Take Back Time Elixir Refill vs Full Size: Which Offers Better Value?
By Trinny London | Published: 2026-07-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare the cost, sustainability, and convenience of Trinny London’s Take Back Time Elixir refill versus the full size. Find out which option saves you more without compromising your skincare routine.
Skincare investments can be confusing, especially when you’re torn between a full-size bottle and a clever refill. One question we hear often is: *Is the Take Back Time Elixir refill worth it?* Let’s break down the value, packaging, and long-term benefits so you can decide which format fits your life—and your budget—best.
The Take Back Time Elixir is a powerful concentrate designed to restore radiance and firmness. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a loyal fan, knowing the difference between its refill and full-size versions can save you money and reduce waste—without cutting corners on results.
What Is the Take Back Time Elixir?
This concentrate is a key player in Trinny London’s skincare ecosystem. Packed with active ingredients, it targets loss of firmness, dullness, and uneven texture. The elixir is used as part of a daily routine—usually applied before moisturiser—and it works beautifully with other products to amplify results.
Because the formula is the same whether you buy the full-size bottle or the refill, your skincare experience stays identical. The only difference is the packaging: the full-size comes in a decorative outer bottle, while the refill slips into that same bottle once you’ve finished your first purchase.
- The elixir itself is a lightweight concentrate that absorbs quickly.
- Both formats contain the same volume (30ml) and same concentration of actives.
- Refills are designed to be used with the original outer bottle, so you never need to buy the glass vessel again.
Cost Comparison: Refill vs Full Size
Let’s talk numbers. The full-size Take Back Time Elixir typically costs more upfront because you are paying for the glass bottle, pump, and packaging. The refill version comes in a simpler pouch or tube, which cuts production costs—and those savings are passed on to you. On average, a refill can be 15–20% cheaper than buying the full-size again.
When you consider that the refill lasts just as long (around 3–4 months of daily use), the long-term savings become clear. After your first purchase, every subsequent refill reduces your spend significantly. Over a year, switching to refills could save you the equivalent of one additional product—perhaps a new shade of Kitten Mischief or a Naked Ambition Refill for your lip collection.
- One full-size bottle ≈ one time investment.
- Each refill offers a lower cost per millilitre.
- Example: three refills over 12 months can save you enough for a Be Your Best Mini travel set.
Sustainability and Practical Benefits
Beauty refills aren’t just kind to your wallet—they’re also better for the planet. By reusing the original glass bottle, you reduce the demand for new packaging manufacturing. Fewer bottles in landfills mean a lighter environmental footprint, which aligns with the conscious beauty movement many of us embrace today.
Practically, refills take up less space in your bathroom cabinet. They’re also lighter to carry if you travel often. Pair your elixir refill with a Line2Define Lip to keep your makeup bag lean. And for those who love a full routine without clutter, the refill system is a game-changer.
- Less plastic and glass waste per purchase cycle.
- Compact refill packs are easier to store and transport.
- Supports a circular economy mindset in beauty.
Which Option Should You Choose?
If you are buying the Take Back Time Elixir for the first time, go for the full size. You need the outer bottle and pump mechanism. But once you’ve invested in that, make the smart switch to refills. They offer the same efficacy with ongoing savings.
For those who love variety, the money saved from refills can be funnelled into trying other Trinny London treasures—like the Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour range or the Be Your Best Mini for a complete on-the-go skincare kit. The refill vs full-size decision isn’t just about a product; it’s about building a smarter, more sustainable beauty routine.
- First purchase: buy full size to get the bottle.
- Second purchase onwards: refill exclusively for maximum value.
- Consider combining with a Naked Ambition Refill for lips to keep your entire routine refill-friendly.
Whether you choose the full-size bottle or switch to a refill, the Take Back Time Elixir delivers the same firming, glowing results. But if you want to stretch your beauty budget without sacrificing quality, the refill is the clear winner. Start with a full size, then make the eco-friendly, cost-effective leap. And while you’re at it, why not explore the Be Your Best Mini to complete your pared-back, powerful routine?



