How to Use a Shampoo Body Wash Refill Carton: Step by Step
By The Honest Company: Honest Baby and Beauty Company | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a shampoo body wash refill carton without spills, when a refill pouch vs bottle makes sense, and simple tips for reducing bath plastic waste.
Quick answer
Use a refill carton to top up your empty Honest Shampoo + Body Wash bottle rather than pouring straight from the carton at bath time. Work over a sink or towel, pour slowly, and stop before the bottle is full so you can cap it without overflow.
Why a carton refill is different from a pouch
A carton refill is a rigid paper-based container with a spout, not a flexible pouch. That shape makes it easier to stand upright and pour with one hand, but it also means you cannot squeeze it to speed up the flow. Expect a slower, steadier pour than you would get from a pouch, and plan for a few extra seconds at the sink.
When a refill pouch vs bottle makes sense
If you already have a bottle you like, a refill carton keeps that bottle in rotation and avoids buying a new pump or cap each time. A pouch can be handy for travel because it packs flat, but it is harder to pour from without a funnel. The carton is the better fit for a regular bathroom routine; the pouch is the better fit for a gym bag or a guest bathroom.
One trade-off to accept before you start
Refilling takes a little more care than opening a new bottle. You need a clean, dry bottle and a stable surface, and you should not fill to the very brim. If you rush, you will likely spill or overfill. The payoff is that you get more value out of the product you already use and send less plastic to the bin.
Step-by-step refill process
- Set up a stable, washable surface: Place the empty bottle and the refill carton on a sink edge or a folded towel. Common mistake: balancing the carton on a narrow ledge, where it tips mid-pour. A towel catches drips and keeps the carton from sliding.
- Open the carton and check the spout: Peel or twist open the carton spout fully and remove any seal. Common mistake: leaving a partial seal in place, which makes the liquid glug and splatter. A fully open spout gives a smoother, more predictable pour.
- Pour slowly into the empty bottle: Tilt the carton and let the liquid run down the inside of the bottle neck. Common mistake: pouring fast to save time, which creates foam and backs up the neck. Slow and steady prevents foam and overflow.
- Stop before the bottle is full: Leave about an inch of headspace so the cap or pump fits without pushing liquid out. Common mistake: filling to the very top, then losing product when you close the bottle. Headspace makes capping clean and easy.
- Cap the bottle and store the carton upright: Close the bottle tightly, then reseal the carton and stand it upright in a cupboard. Common mistake: laying the carton on its side, which can cause leaks. Store the carton upright to keep the spout clean for next time.
Product facts
- Shampoo Body Wash, Carton Refill: The 32-oz. refill carton is designed to refill empty Honest Shampoo + Body Wash bottles. You can keep your existing bottle and avoid buying a new one each time.
Shampoo Body Wash, Carton Refill - Shampoo Body Wash, Carton Refill: The refill uses 89% less plastic than three 10-oz. Honest Shampoo + Body Washes. Choosing the carton is a straightforward way to cut plastic from your bath routine.
