ReMI Skincare

4-in-1 Day Moisturiser / Source: ReMI

BeautyOceaniaPackaging

5 MINUTE READ

Nate Tyler

WHAT WE SAY:

The beauty and skincare industry is primarily in the business of shipping and selling water and plastic. Those are the long-lasting effects of the industry, at least. ReMI is doing its part to change this model by making four-in-one moisturiser stones that come in ceramic boxes.

Using organic ingredients and a small-batch approach, ReMI puts care into every item it makes. And by eliminating all petrochemicals from its operations — both in the stones themselves and the packaging — the brand has created a completely plastic-free offering. We just wish it was available beyond Australia.

KEY FACTS:

Australian skincare brand ReMI makes four-in-one moisturising stones from organic ingredients. The handmade, waterless, concentrated bars can be used as an eye cream, moisturiser, face oil, and lip balm, with both day and night formulations on offer.
The stones are made from a long list of natural Australian ingredients, including Biome Oléoactif, Blue Oléoactif, L22, wattleseed extract, Australian sandalwood oil, Australian blue cypress oil, and Australian rosewood bark oil. The brand states that no petrochemicals or synthetics are used in the stones, and all ingredients are certified toxic free and organic. Each stone is made to last around three months with daily use.
To use, customers wash and dry their face; rub the stone around the eyes, lips, face, and neck; then tap with their fingertips to increase absorption.
The stones come packaged in stackable ceramic boxes made by Ryan L. Foote, a Melbourne potter and artist whose studio is only three kilometres from ReMI’s lab. The keepsake ceramic boxes are made with imperial porcelain and designed to get wet in a bathroom setting. To clean the boxes, the brand advises hand washing with a gentle detergent. Foote also designed the cardboard refill boxes and moulds for the stones.
The stones are moulded into a tri-lobular shape — as are the boxes — and are designed to look like a jewel. The stone's shape is inspired by gua sha facial tools, fitting against the curves of the face and promoting lymphatic drainage through acupressure. As customers use the stone, it forms to the individual contours of their face.
In keeping with its holistic approach, the brand uses FSC-certified Paper boxes for shipping and is completely plastic free. The paper packaging is both recyclable and biodegradable.
ReMI was founded in 2021 by Kiyoung Sung, a ten-year veteran of the cosmetics industry, and Marta Novovic, a certified aromatherapist, in Melbourne, Australia. The brand launched at the end of 2022 and products are currently only available through its website. Shipping is limited to Australia and New Zealand at present.

4-in-1 Day Moisturiser / Source: ReMI

4-in-1 Night Moisturiser with ceramic keepsake packaging / Source: ReMI

DIVE DEEPER:

ReMI tackles two beauty and skincare problems head-on: plastic packaging and water. The beauty industry produces 120 billion pieces of packaging every year, and the packaging industry is one of the worst offenders when it comes to plastic pollution, responsible for 46% of global plastics. A lot of waste is generated to make us look good.
By using paper and reusable, bespoke ceramics to ship and house its product, ReMI is eliminating as much waste as possible from the skincare regimens of its customers. And by combining four products in one, the packaging savings are amplified.
As for water, most skincare products are made of 70-90% water, while some rinse-off cosmetics contain as much as 95%. This adds to the product's weight, increasing transportation costs and emissions. By eliminating water and shrinking down the size of its product, ReMI has not only greatly reduced emissions, but packaging requirements too.
With its focus on handmade techniques and staying local, ReMI ensures it supports its community. Rather than sourcing packaging outside of Australia, the bespoke ceramic boxes are made just a couple of miles from ReMI’s lab. ReMI also makes each moisturising bar by hand, with the co-founders personally selecting and tracing all ingredients. For instance, the brand’s sandalwood source is 100% managed by indigenous Australians, and all of the brand’s oils come from regenerative farms.
ReMI's partnership with Plastic Bank means that for every item sold, one kilogram of plastic is removed from the environment in developing countries that are disproportionately affected by plastic waste. The brand states that the workers removing this waste are paid a living wage.
While Plastic Bank is involved in the onerous market of plastic credits — a system that encourages continued plastic production — ReMI doesn’t use any plastic itself, meaning this plastic removal isn't offsetting its own use and acts as a bonus clear-up action.
ReMI is Net Zero Certified, as well as accredited for being Vegan Friendly, Allergy Certified, Australian Certified Toxic Free, Cruelty-Free Certified, and Made Safe.
The idea for the brand emerged during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, when co-founder Sung realised all her skincare was packaged in plastic while hiding from her children in the bathroom. During this much-needed moment of escapism, she decided she wanted all her products to be good for her children's futures, leading her to prioritise the above certifications.

"It's not either-or. What's good for me should be good for the planet, and vice versa."

Kiyoung Sung - co-founder, ReMI - as quoted in Fashion Journal

Key Design Considerations:

Cross-demographic affordability

A ReMI starter set, which includes a day and night moisturising stone plus ceramic boxes to house them in, comes in at AUD 242 (USD 162). Without the boxes, the price for both stones is AUD 152 (USD 102). Consider whether your keepsake packaging is worth an extra USD 60 to your end consumer, or if it could be swapped with a material such as Cork to offer a more affordable entry price. At USD 102 for both stones, the price is comparable to other natural and organic moisturising stones on the market, but could still be out of reach for many people who would like a sustainable skincare option, limiting your reach and impact.

Go local

ReMI’s entire operation is local, and all elements are made by hand. While this is a great marketing angle, it also greatly reduces transportation emissions, supports the local community, and ensures that all aspects of the business are overseen properly. When possible, go local.