Check the fine print on your shampoo or moisturizer — it will probably list water as the first ingredient.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing: Water is essential for creating smooth, fast-absorbing creams and serums, but it also happens to be the most abundant ingredient in any beauty product. A standard shampoo bottle contains about 70 percent water, according to Belgium-based NATRUE International Association of Natural and Organic Cosmetics, and that figure rises to 90 percent in conditioner, leaving little room for valuable ingredients.
Not only does water act as a filler to give the illusion of value to large bottles and containers, but its overuse in skincare and haircare is also a serious environmental issue. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, half of the world’s population could live in areas facing water scarcity as early as 2025. Because clean water is a limited resource, it is crucial for the beauty industry to scale back production of water-intensive products that provide little to no value.
Thankfully, clean beauty brands are catching on, with a new wave of waterless beauty products emerging, especially among skincare and haircare leaders in Korea.
Dr Anna Zakoza, specialist dermatologist at Hortman Clinic Dubai, said: “Waterless products are certainly better for your skin as they are made with only pure and potent plant extracts and oils as their base. These oils [the formula] Unlike watery products, you get stronger benefits and no drying effects.”
However, she urged people to slowly and steadily incorporate such products into their routine: “At the same time, those with allergies or sensitive skin may quickly develop inflammatory reactions and swelling. My advice would be to use concentrated products gradually – for example, use retinol once a week, if there is no reaction, twice a week, and then move to daily use once you have built up a tolerance.”
By developing more innovative technology and dry, powdery formulas, Waterless Beauty aims to create cleaner products that contribute to reducing the global carbon footprint and are enriched with plant-based butters and oils for more radiant skin.
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Based on expert feedback and top Amazon bestsellers, we’ve compiled a list of the best waterless beauty products you can buy right now. Put one on your vanity table and see the difference. Don’t forget to check out other Beauty Week sales. Join Prime for free and fast shipping.
1. Best Cleansing Balm: Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms are often used as the first step in a double cleanse. They remove makeup and effectively lift dirt and oil from the skin’s surface. Elemis’ best-selling cleanser is formulated with delicate, soothing English Rose Oleo Extract, suitable for sensitive skin. Rose and mimosa wax combine with elderberry oil, starflower oil, and Optimega (a fatty acid derived from fish oil) to nourish, smooth, and hydrate the skin’s lipid barrier, leaving skin smooth and radiant. Reviewers have used the product as a nourishing balm, a makeup removing oil, and a cleansing milk, all with excellent results.
2. Best Toner: Wamisa Organic Flowers Skin Toner
The first ingredient in this K-beauty toner is not water, but aloe vera leaf extract, a plant that is 10 times more concentrated than aloe vera leaf juice. With its amazing moisturizing properties, Whamisa’s organic flower skin toner has a thick, serum-like texture that leaves skin looking fresh and plump. Another organic ingredient used here instead of water is wild Artemisia annua extract, or Korean mugwort. Known to be rich in vitamins A and C, it calms and soothes the skin. Oat kernel extract hydrates and protects the skin’s barrier function, while Damask rose oil revitalizes dull, dry skin. Whamisa’s natural fermentation technology also uses floral filtrates such as chrysanthemum, lotus, and dandelion to boost the skin’s beta-carotene, vitamin, and mineral levels. The result is an enchanting floral scent and deep hydration that lasts all day.
3. Best serum: Tatcha The Serum Stick
A concentrated solid serum, Tatcha’s The Serum Stick is especially effective for dry, flaky skin. It’s lightweight and applies easily. Natural squalane locks in moisture and creates a hydrating cushion for makeup. Use to refresh dry areas of the face, such as under the eyes and around the nose, throughout the day. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced and sun damage is minimized. The formula contains inflammation-calming Japanese Lemon Balm and is enriched with Hadasei-3, a trio of antioxidant-rich Japanese superfoods that leave skin feeling refreshed and radiant.
4. Best Moisturizer: Ethique Quench Solid Face Moisturizer
Ethique Face Moisturizer is a solid roll-on equivalent to three bottles of liquid face cream, providing extra hydration without the sticky feeling. It contains niacinamide, which helps balance sebum production, reduces redness, fights blemishes and evens out skin tone. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which hydrate skin without making it feel oily or greasy. Jojoba oil has been reviewed as helping repair skin with its anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the skin’s barrier function and saying a little goes a long way. Helpful tip: Instead of applying directly to your face, place your fingers on the bar for a few seconds to warm it up, then dab it on your skin for a smoother application.
5. Best Multi-Purpose Balm: Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Balm
Hydrate your skin on the go with Noni Glow Face Balm from Kora Organics. This solid moisturizing face balm is easy to apply, making it perfect for travelers. Its nourishing formula with organic coconut oil, rosehip oil and calendula extract delivers intense hydration to dry, chapped skin. After cleansing, apply to face, lips, neck and décolleté for instant hydration. Reviewers rave about the immediate results, including fresh, glowing skin, and say it’s perfect for dry, hot environments where skin often feels the need to hydrate.
6. Best Shampoo and Conditioner: Kitsch Rice Water Protein Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
Kitsch’s much talked about shampoo and conditioner bar is made with natural ingredients and is estimated to last for 100 washes. The company claims that this bar is equivalent to two bottles of liquid shampoo and conditioner. Rice water protein is the star of this formula. It’s rich in amino acids that prevent split ends and promote hair growth while repairing damaged hair follicles and detangling and conditioning hair. The shampoo uses additional bio-based ingredients and has a subtle natural scent that comes from the fruits and botanicals used here, including mandarin, ginger, rice water, green leaves, white tea, lavender, sage, geranium, vanilla, and amber. Don’t be fooled by the dry, solid appearance; reviewers say this shampoo produces a rich lather. Vegan and free of harsh ingredients, Kitsch’s shampoo and conditioner leaves hair soft and shinier looking.
7. Best Soap: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
Packed with moisturizing and repairing ingredients, CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser Bar is suitable for all skin types, but those with dry or sensitive skin will especially appreciate its gentle moisturizing effects. The bar is infused with three essential ceramides that help maintain healthy skin and restore the skin’s protective barrier. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to absorb and retain moisture in the skin. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying and non-irritating, this versatile soap bar also has the seal of approval from the US-based National Eczema Association. Reviewers say the rich lather leaves the skin feeling both invigorating and luxurious.
Our recommendations are independently selected by Gulf News editors, and if you shop through links on our website, we are a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn an affiliate commission.