When you read the ingredient list on the back of your skincare bottle, chances are ‘Aqua’ (i.e. water) is listed as one of the first (and therefore most used) ingredients. Now, while most of us don’t think much a this (I mean water just abundantly runs for the tap, right?), this is actually a serious environmental problem. That’s why waterless beauty products are becoming more and more popular!
Water Is Becoming A Rare Resource
As climate change makes dry regions drier, more and more parts of the worlds are experiencing water scarcity. Basically Glossies, water is becoming a rare commodity.
Now you’re probably thinking ‘what does this have to do with the beauty industry?’. Well, lots of skincare, haircare and foundations use water as their base. In fact, water often makes up 70 or 80% of a formula. If we want to decrease our water consumption, beauty brands need to create sustainable, waterless solutions.
What’s The Solution?
Beauty Giants Pledge To Reduce Their Water Consumption
Don’t worry Glossies, it’s not all doom and gloom. Several beauty companies have already pledged to reduce their water usage. L’Oréal, for instance, will be using 60% less water (per finished product) by 2020.
Of course, as consumers like you and me demand more from beauty brands, other major players should follow L’Oréal’s lead.
The Growing Popularity Of Solid Beauty Bars
Solid beauty products, like shampoo bars, are also becoming increasingly popular. Instead of having water-based formulas, they simply lather with the water from your shower that you would be using anyway.
I love my shampoo bars. They’re water-free, plastic packaging free and sustainable. You can’t go wrong!
The Best Waterless Beauty Products
If you’d like to do your bit for the environment and swap some of your go-to products for waterless alternatives, here are 3 of the best waterless beauty products you can try:
Shampoo Bars
While you can check out this blog for full details on why shampoo bars are amazing, Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Shampoo Bar with Aloe Vera is available from lookfantastic.
Formulated with Aloe vera, natural glycerine and castor oil, this shampoo bar cleanses your hair, leaving it looking and feeling silky and hydrated! Don't be put off by the price tag, it's the equivalent of up-to three bottles of shampoo.
Powder Exfoliators
Forget your normal exfoliators, powdered ones are the way forward. Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is a great choice!
You just need to pour half a teaspoon of this exfoliator into wet hands, then rub your palms together to create a creamy paste. This will activate all of the smoothing and brightening ingredients. You can then massage the paste into your face, before washing it off and revealing your softer and healthier-looking skin.
Dry Face Masks
Dry face masks are also becoming very popular. One of the best ones to try? STARSKIN's Lifting Lace™ Sculpting Face Mask.
Drenched in a waterless serum, this anti-ageing face mask simulates a natural face lift. It is formulated with coffee, witch hazel and glycerine, all of which help improve the elasticity of your skin. Simply apply it for 15 minutes, then admire your toned and sculpted complexion.
Other Benefits Of Using Waterless Beauty Products
Smaller Carbon Footprint
The list of benefits of waterless products just goes on and on! Waterless products come in smaller sizes (with a large 750ml bottle of shampoo fitting into a small bar) and are much lighter. Transporting them around the world is consequently a lot easier!
You can fit more products inside the freight carriers and they won’t be as heavy to transport. Less weight and more space? It results in a lower carbon footprint!
More Efficient Ingredients
Did you know that a lot of active ingredients deteriorate when they are left in water? Well, if you use a powder, you only need to add water just before you apply it to your skin. The ingredients consequently aren't diluted, which makes them more effective. It's better for the environment and better for your skin!
No Preservatives
Powdered beauty products also don’t require any preservatives. If you opt for a waterless product, you’ll actually be using cleaner and less irritating formulas that are more efficient.
Let’s face it Glossies, we take water consumption for granted. It’s time to start looking for more sustainable alternatives and waterless beauty products are a great place to start!
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