We love powerful, pure products that deliver on their promises. That's why we're fans of waterless skincare . But what exactly is waterless skincare? And why would waterless skincare be more sustainable than skincare with water as an added ingredient? And what effect does it have on your skin? In this article, we'll explain everything about waterless skincare, so your future skincare product choices will be even easier.
In this article we answer the following questions:
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What is waterless skincare?
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Why was waterless skincare created?
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The benefits of waterless skincare
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Disadvantages and points of interest
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Who is waterless skincare suitable for?
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Example of products without water
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Waterless skincare and sustainability
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How do you choose the right waterless skincare?
Waterless skincare is a growing trend we're increasingly seeing in the cosmetics industry. But what exactly is it? Simply put: skincare without added water. No aqua as the first ingredient on the label, but pure active ingredients like oils, butters, or powders. Think concentrated balms, solid creams, pure serums, and powder masks. Also known as: water-free skincare, skincare without water, and anhydrous skincare. Why this trend? Because it works. And because it's sustainable. And that's why we're such fans!
You might not think it, but most creams consist of up to 80-90% water.
It's worth noting that water is sometimes necessary to lighten a cream or to introduce hydrating ingredients into the skin. However, in many cases, it's used as a cheap filler that does little for the skin. More water than necessary is used to cheaply bulk up the cream.
We work with two rich, creamy products: Tomato Base Cream and Rocket Eye Cream . And yes, if a liquid base is needed for a cream, we don't choose water, but aloe vera or tomato juice . Although these juices are also watery, they also contain active ingredients, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for your skin. So we don't go for the cheap water option, but for enriched "waters" that nourish, protect, and strengthen. This way, you get more than just hydration from every drop.
Why was waterless skincare created?
1. The problem of water in cosmetics (80% of formulas = water)
Most creams are largely made up of water. Unfortunately, it's often a cheap filler that does little for your skin. And yet, your skin needs nourishment, protection, and repair. Cosmetic products without water as a filler are richer in pure active ingredients and better for your skin!
2. Climate and sustainability: water conservation in the beauty industry
Global availability is under pressure, while the beauty industry wastes millions of liters to sell more jars of cream. Waterless skincare shows that things can be done differently, and even better. No unnecessary waste, just a well-thought-out formula.
3. Clean beauty, eco-friendly, zero waste
Conscious consumers truly want to make sustainable choices. Less junk, less waste, more impact. Waterless fits seamlessly into this. It's a great solution for consumers who want to make more sustainable choices.
The benefits of waterless skincare
1. Higher concentration of active ingredients
Waterless skincare ensures a higher concentration of the active ingredients in the cream. No water = no dilution. Applying a face cream without water is therefore much more effective than one with water as an added ingredient.
2. Better shelf life and fewer preservatives
In addition, water requires preservatives. Water-free creams require fewer preservatives, and in some cases, none at all. This is better for sensitive skin.
3. Sustainability and environmental friendliness
We've already touched on the environment a bit in the context of water consumption. But what about CO₂ emissions? It's a waste to transport packaging with such a high water content, which does nothing for your skin! Pure, concentrated products also last longer. Order less often and transport less!
4. Ideal for traveling
Another advantage to waterless skincare? You only need a small amount of product and likely fewer products overall. This means less clutter in your toiletry bag. Handy for travel! Our Body Bars are easy to pack in your carry-on.
Disadvantages and considerations of waterless skincare
Waterless sounds like the holy grail, but no product is perfect. And let's be honest: even waterless skincare products have their drawbacks.
Water makes products spreadable and light. Without water, a cream can feel richer or fuller than you're used to. That takes some getting used to if you've been used to a watery day cream for years. But you get intense nourishment in return! For our Tomato Base Cream, we spent over two years working closely with a professional laboratory. Together, we searched for the perfect balance: a rich cream that nourishes and repairs at night and a light, spreadable cream that absorbs quickly and feels comfortable during the day.
Waterless skincare can be more potent than you're used to, and sensitive skin sometimes needs to adjust to so many active ingredients. The good news is that this often resolves after 2-3 weeks, and your skin will actually become more radiant! Always test on a small area of skin first if you know your skin reacts easily.
Because waterless creams contain more concentrated active ingredients than those with water as the main ingredient, the cost can be higher than you're used to. The advantage, of course, is that you need less and therefore it will likely last longer.
Who is waterless skincare for?
Waterless skincare isn't a fad! It's a smart choice for those who take their skin (and the planet) seriously. But who benefits most?
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For dry skin
Do you have skin that always seems thirsty? That feels tight after showering and yearns for softness? Then waterless skincare is your new best friend. Because there's no water involved, the formulas are rich in oils, butters, and active plant extracts. No "fillers," just real nourishment. This way, your skin stays supple, nourished, and protected, without having to reapply.
