Plastic-Free Cosmetics: The Complete Guide to a Zero-Waste Beauty Routine in 2026
Plastic-free cosmetics: The complete guide to a zero-waste beauty routine in 2026
Plastic-free cosmetics are no longer a niche trend. In 2026, they are a necessity. Each year, the global cosmetics industry generates over 120 billion units of plastic packaging, of which less than 9% are actually recycled, according to a 2023 study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The rest ends up in landfills, oceans, or incinerators.
On the occasion of Earth Hour this March 28, 2026, it's the perfect time to rethink our bathrooms. Because adopting plastic-free cosmetics doesn't mean sacrificing effectiveness—it means choosing smarter, more sustainable, and often better alternatives for your skin.
In this guide, we'll cover everything: why plastic is a problem in cosmetics, what alternatives truly exist, how to build a zero-waste beauty routine, and how to recognize brands that are committed beyond greenwashing.
Why plastic is a problem in cosmetics
Striking figures
Plastic in cosmetics poses a dual problem: packaging and the formulas themselves.
In terms of packaging, an average bathroom contains between 40 and 60 cosmetic products (source: Zero Waste Europe, 2024). The majority are packaged in virgin plastic—tubes, bottles, caps, films, overwraps. In Switzerland, plastic consumption per inhabitant exceeds 100 kg per year, a significant portion of which comes from hygiene and beauty products (FOEN, 2023).
In terms of formulation, microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—are present in many conventional products: exfoliants, toothpastes, sunscreens, lipsticks. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a restriction on intentionally added microplastics as early as 2019, with implementation staggered until 2035.
Impact on the environment and health
Cosmetic microplastics end up in wastewater, pass through treatment plants, and contaminate rivers, lakes, and oceans. A University of Newcastle study (2019) estimated that an average person ingests the equivalent of a credit card in plastic each week—about 5 grams of microplastics.
Endocrine disruptors often associated with plastic packaging (bisphenol A, phthalates) can migrate into cosmetics upon contact with the container. The choice of packaging is therefore not just an ecological issue: it's also a health issue.
Alternatives to plastic in cosmetics
Good news: solutions exist and are increasingly accessible. Here are the main alternatives for sustainable beauty packaging.
Aluminum: infinitely recyclable
Aluminum is one of the most interesting materials to replace plastic in cosmetics. Unlike plastic, which degrades with each recycling cycle (known as downcycling), aluminum can be recycled infinitely without losing its properties. Its effective recycling rate in Europe exceeds 75% (European Aluminium, 2024), compared to less than 30% for cosmetic plastics.
At basic., all deodorants are packaged in aluminum cases. Le classik, for example, is a natural stick deodorant in a 100% recyclable aluminum case. And to go even further, Le classik rechargeable allows you to keep your case and simply replace the refill—further reducing environmental impact.
Glass: noble and reusable
Glass is another premium material for plastic-free cosmetics. It is inert (no chemical migration), 100% recyclable, and infinitely reusable.
The basic. vegetable oils—Jojoba oil, Argan oil, Sweet almond oil, Apricot oil, Hazelnut oil, Macadamia oil, Sesame oil, Castor oil, Avocado oil—are all presented in amber glass bottles. This choice is not insignificant: amber glass protects the oils from UV light, preserving their active properties longer than a clear plastic bottle.
Solid formats: zero or almost zero packaging
A solid shampoo replaces an average of 2 to 3 bottles of 250 ml liquid shampoo, eliminating as many plastic bottles.
The basic. solid shampoos—Shampoo for all hair types 100g, Shampoo for oily hair 100g, and Shampoo for dry hair 100g—are sulfate-free and packaged in minimalist cardboard packaging.
Cardboard and paper: naturally biodegradable
Recycled cardboard and FSC-certified paper naturally compost in a few months, and their recycling is well established in Switzerland with a rate exceeding 80% (Swissrecycling, 2024).
How to build your plastic-free beauty routine
Switching to plastic-free cosmetics doesn't happen overnight—and that's normal. The idea is not to throw everything away and buy new, but to adopt a gradual approach: replace each finished product with a plastic-free alternative.
Step 1: Inventory your bathroom
Start by identifying the most frequently used and repurchased products. Generally, the top 5 biggest plastic generators in a bathroom are: shower gels, shampoos, deodorants, toothpastes, and moisturizers.
Step 2: Prioritize high-impact swaps
- Plastic deodorant → refillable aluminum deodorant: the simplest swap. The texture and application are identical, but the case lasts for years. The basic. Le classik rechargeable is a good starting point.
- Liquid shampoo → solid shampoo: it takes a little time to adapt to find the right formula (the Shampoo for all hair types 100g are suitable for most hair types), but the result is amazing.
- Body oil in plastic → oil in glass: no difference in use, just a more noble and healthier container.
- Disposable cotton pads → washable wipes: not a cosmetic in itself, but an accessory that generates a lot of waste.
- Shower gel in a bottle → solid soap: back to basics, with formulas much more respectful of the skin.
Step 3: Adopt the "refill" reflex
The refill system is probably the most promising innovation for reducing packaging waste. The principle is simple: you buy a durable container once, then you only buy refills. Result: up to 70% less packaging materials over the product's life cycle (source: Quantis, LCA study of refillable packaging, 2022).
basic. has adopted this model with its range of refillable deodorants. The aluminum case is designed to last, while the refills—available in several scents such as woody rechargeable, sensitive rechargeable, and floral rechargeable—minimize waste.
