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Malaysia’s first circular beauty brand, R+B (Repurpose + Beauty), recently launched a range of skincare products designed to meet the demands of consumers looking for effective, natural, and eco-friendly products.

Founders Irene Lim and Soo-Hoo Siew Kheng believe that beauty should not come at a cost to the environment and our wallets. They also wanted to empower customers to make informed, sustainable decisions when it comes to their skincare.

Thus, the core ingredient in R+B skincare products is repurposed coffee grounds that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.

In addition to the nutrient-rich coffee grounds, the products are accompanied by good ingredients such as the Resurrection Plant in its face moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier and the arbutin in it to prevent uneven skin tone and pigmentation.

There are also anti-inflammatory ingredients such as star anise and turmeric and ingredients promoting collagen growth.

In line with its “circular” concept, customers are encouraged to send back the empty bottles which will be washed and reused.

To do so, they have to fill in a return form and send the bottles to the R+B office. In return, customers get RM20 credited to their registered account to be used on their next purchase.

While this may seem like a hassle for some, it’s a nice option for those who are looking to do their part to live and make sustainable choices.

R+B also gives back to the community by donating 10% of every purchase to non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They have contributed to 4×4 Relief Malaysia and Animal Projects & Environment Education (APE Malaysia) so far.

My first impressions of the products

R+B currently has three skincare products (face cleanser, scrub, moisturiser) and two body products (body scrub and moisturiser).

During the launch, I had a chance to test out the product’s texture. When it comes to physical exfoliants (scrubs), there is always the worry that they’ll cause micro skin tears due to the harsh abrasive particles.

R+B Exfoliating Face Scrub contains caffeine and turmeric to help brighten dull skin. The texture of the scrub is smooth and the fine coffee grounds give a good scrub without feeling like you’re getting clawed. It’s not rough like some of the salt scrubs in stores.

The R+B Anti-Cellulite Body Scrub has a drier texture to exfoliate the body skin better and it still gives a comfortable scrub without the feeling of being skinned raw.

Both moisturisers smelled really good, especially the body cream, because it has a slight orangey smell. This is due to the presence of orange oil which supposedly promotes collagen growth and enhances the overall skin texture.

My hands, which had the body moisturiser on one hand and the face moisturiser on the other, still felt moisturised long after I left the event.

Overall, the product’s efficacy seems promising (but as always, only time will tell). They do not have an overpowering scent so it’s safe to use for those with sensitive noses like mine.

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I Tried Out R+B’s Coffee Based Skincare & It Made Me Feel Brew-ti-ful