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For sensitive skin
Sensitive skin types often react to preservatives, fragrances, and other synthetic additives. These are often completely unnecessary in waterless formulas. No water means less chance of bacterial growth, and therefore less need for synthetic preservatives. This makes waterless skincare mild, pure, and often more tolerable for those prone to redness, dryness, or irritation.
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For travelers and minimalists
Waterless skincare is concentrated, so you need less and it lasts a long time. Ideal for those who want to travel light with few products but don't want to compromise on skincare.
Curious? Here's some inspiration for water-free skincare products:
Waterless creams (day cream, face cream, oily cream)
Balms are the flagship of waterless skincare. Think formulas with shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, or plant-based waxes.
Food for Skin's Tomato Base Cream is a water-free face cream made with 100% natural ingredients. This day cream can also be used as a night cream.
Other great brands with waterless formula creams include Muze Skincare and Abloom , which also use enriched water. Loïs Lee uses oil as a day and night cream, without water.
Cleansing products (waterless facial cleansing, balms)
In the field of facial cleansing, there are more and more wonderful products that work without water.
Cleansing balms and oil cleansers effortlessly melt away makeup and dirt thanks to their rich oil texture. Apply dry, massage gently, and remove with a warm, damp cloth. No foam, no tightness, just clean, supple skin.
Cleansing powders are also gaining popularity: mix with a few drops of water to form a soft paste. Perfect for sensitive or dry skin that doesn't like harsh cleansers.
Our Carrot Cleanser is a natural, gentle, and restorative water-free cleansing oil. It cleanses thoroughly while also leaving a protective layer. It doesn't foam and maintains your pH balance.
You can find waterless facial cleansing bars at:
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La Rhode - cleansing balm/soap
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Nature Bar - facial soap
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Shampoo Bars - face bar
Powder and solid formulas (shampoo bars, masks)
From clay masks to enzymatic exfoliants, powder products are becoming increasingly popular. They contain no water, have a long shelf life, and are lightweight. Simply add water and determine the perfect consistency—convenient!
Then there are the solid products, such as shampoo bars. Great examples are the bars from Shampoo Bars , La Rhodé , and Nature Bar . They're compact, long-lasting, and ideal for travel. A plastic-free alternative to bottled shampoo, better for your hair and the planet.
Waterless skincare and sustainability
The impact of waterless skincare on sustainability can be seen in various areas, from production to consumption.
Impact on CO₂ emissions and packaging
Waterless skincare products are more concentrated. This benefits their consumption, prevents unnecessary water transport, and reduces purchases. The product itself is often smaller, meaning less packaging, lighter transport, and lower CO₂ emissions. Add to that the fact that many brands opt for recyclable or refillable packaging. It's a win-win situation!
Zero-waste beauty & circular cosmetics
Waterless fits perfectly into the zero-waste movement. No unnecessary filling, no wasted resources. This aligns nicely with recyclable packaging and refill systems. Moreover, you're increasingly seeing formulas using upcycled ingredients, such as residual flows from the food industry. No waste, just care.
Future of the beauty industry
The future is compact and effective. Waterless skincare shows you don't need gallons of water to achieve results. Beauty without unnecessary clutter, with maximum impact. Less waste, more efficiency.
The beauty industry has long relied on empty promises, overconsumption, and excessive packaging waste. We hope that smart, high-quality formulas, short supply chains, and transparency will become the norm.
How do you choose the right waterless skincare?
Does waterless skincare sound like something for you? Here's how to get started!
1. Check the INCI list
If "aqua" is listed at the top, it's not a waterless product. Tips for checking the other ingredients can be found in this blog post.
2. Look at your skin type
We prefer to talk about skin condition rather than skin type because it's about the condition at that moment. This can vary! The more unsaturated fatty acids, the faster the oil absorbs into the skin. For dry and chapped skin, we recommend an oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids ( Avocado Serum ), and for oily skin, we recommend the opposite ( Cucumber Serum ). Our Pumpkin Serum falls somewhere in between.
3. Integrate the products into your routine
It's super easy to replace your current routine with products that rely solely on water with one that doesn't use water as a cheap filler. Better for your skin, better for your wallet!
Conclusion waterless skincare
Waterless skincare isn't a fad, but a smart, conscious choice. For your skin and for the planet. No empty fillers, no waste. Just pure ingredients that work.
At Food for Skin, we believe in simplicity that works. In formulas that are honest and make a visible difference. Want to experience what waterless can do for your skin? Dive into our collection and discover what truly nourishes.
