Why beauty brands can’t just destroy unsold stock anymore
In France, beauty brands are now legally required not to destroy their unsold products anymore. “How do they deal with this new legislation, and where can people get their hands on these beauty products?” Good questions! The move came in response to environmental concerns, giving manufacturers—and bargain hunters—a new perspective on what happens to those extra bottles of moisturizer and blush palettes that never made it to the checkout line.
Back in January 2023, the United Nations announced that the ozone layer hole could heal within 40 years. Efforts from both industry and consumers made this progress possible. In the 1990s, beauty companies had to change their habits, and governments banned certain gases in aerosols. Fast-forward to today: with the climate crisis getting worse, governments are stepping up pressure on industries to change the game. The latest waste laws now require all manufacturers to ditch single-use plastics, better inform customers, tackle waste, promote circular and solidarity-based reuse, fight planned obsolescence, and simply produce… better.
The surprising fate of unsold cosmetics
Why do shelves overflow with unsold beauty products? According to a report published by ADEME (France’s government agency assessing climate impact) on November 25, 2021:
“According to players in the cosmetics industry, end-of-line products and marketing changes are the main causes of unsold goods (41% of respondents), often tied to marked seasonality and fast-moving fashion trends. Overproduction that leads to no market outlet and minor defects that affect product performance are the other main causes, according to 22% and 21% of respondents, respectively. Overproduction can be caused by launching products with overestimated forecasts, by special event-driven productions, or by lines that simply don’t appeal to customers.”
Even before the law changed, the beauty industry was looking for better solutions. Olivia Guernier, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at the French Federation of Beauty Companies (Febea), told Marie Claire:
“Among non-food products, cosmetics are the most frequently donated—they already accounted for 40% of donations, even before the law took effect.”
So, donations take the front seat. But manufacturers don’t rely solely on charity. Discount stores—think chains like Normal or Noz—also sell these types of products, and brands like Clarins make sure few are wasted. Guillaume Lascourrèges, Responsible Development Director at Clarins, shared with Marie Claire:
“Internally, destruction has always been considered an absurdity, economically of course, but especially for the waste of resources, which we have been measuring, including the carbon footprint, since 2007.”
What happens to products that can’t be saved?
Some products, however, do end up being destroyed, but only in very specific cases:
“That’s the case if they are expired, or if they contain ingredients banned by European regulations because they’re no longer considered safe. These items can’t be sold or given away,”
explains Olivia Guernier.
If the only issue is minor—like new rules for wording or labels—manufacturers have worked with authorities to relax some restrictions so these perfectly usable products can be donated.
“When it’s a ‘not serious’ non-compliance, like updates to packaging labels, we’ve worked with authorities to allow these products to be given away, because they are totally safe to use,”
she said.
A word of caution for beauty bargain hunters
Before you run to the nearest outlet or charity and snap up those half-price serums, a word to the wise. Using products that have been sitting around for too long can be risky. Sunscreen, for example, becomes completely ineffective once opened and past its expiration date. Be sure to check the date and get all the info you need—your skin will thank you!
- Governments are putting renewed pressure on manufacturers to help the environment through anti-waste laws.
- The main causes of unsold beauty products are end-of-series, marketing changes, overproduction, and minor defects.
- Most unsold cosmetics are donated or sold through discount chains, but those that are expired or contain banned ingredients are destroyed.
- Always check the expiration date on beauty products, especially for items like sunscreen.
Jack Mercer is a writer with a passion for American culture and everyday style. After spending years exploring the country’s hidden gems and fashion scenes, he found his voice sharing stories that celebrate the authentic spirit of modern America. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him hunting for vintage denim or enjoying a good bourbon on his front porch.
