Zero Waste Bathroom: The Complete Guide to a Sustainable Beauty Routine in 2026
Zero-Waste Bathroom: The complete guide to a more sustainable beauty routine in 2026
Every year in Switzerland, each person generates an average of 80 kg of plastic waste, a significant portion of which comes from the bathroom. Shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes, cotton packaging: this waste accumulates silently. What if we changed that – simply, without stress?
This Saturday, March 28, is Earth Hour: a symbolic hour to turn off the lights and rethink our impact. At basic., we believe that every small action counts – including in the bathroom. This guide will help you step-by-step to adopt a concrete and realistic zero-waste beauty routine.
Why the bathroom is an ideal starting point
The bathroom is the second-largest generator of waste in a household, right after the kitchen. According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Switzerland produces approximately 6 million tons of waste per year, and cosmetic packaging contributes significantly to this.
What makes the bathroom an interesting place to start is that changes there are visible, immediate, and not very restrictive. You don't need to revolutionize everything at once: replacing one product at a time is enough to considerably reduce your footprint.
Here's what you typically find in a conventional bathroom:
- 5 to 10 plastic bottles (shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, deodorant…)
- Disposable cotton (approximately 1,500 cotton pads per person per year)
- Non-recyclable packaging (tubes, blisters, plastic films)
- Over-packaged products with ingredient lists as long as your arm
The good news: for each of these items, there is now a sustainable alternative – often more economical in the long run.
The 7 steps to a zero-waste bathroom
1. Replace spray deodorant with a solid, refillable deodorant
Deodorant is one of the easiest products to replace. A classic spray deodorant contains propellants, plastic, and aluminum – a rather unecological cocktail.
The solution? A solid deodorant in a refillable case. This is exactly the concept of basic.'s Le classik rechargeable: a natural deodorant with 8 ingredients, housed in an infinitely reusable kiima applicator. You buy the case once, then only the refills.
In numbers: a conventional deodorant user throws away an average of 4 to 6 cases per year. With a refillable system, that's the same number of avoided packages – approximately 200 g of plastic saved each year, just for this action.
The Le classik is also available in a 50g solid format for those who prefer direct application. Natural, vegan, PETA certified formula, made in Lausanne.
2. Switch to solid shampoo
Shampoo is probably the product that generates the most plastic bottles in the bathroom. A 250 ml bottle lasts an average of 1 to 2 months. That's 6 to 12 plastic bottles per year per person.
A 100g solid shampoo is equivalent to about 2 to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo. It lasts longer, takes up less space, and generates zero plastic waste.
At basic., we offer three formulas adapted to each hair type:
- Shampoo tous types 100g: the safe bet, for normal to combination hair
- Shampoo gras 100g: enriched with clay to absorb excess sebum
- Shampoo secs 100g: nourishing and moisturizing for dehydrated hair
According to Cosmetics Europe (2024), the solid cosmetics market grew by 28% in Europe between 2022 and 2024, driven by consumer demand for sustainable alternatives.
3. Adopt a versatile solid soap
A good solid soap can replace shower gel, hand soap, and even some facial cleansers. It is the quintessential zero-waste product.
Bubbly by Nature is basic.'s superfatted soap: formulated with organic vegetable oils, it gently cleanses without drying the skin. Its 100g format lasts a long time, and its packaging is 100% recyclable paper.
Dr. Laurence Coiffard, professor of cosmetology at the University of Nantes, reminds us that a well-formulated superfatted soap is just as effective as a liquid shower gel, with the advantage of a shorter composition and a reduced environmental impact.
4. Opt for a minimalist make-up remover
Disposable cotton pads are a discreet but real scourge. In Switzerland, it is estimated that more than 10 million cotton pads are used and thrown away every day.
Two solutions are available to you:
- Reusable organic cotton pads: machine washable, they last several years
- A make-up remover that can be applied without cotton: basic.'s Démaquillant is massaged directly onto the face and rinsed with water – no cotton needed
The basic. make-up remover is formulated with jojoba oil and floral water. Its 100 ml glass bottle is recyclable and lasts about 3 months.
5. Hydrate with pure vegetable oils
Conventional moisturizers are often composed of 60-80% water, packaged in plastic, and contain synthetic preservatives. Pure vegetable oils offer a concentrated, effective, and zero-waste alternative when packaged in glass.
basic. offers a complete range of pure, cold-pressed vegetable oils, packaged in 50 ml glass bottles:
| Oil | Skin type | Main benefits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jojoba oil | All types, combination | Regulates sebum, moisturizes without greasiness | CHF 11.90 |
| Argan oil | Dry, mature | Anti-aging, deeply nourishing | CHF 13.90 |
| Sweet almond oil | Sensitive, baby | Soothing, softening | CHF 11.90 |
| Apricot oil | Dull, tired | Radiance, healthy glow | CHF 12.90 |
| Macadamia oil | Dry, fragile | Very nourishing, quickly absorbed | CHF 13.90 |
| Hazelnut oil | Oily, acne-prone | Regulating, non-comedogenic | CHF 13.90 |
| Avocado oil | Very dry | Ultra-nourishing, restorative | CHF 12.90 |
| Sesame oil | All types | Antioxidant, softening | CHF 11.90 |
| Castor oil | Eyelashes, hair, nails | Fortifying, stimulates growth | CHF 11.90 |
A single oil can replace day cream, night cream, and serum – this is the principle of skinimalism, a beauty trend that favors minimalist routines.
