It goes without saying that water is necessary for a healthy life. In fact, water makes up up to 60% of the average human body. It serves as the foundation for who we are. Given how crucial water is to the health of our body and mind, you may be wondering what the deal is with waterless skincare and why it’s sweeping the beauty industry. Water must be beneficial for our skincare, right?
We have the answers to your questions if the water-free beauty craze has you debating whether to switch to waterless skincare products or whether to believe the hype.
In this guide to waterless skincare, you’ll learn everything you need to know about waterless beauty.
What is Waterless Skincare?
Waterless, water-free, or anhydrous beauty are terms for skincare and cosmetics that are made without water and were first used in South Korea. Instead, they make use of a variety of butters, oils, waxes, and oil-soluble actives.
Naturally, water is required for the growth of the natural botanicals used in their formulations.
Since they aren’t diluted, water-free beauty products typically have higher concentrations of active ingredients than their water-based counterparts.
The Benefits of Using Waterless Skincare Products
We think the trend in waterless skincare is here to stay for a variety of reasons. Here are some of our favorite justifications for adopting a waterless skincare regimen:
No water will be added to your skincare products
Up to 90% of the most popular body care and skincare products on the market are made up of water, which is typically denoted on the ingredients list as “aqua,” “agua,” or “l’eau.” Because there is a significant amount of water present rather than active ingredients, you are essentially paying for a larger bottle.
This indicates that some businesses are diluting the active ingredients with water in order to market their skincare products at a lower cost. We all like to save money, but doing so may be a mistake if it means buying a product that is less effective or requiring more of it to achieve the desired outcome.
Save water
1.8 billion people are anticipated to experience water scarcity by 2025, putting communities in many parts of our planet in danger. We cannot overlook this significant global issue.
Even though it’s difficult to fully comprehend the severity of water shortages that a significant portion of the world’s population experiences, many of us are already making modest contributions to the conservation of this priceless resource. While we brush our teeth and take shorter showers, we turn off the faucet. However, some of the largest cosmeceutical firms, like L’Oreal, have recently realized that by lowering the amount of water they use in their products, they can play a significant role in water conservation. After all, they are dealing with far bigger amounts of water than just one person!
The fact that the major players in the beauty sector are catching up to the ideals of independent businesses is encouraging. These smaller businesses have long been at the forefront of the movement to boycott the use of water in skincare products, opting instead for reviving oils and nourishing botanical substitutes.
Using less packaging for waterless skincare products
The need for less packaging makes using water-free skincare products an additional significant environmental benefit.
You can lessen the use of plastic packaging by switching out water-based soaps and cleansers for powders that foam when activated in the shower. Additionally, water-free cosmetics and beauty items will take up much less space in your luggage as the holiday season draws near. That frees up extra space in your bag for all of your vacation necessities!
Waterless soap bars are a fantastic option for water-free skincare and benefit the environment as well. Solid waterless skincare is more durable, portable, and adaptable. You may apply effective waterless skincare on your body and face.
Importantly, if tons of water are not transported during the logistics process, the carbon footprint of moving skincare products through the supply chain is reduced.
How is sustainability improved by waterless beauty?
Products made from water need a lot of synthetic preservatives because water breeds bacteria. In most cases, more eco-friendly or natural preservatives can be used to preserve a product that doesn’t contain water.
Formulas without water also have smaller, much less-materials-used container. The sustainable beauty expert explains that lighter, smaller packaging reduces shipping weight and space, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint.
Additionally, waterless cosmetic and skincare essentials tend to last longer because you can get away with using less because they are typically more concentrated and potent.
It’s crucial to remember, however, that not all water-free goods are made equal. The absence of water during the formulation process does not automatically imply sustainability. Oil cleaners, for instance, do not include water. However, if the ingredients aren’t sourced sustainably, it may have a larger environmental impact than a typical foaming cleanser with water added.
Therefore, it’s best to do some research on the brand you’re interested in before adding anything to your cart. Find out how the brand obtains its ingredients, where they are sourced from, what kind of preservatives and packaging they use, etc.
The best waterless skincare products to try:
1) Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic
This Meghan Markle-endorsed cleanser has been a line best-seller since its inception in 2012 and now comes in three additional versions to accommodate oily, dry, and sensitive skin types. The water-activated wash gently whisks away dead skin cells for a smoother, more radiant complexion using a foundation of finely crushed rice bran. Pour one-half teaspoon of the powder over damp palms to make a foam that resembles a cloud. To let the ingredients do their magic, gently massage for 15 seconds.
The popular beauty brand on TikTok is well-liked for a good reason: It creates skincare products that are not only inexpensive but also extremely effective and non-irritating. Their chlorophyll mask, which comes in a vivid green powder and can be equally easily diluted or turned up to troubleshoot whatever skin issues you’re currently dealing with. (Spoiler alert: you can use the mask in a few more ways with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.)
3) Versed Found The Light Powder With Vitamin C
As a notoriously unstable substance, vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat, light, and even air, all of which can gradually reduce its effectiveness. However, it’s also one of the best ingredients for avoiding tedium. Thankfully, Versed came up with the answer with this vitamin C powder that keeps being fresh until the very last drop. The tapioca starch-based, ultra-fine powder adds a brightening boost to your other skincare products while melting into them with no residue. To activate the antioxidant, combine your moisturizer with two shakes of powder.
