These Brands Will Buy Back Your Used Cosmetics

The beauty industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries, producing thousands of tons of waste each year. But some innovative companies are changing the game by offering buy-back programs, allowing consumers to sell or return their unused or lightly used products.

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Why Buy-Back Programs Matter

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Instead of treating beauty products as disposable, buy-back initiatives extend their life cycle. They reduce waste, emissions, and energy use associated with producing new items. They also make beauty more accessible and sustainable, since pre-owned products are often sold at a lower cost.

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By participating in buy-back programs, consumers play a direct role in reducing environmental harm while also getting value from products they no longer need. Every package returned or sold prevents additional waste and promotes a circular economy in beauty.

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Glambot

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Glambot makes it easy to sell pre-owned or new beauty products. Start by reviewing their sell requirements to see which brands and products they accept. Products must be authentic, in sellable condition, non-expired, and at least 50% full.

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Makeup brushes must be clean, and reusable applicators are only accepted for beauty professionals. Once you've picked your items, Glambot emails you a free USPS shipping label. After your package arrives, the team reviews it and sends you an offer within five business days. You can choose cash or take 30% more in-store credit.

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Also read: Find Plastic-Free Personal Care at These 8 Brands

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YouFromMe

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YouFromMe takes things further by combining resale, donation, and recycling. Products must be brand new, like-new, or slightly used, with at least 75% remaining and a resale value above $9. Shipping is easy with a prepaid USPS label, and once received, you can track sales and commissions through your vendor account.

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Items that don't make economic sense are donated to ensure they're fully consumed, while expired or unusable packaging is recycled through TerraCycle, which processes the materials into feedstock for new packaging, keeping them in circulation instead of ending up in landfills.

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Glou Beauty

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Glou's buy-back program, or "Rehome program," makes reselling beauty products easy and trustworthy. Send in new or gently used items and receive credit toward future purchases. Price products based on condition: sealed items sell for 60–80% of retail, unsealed but unused for 50–70%, and lightly used for 30–50%. Factor in rarity and limited editions, and leave room for negotiation.

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When selling, clean products, seal liquids in small bags, cushion with any existing packaging material, label fragile items, and use trackable shipping. By combining smart pricing with careful shipping, you give your beauty products a second life while building buyer trust.

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