You’re always told to drink 8 glasses of it a day, so why wouldn’t you want water in your skincare? For decades, the beauty industry has used it to formulate products. It’s inexpensive and helps to create nice textures and decent applications. However, waterless skincare originated in South Korea in 2015. It refers to products formulated without water. Instead, these products use plant extracts, oils, and waxes. In recent years, many skincare brands out there are adopting waterless products…so what’s changed? Is it just another hype designed to pull at our purse strings?
Read on to learn my 5 top reasons why it might be time to part ways with products containing H20. Is it time for you to embrace a new waterless skincare routine in 2022?
FYI: If the following post inspires you to join a waterless revolution, take a look at some of my products!
1. Waterless formulas allow actives to shine
Take a glance within your skincare cabinet…is water listed in the first few ingredients? Yes? This means that it’s a primary ingredient, taking up a significant percentage of that product's formula. The issue is that the water serves no other purpose than as a filler to bulk out your product. This leaves active ingredients diluted and less effective for your complexion. A bit naughty, right?
2. Your skin ain’t a fan anyway
Water might be essential for our bodies to stay hydrated...but it's best left as a more internal affair. The surface of your skin is actually hydrophobic and can’t absorb water with efficiency. This makes it harder for your skin to get the most out of active ingredients, as it struggles to absorb them too. Alongside this, our skin is also made up of protective natural oils. These oils don’t particularly care for water; too much of it will strip your complexion, leaving it dry and irritated.
If it’s taking ages for you to see results from your products…this may be why! A waterless alternative might be your skin’s savior.
3. Sustainability
Did you know that approximately 1.8 billion of the world’s population may face water shortages by 2025? After agriculture, the beauty industry uses the most water. We need water to survive, it’s as simple as that. But the world's most influential brands are listening. More and more of them are promising change or taking action -- but still not enough. By choosing to go waterless with your skincare you:
A. Get the best from your products.
B. Don't impact the earth on the same scale.
4. Fewer bacteria and fewer preservatives
Bacteria and mold both need water to grow and flourish. Your skincare is no different. Brands often add preservatives to their products to prevent bacteria from forming. These preservatives can be harsh on our skin. When you remove water from the formulas, you don't need as many preservatives. You'll find that some waterless products don't need any preservatives at all. Wherever possible, preservatives that are paraben free and chosen with skin-friendliness in mind are best!
5. Waterless alternatives are far more beneficial to your skin
When you take water out of the formula, it’s replaced with botanical extracts and oils instead. These extracts and oils do the same job of carrying other ingredients that water does, but with much greater effect. Waterless alternatives won’t strip your skin of its oils and dry it out. They won’t reduce the potency of other ingredients either. Unlike water, they're packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Your skin drinks them up, allowing them to penetrate deeper layers. This results in a complexion that’s hydrated, revitalized, and strengthened. Your skin can fight off free radical damage and premature aging too. My personal favorites are aloe vera juice or a mixture of oils.
The bottom line
Waterless skincare might have started as a trend, but it’s here to stay. What’s not to love? The products have effective formulas with a higher concentration of active ingredients. Your skin should see faster and better results. They last longer too. Not to mention the positive impact they have on our planet. For me, it’s a no-brainer.
