France remains the world’s leading exporter of cosmetics, a sector valued at €68 billion. Yet each year, 180 million euros’ worth of unused new products remain in storage. End-of-line items, samples, packaging defects, or seasonal stock become a burden for manufacturers.

Since 2022, the AGEC law has banned their destruction, forcing brands to find alternative solutions: donations, clearance sales, or recycling. Each option comes with its own benefits but also limitations in terms of image, cost, and regulatory compliance.

To meet this challenge, platforms such as Phenix and Greez have emerged. Shiseido has redistributed 500,000 products via Phenix, while Pierre Fabre donated 1.8 million samples in 2024.

For the average French consumer, whose monthly cosmetics budget is around €35, these solutions can cut costs by up to a third. Greez offers discounts ranging from 15% to 80% on brands such as Shiseido, Pavot, Centifolia, and Auriège. Some retailers are also innovating internally: Monoprix has launched a “Too Good To Go for cosmetics” concept, where customers buy mystery bundles at half price, but without knowing the contents.

Finally, 16% of unsold goods pass through discount retailers such as Action or Normal. Their shelves feature major brands like L’Oréal, Garnier, and Nivea at significantly lower prices than in traditional stores.