What Is Sustainable Beauty Packaging?

“Sustainability” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. In an industry notorious for single-use plastics and over-the-top packaging, clean beauty brands have the opportunity (and obligation) to make smarter choices. For us, that mission starts with our packaging.

If you’ve been searching for sustainable makeup packaging or clean makeup with sustainable packaging, you’re in the right place. From recyclable materials to refillable innovations, here’s how we're rethinking every jar, tube, and compact—without compromising on quality or performance.

Why Sustainable Packaging Matters in Clean Beauty

Most know that clean makeup is about safer, non-toxic ingredients. But fewer people consider how much plastic a product’s packaging contributes to landfills—or how long it lingers once discarded. Traditional beauty packaging can take hundreds of years to decompose. That's why our clean beauty aims to go beyond the formula.

“At the start, I wanted little glass pots with metal lids, so that we were recyclable and refillable,” says RMS founder Rose-Marie Swift.
“Since then we’ve done a good job of making choices to use post-consumer recycled plastic. It costs us more. It takes longer, but it’s better. It’s a better choice.” - Rose-Marie Swift, Founder and Master Makeup Artist

Refillable Packaging: A Smarter, Lower-Waste Solution

Refillable packaging is one of the most impactful ways to reduce waste. Instead of tossing an entire product when it runs out, you can easily replenish with a refill insert—cutting down on virgin materials and total waste.

Explore our refillable clean makeup lineup:

• ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer – Our first refillable product, launched in 2021, saves 67% in plastic when you choose a refill over the full-size.

• ReEvolve Natural Finish Foundation – Also 67% less plastic with the refill option.

• ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush – Launched in 2022, this refillable blush saves 79% plastic per refill.

• ReDimension Hydra Powder Bronzer – Same stunning payoff, same smart design.

• ReDimension Hydra Dew Luminizer – Our latest refillable luminizer launched in September 2023.

The Power of Aluminum: A Plastic-Free Alternative

When a product isn’t refillable, we still look for ways to reduce plastic. That’s where aluminum comes in. We use it wherever possible because it’s infinitely recyclable and more sustainable than plastic.

“If we can use aluminum in place of plastic, we’re going to do it,” says Rose-Marie. “It makes sense for the brand and the consumer. It’s harder, more expensive, longer, more challenging—but we’re up to the challenge.”

You’ll find recyclable aluminum packaging in:

• Liplights Cream Lip Gloss – Packaged in sleek aluminum tubes for easy application and easy recycling.

• Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow – Our cult-favorite cream shadows in recyclable aluminum tubes.

• Cashmere Matte Eyelights – Same tube, now in a velvety matte finish.

Glass and Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic (PCR): Small Choices, Big Impact

When we can’t use refillable or aluminum packaging, we opt for recyclable glass or post-consumer recycled plastic—materials that have already lived a life and deserve a second one.

Glass jars (like those used for our UnCoverup Concealer and Living Luminizer) are endlessly recyclable and feel luxe to use.

PCR plastic shows up in products like our compacts and bottles—quietly doing better by the planet.

Every Decision Counts

We know sustainability is a journey. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, and making better choices at every step. Whether it's redesigning packaging, extending a product’s life with a refill, or choosing more recyclable materials, RMS is proud to be part of the change.