6. Care for your hands with solid formats
Hand cream tubes often end up in the trash before being completely emptied. basic.'s hand balm is a concentrated treatment that nourishes dry and damaged hands. Its formula, rich in shea butter, provides long-lasting protection.
7. Supplement with a multi-functional aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a natural Swiss Army knife: aftershave, after-sun care, light moisturizer, base for homemade masks. basic.'s Aloa Vere is a 98% pure aloe vera gel, packaged in a 120 ml recyclable tube.
How much does it cost – and how much does it save?
Switching to a zero-waste bathroom has a slightly higher initial cost, but it is very quickly profitable.
| Item | Conventional Routine (cost/year) | basic. Zero-Waste Routine (cost/year) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deodorant | CHF 40-60 (6 sprays) | CHF 30-40 (1 case + refills) | ~CHF 20 |
| Shampoo | CHF 48-72 (8-12 bottles) | CHF 30-45 (2-3 solid) | ~CHF 25 |
| Shower gel / Soap | CHF 30-50 (6-8 bottles) | CHF 20-30 (2-3 soaps) | ~CHF 15 |
| Makeup remover pads | CHF 20-30 | CHF 0 (makeup remover without cotton) | ~CHF 25 |
| Estimated Total | CHF 140-210 | CHF 80-115 | ~CHF 85/year |
In addition to financial savings, you reduce your bathroom waste production by approximately 70 to 80%.
Earth Hour and sustainable beauty gestures
This March 28, during Earth Hour, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for an hour. It's a symbolic gesture, but also a reminder: every daily action has an impact.
Transforming your bathroom is a permanent Earth Hour. Every plastic bottle avoided, every refill used, every solid product adopted helps reduce our footprint – day after day.
At basic., all our products are handmade in Lausanne, with short formulas (between 5 and 12 ingredients), natural raw materials, and a PETA certified vegan commitment. Our kiima deodorant case is infinitely refillable.
How basic. compares to other eco-responsible brands
| Criteria | basic. | Lamazuna | Comme Avant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Lausanne, Switzerland | Drôme, France | Marseille, France |
| Vegan certification | PETA | Vegan Society | Not certified |
| Refillable deodorant | Yes (kiima) | Yes (own case) | No |
| Average number of ingredients | 5-12 | 8-15 | 3-8 |
| Solid range | Deo, shampoo, soap | Deo, shampoo, toothpaste | Soap, shampoo |
| Swiss delivery | Fast (local) | Standard (France) | Standard (France) |
What distinguishes basic. is the ultra-short circuit: local production in Lausanne, minimalist formulas, and a refillable system that goes all the way in the zero-waste logic.
Mistakes to avoid when going zero waste
- Throwing everything away at once to buy "green" – Finish your current products first. The most ecological thing is not to waste what already exists.
- Buying too many reusable containers – A glass jar, a refillable case, a few washable pads: that's enough.
- Confusing "natural" and "zero waste" – A natural product in a plastic bottle is not zero waste. Ideally, combine both.
- Neglecting efficiency – An eco-responsible product must also work as well as a conventional one.
- Feeling guilty – Perfection doesn't exist. Every action counts.
Checklist: your 30-day transition
- Week 1: Inventory your bathroom. Note all plastic products. Finish those that are almost empty.
- Week 2: Replace your first product – we recommend deodorant (Le classik rechargeable, it's the simplest step).
- Week 3: Switch to solid shampoo and soap. Test for a week to adapt.
- Week 4: Integrate a vegetable oil to replace your moisturizer. Adopt a cotton-free makeup remover.
In one month, you will have eliminated the majority of plastic packaging from your bathroom.
FAQ: Zero-Waste Bathroom
Is a natural deodorant really effective?
Yes, provided you choose the right formula. basic.'s Le classik uses measured baking soda, coconut oil, and beeswax to neutralize odors for 24 hours. Tested and approved by thousands of users in Switzerland since 2021.
How long does a solid shampoo last?
A 100g solid shampoo lasts an average of 40 to 60 washes, which is equivalent to 2 to 3 bottles of 250 ml liquid shampoo. For daily use, count approximately 2 to 3 months.
Are vegetable oils suitable for oily skin?
Yes, some oils are specifically adapted for oily skin. Hazelnut oil is non-comedogenic and sebum-regulating. Jojoba oil helps rebalance natural oil production.
Does zero waste cost more?
When purchased individually, some solid or refillable products are slightly more expensive. But their lifespan is longer, making them more economical over the year – average savings of CHF 85 per year.
What should I start with if I only want to change one product?
The refillable deodorant. It's the simplest change, the most visible (you eliminate 4-6 packages per year), and the most satisfying. Le classik rechargeable is CHF 10.00 for the refill.
Are basic. products tested on animals?
No, never. basic. is certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA. None of our products or ingredients are tested on animals.
Sources and References
- Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) — Swiss Waste Statistics 2024
- Cosmetics Europe — Annual Report 2024, data on the solid cosmetics market
- WWF — Earth Hour 2026
- Dr. Laurence Coiffard, University of Nantes — Research on sustainable cosmetic formulations
- PETA — Beauty Without Bunnies Certification
Article published on March 24, 2026 by basic. — natural, vegan cosmetics made in Lausanne. On the occasion of Earth Hour 2026, because every action counts.