Commonly used for outer packaging but unsuitable for liquid skincare products unless paired with plastic liners, which can complicate recycling.

4. Do I need to clean my bottle before refilling?

While it’s not necessary to clean your bottle before every refill, we recommend a thorough clean once or twice a year.

Here’s how to clean your reusable bottle safely:

To watch our short YouTube tutorial - click here. 

5. How do I clean the pump or dropper?

• Pumps: Avoid using water to clean pumps, as moisture can get trapped. Instead, pump out the excess and discard the first two pumps after refilling. 
• Droppers: If you would like peace of mind, you can dismantle and wash the dropper parts. Wash with mild soap and water, ensuring they are completely dry before reuse, especially the glass tube.

6. How do I refill my bottle?

After cleaning and drying your bottle, simply pour the product from the refill pack into your original bottle. There is no need to use a funnel but the Tonic flows quicker, therefore you can turn the bottle upside down and with a light flip refill. Or try to pour it slowly. 

7. What are the environmental benefits of refillable bottles?

By refilling your skincare products, you reduce plastic waste, minimise energy consumption in production, and contribute to a circular economy. Each refill means fewer resources used and less waste produced, making refillable bottles a powerful step toward a more sustainable beauty routine. At Selkia, our refill pouches are kept in a circular economy in Australia, reducing international transport emissions. 

8. How much can I save by using refillable bottles?

Our refills are more affordable than purchasing a new bottle, allowing you to save money while enjoying the same premium skincare. Over time, this leads to significant savings for both you and the planet. Subscribing allows you to save more and you can stop or pause when you like. 

9. What Selkia products are available in refillable packaging?

At Selkia, all of our skincare products—including the Cleanser, Tonic, Balm, Face Oil, and Eye Serum—come in refillable bottles. This helps you maintain your beauty routine while reducing your environmental impact.

10. How Do Refill Pouches Compare to Other Sustainable Options?

Refill pouches are an excellent choice for sustainable packaging, particularly because they help maintain the quality of your skincare products. Unlike other options, like dissolvable tablets or bulk refilling in stores, refill pouches are specifically designed to protect the formulation from contamination, ensuring that the active ingredients remain effective over time. The sealed pouches keep the product stable, preserving its shelf life and potency​.

When comparing refill pouches to dissolvable tablets, while the tablets are innovative and environmentally friendly (as they eliminate liquid transport and reduce packaging waste), they are best suited for foaming products like hand soaps and cleansers. However, they might not maintain the same product stability and efficacy level as refill pouches, especially for more complex formulations like serums or creams​. They are also unsuitable for sensitive skin due to the stabilising agents needed to hold the formula together.  

Bulk refill stations are great for minimising waste but come with the risk of contamination during the refill process. If not managed correctly, this can potentially affect product quality and safety. Additionally, it requires customers to travel to a refill station, which might not be as convenient for everyone​. 

Overall, refill pouches strike a balance between sustainability and preserving product quality. They reduce plastic waste and shipping bulk while ensuring the product stays fresh and effective, making them an ideal choice for high-performance skincare products.

Conclusion

Choosing refillable skincare products is a small action that makes a big difference. Not only are you reducing your environmental impact, but you're also ensuring that you’re using high-quality, natural skincare products in a way that aligns with your values. By following these simple steps to maintain your bottles and pumps, you’ll maximise the lifespan of both your packaging and your skincare products.

Thank you for being part of Selkia’s refillable journey! Ready to refill? Visit our Refills Collection and continue to make conscious choices for your skin and the planet.

Have any other questions? Leave us a comment or write to us at hello@selkiaskin.com