Did you know that majority of skincare and beauty products contain a staggering amount of water? In fact, most contain anywhere from 80 to 97% water, which means that the active ingredients in the product are mostly diluted and therefore, less effective. Water is often used as a filler by big brands, allowing them to use less of the more expensive active ingredients and sell products at a cheaper price.
If water is listed as an ingredient in your product, it is a water based product. It also is considered a water based product if the ingredients list juice, aloe vera (unless its listed as powder), or tea, or anything that is typically made mostly of water.
The FDA requires that ingredients in any skincare product be listed by volume – that means the largest ingredient is listed first and the smallest last. In the majority of cases, water based skincare products will list water in the top 3 ingredients. That means the product is made mostly of water. Even if it says juice – that means it is mostly made with water because juice is mostly water.
As consumers become more aware of the benefits of waterless (known as anhydrous) skincare products, the trend for minimal skincare routines and natural, organic ingredients continues to grow. By choosing waterless products, we not only benefit our own health but also contribute to a healthier planet by reducing the amount of water and preservatives used in beauty products.
A waterless beauty product is more concentrated and this unnecessary overuse of water in skincare, can really dry the skin by stripping away the natural oils of the skin — drinking water is a great way to keep skin hydrated, but you don’t need it in your products.
The truth is, the water in your product may actually evaporate before your body even has a chance to absorb the water, drying out your skin in the process. This process might actually lead your skin to produce more oil to dry to compensate for the drying of your skin.
Why choose waterless skincare products?
There are many reasons why we believe that the waterless skincare trend is here to stay. Here are some of our favourite reasons to get on board with the waterless skincare bandwagon:
The benefits of waterless skincare are numerous, both for the environment and for your skin. Here are some of the key advantages of this trend:
- Sustainability: Traditional skincare products that contain water as their main ingredient require significant amounts of water to produce, and the manufacturing process also generates a significant amount of waste. By using waterless formulations, you can reduce your water usage and minimise your environmental impact. Another important and eco-friendly benefit of choosing water-free skincare is that the products need less packaging.
- Longer shelf life: Waterless formulations tend to have a longer shelf life than products that contain water, as water can promote the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This means that you can keep your skincare products for longer without worrying about them going bad.
- Better hydration: While it may seem counterintuitive, waterless skincare products can actually be more hydrating than traditional products. Many oils and botanical extracts contain natural moisturizing agents that penetrate the skin more deeply than water, leaving your skin feeling softer and more supple.
- Fewer preservatives: Waterless skincare products typically contain fewer preservatives or none at all, than products that contain water, as preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in water-based formulas. This means that waterless products can be gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation. Great for people with sensitive skin and allergies. The more water a product contains, the more preservatives it probably has to keep bacterial growth at bay.
- No Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers are a common ingredient in skincare products that help oil and water mix together. While they themselves do not typically cause skin problems, they can allow other skin irritants to penetrate into the skin and disrupt the skin microbiome, leading to dryness and the ‘wash out’ effect. Emulsifiers can also speed up nutrient absorption, which can be problematic for those with sensitive skin. Emulsifiers should only be used when oil removal is necessary, such as in a cleanser, but are required in water-based skincare to prevent ingredient separation.
- More potent formulas: Waterless skincare products contain high concentrations of active ingredients, as there is no water to dilute them. This means that you can get more effective results with less product and surely more value for you money. These ingredients are the reason you bought the product to begin with. Active ingredients are ingredients like seed oils, collagen, ceramides, and essential oils. They are the ingredients that actually do things to help your skin.
Overall, lightweight oils like camellia oil and meadowfoam oil can be a great addition to any skincare routine. They offer a range of benefits for the skin, including hydration, nourishment, and improved texture and tone.
Camellia oil is lightweight. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it highly nourishing and hydrating. It is also non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin, making it a popular choice for facial and body oils. Camellia oil has been found to help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the skin’s natural barrier function. It is also known for its soothing properties, making it ideal for people with sensitive or irritated skin.
Meadowfoam oil is also light and is rich in fatty acids, making it highly moisturising and nourishing. It is also easily absorbed by the skin, making it a popular choice for facial and body oils. Meadowfoam oil has been found to help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the skin’s natural barrier function. It is also known for its ability to lock in moisture, making it ideal for people with dry or dehydrated skin.
Overall, lightweight oils like camellia oil and meadowfoam oil can be a great addition to any skincare routine. They offer a range of benefits for the skin, including hydration, nourishment, and improved texture and tone.
Argan oil is another lightweight oil that is packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making it highly moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. It can help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
As is Jojoba oil – rich in vitamins and minerals, making it highly nourishing and hydrating. It is also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores, making it ideal for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Jojoba actually mimics our skins own sebum, so is a great oil to protect and nourish.
Squalane has gained popularity in recent years for its hydrating and anti-aging properties. It is a highly moisturizing oil that can penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to restore its natural moisture barrier and improve its elasticity and firmness. Jojoba oil is another lightweight oil that is great for the skin. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it highly nourishing and hydrating. It is also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores, making it ideal for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
If you’re interested in trying out waterless skincare, there are tons of amazing products out there to choose from. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea to soothe and hydrate your skin. And don’t forget to have fun with it! Trying new products and finding the ones that work best for you is all part of the journey.
At Zen Soul Studio, we believe in offering a range of products that harness the power of natural ingredients to deliver great results. Our waterless beauty products are packed with nourishing and hydrating oils, as well as Plant extracts and botanicals. Our face oils, such as the Bio Bakuchiol Face oil with Watermelon is totally water free, in fact, so is pretty much every skincare product we do including our Harmony Luxury Whipped Hand + Body butter.
So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of waterless skincare and give your skin the love it deserves.
Happy skin, happy planet!