Plastic-free vs. conventional cosmetics: a comparison
| Criterion | Conventional | Plastic-free |
|---|---|---|
| Main packaging | Virgin plastic (PP, PE, PET) | Aluminum, glass, cardboard |
| Recyclability | Variable (often < 30%) | High (> 75% for aluminum) |
| Packaging lifespan | Single-use | Reusable (refillable) |
| Chemical migration | Risk (BPA, phthalates) | None (glass, aluminum) |
| Microplastics | Possible (check INCI) | Excluded (natural formulations) |
| Initial purchase price | Often lower | Slightly higher |
| Long-term price | Higher (constant repurchase) | More economical (refills) |
How to recognize a truly committed brand
True signs of commitment
- PETA certification (vegan and cruelty-free): an independent guarantee. basic. is PETA certified.
- Transparency on ingredients: the complete INCI list is accessible before purchase.
- Documented choice of packaging materials: the brand explains its choices with concrete data.
- Local manufacturing: basic. products are manufactured in Switzerland, in Lausanne.
- Refill or return system: an investment in long-term waste reduction.
Greenwashing red flags
- "Recyclable packaging" without specifying the effective recycling rate in your region
- "Natural" or "of natural origin" without certification or precise percentage
- Green color and plant visuals on a product whose formula is anything but natural
- "Microplastic-free" even though European regulations will soon make this mandatory for everyone
Pioneering brands in plastic-free cosmetics
Lamazuna, a French pioneer in zero-waste cosmetics, has been offering a wide range of solid products since 2010. Their approach is radical: no plastic packaging, bioplastic or cardboard containers.
Comme Avant focuses on absolute simplicity with formulas using very few ingredients and cardboard or glass packaging.
basic. positions itself in a different niche: sophisticated natural formulations in premium sustainable packaging. Refillable aluminum for deodorants, amber glass for oils, cardboard for solids. The commitment is PETA vegan and cruelty-free certified, and manufacturing is 100% Swiss.
Earth Hour and sustainable cosmetics: what's the connection?
Earth Hour, organized annually by WWF on the last Saturday of March, invites everyone to turn off their lights for an hour to symbolize their commitment to the planet. In 2025, the event mobilized more than 190 countries and millions of participants.
But Earth Hour is also a time to reflect on our daily consumption habits. And the bathroom is an excellent starting point: it's one of the areas in the house where plastic is most omnipresent and where alternatives are most accessible.
This Saturday, March 28, 2026, during that hour without light, why not take the time to inventory your bathroom? Count the plastic packaging. Identify those you could replace. This is the first step towards a beauty routine that respects your skin and the planet.
FAQ: plastic-free cosmetics
Are plastic-free cosmetics as effective as conventional cosmetics?
Yes. The effectiveness of a cosmetic depends on its formulation, not its packaging. Natural deodorants in an aluminum case like basic.'s Le classik offer 24-hour protection that has been tested and approved. Solid shampoos clean just as well (or even better, because they are more concentrated) than liquid shampoos.
Are plastic-free cosmetics more expensive?
At the first purchase, the price may be slightly higher—you are paying for a durable container rather than a disposable plastic tube. But in the long run, it's often more economical: a 100g solid shampoo replaces 2-3 250ml bottles, and refills cost less than the complete product. According to an analysis by UFC-Que Choisir (2024), the annual usage cost of a solid routine is on average 15 to 20% lower than a conventional liquid routine.
How do I know if a product contains microplastics?
Check the INCI list. Microplastics appear under names like Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Nylon-12, or Acrylates copolymer. Apps like INCI Beauty or Yuka can help you scan products. Vegan certified cosmetics like those from basic. are by definition free of microplastics.
Is aluminum truly ecological?
Primary aluminum production is energy-intensive. But aluminum can be recycled infinitely without loss of quality, and recycling consumes only 5% of the energy required for primary production (source: International Aluminium Institute, 2023). From the second recycling cycle, aluminum becomes more ecological than plastic. And when used in a refillable format—like basic. deodorants—the impact is even further reduced.
Which product should I start with to switch to a plastic-free routine?
Deodorant is the simplest swap: no adaptation time, same application gesture, immediate effectiveness. The basic. Le classik rechargeable is an excellent starting point—you invest once in the aluminum case, then you only buy refills.
Checklist: your zero-waste bathroom in 7 steps
- Finish your current products—don't throw anything away, finish what you have
- Replace your deodorant with a refillable aluminum deodorant
- Switch to solid shampoo—choose the formula suitable for your hair type
- Adopt a solid soap to replace liquid shower gel in a bottle
- Choose oils in glass for face and body hydration
- Invest in washable accessories—wipes, sponges, cotton pads
- Refuse overpackaging—prefer brands that sell "naked" or in cardboard
The future of plastic-free cosmetics
The regulatory framework is evolving rapidly. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), adopted in 2024, sets binding targets: a 15% reduction in plastic packaging by 2040, mandatory recyclability for all packaging by 2030, and promotion of reuse and refill systems.
In Switzerland, Motion 20.3695 adopted by the National Council calls for a significant reduction in single-use plastics, and the country aims for an 80% packaging recycling rate by 2030.
Brands that have anticipated this transition have a head start. It's not just about image: it's about long-term economic viability.
Conclusion: every action counts
Plastic-free cosmetics are not an inaccessible ideal. It's a series of concrete, simple, and progressive choices. Replacing a plastic bottle with a refillable aluminum case. Swapping a liquid shampoo for a solid one. Choosing an oil in glass rather than plastic.
Every plastic-free product you adopt means one less package in the trash—and one more signal sent to the cosmetics industry that consumers want change.
This Earth Hour week 2026, it might be the best time to start. Because taking care of your skin and taking care of the planet are not contradictory—they are complementary.
Discover the entire basic. range—natural, vegan, and plastic-free cosmetics, made in Switzerland—on basic-cosmetics.bio.