Why you should switch to waterless beauty products: skincare and other items from Kate McLeod, Kosmatology, Beauty Favours and Sbtrct are easier to travel with, less likely to spoil – and more sustainable
Dip and Bite are two more brands innovating hair and oral care products that use solids, creams and powders instead of heavy, water-based liquids
Navigating airport security with a carry-on is a high-stakes – and potentially expensive – game. The 100-millilitre rule turns favourite beauty products into banned substances, and there’s the added “thrill” of wondering if a mid-flight spill will ruin everything inside your case. Enter waterless beauty products – the low-key heroes for travellers and sustainably minded consumers.
Waterless cosmetics come in more formats than you’d expect, covering all the basics and then some. Powdered cleansers and exfoliators kick things off with formulas that activate at the first splash of water, turning into gentle scrubs and cleansers. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars do away with the need for bulky bottles, making hair care refreshingly compact. For the face, cleansing balms and oils deliver all the hydration and glow you need, melting into the skin without a trace, while solid moisturisers pack the hydrating punch of your usual cream into suitcase-friendly sticks or bars.
For travellers, the perks of waterless beauty hit immediately. Solid formats breeze through liquid restrictions, reducing security stress – no more desperate digging for overlooked items, and last-second product sacrifices. And with leakproof, spill-free formulas, those dreaded conditioner explosions are a thing of the past.
The waterless movement started in Korea around 2015 and quickly went global. However, it wasn’t the eco-factor that stole the show but the turbocharged formulations. Ditching water as the main ingredient opens up plenty of space for active ingredients. Standard beauty products are often 60-80 per cent water: remove “aqua” from the top of the list, and suddenly it’s all actives.
They’re also a jackpot for longevity and value. As cosmetic scientist and founder of Beauty Favours Dr Leanne King says, “Waterless products are often highly concentrated with luxurious oils, butters, cleansers and actives, meaning that a small amount can go a long way.” She explains that because of the large volume of water in traditional formulas, much of the product ends up wasted as we fail to judge how much is needed, washing extra product down the sink. “In contrast, waterless products – such as shampoo bars – can deliver a potent dose of active ingredients that are more effective per application.”
King further explains that certain ingredients thrive in waterless formats. “This compatibility can enhance the effectiveness and sensory appeal of the product.” Oils like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and cocoa butter provide hydration and nourishment without requiring water as a carrier, retaining their benefits over time in a solid format.
Janis Covey, pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology, highlights another key benefit: “Waterless beauty products boast longer shelf lives than their traditional, water-containing counterparts.” This longevity is largely due to the absence of water, which can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria. Kate Assaraf, founder of sustainable hair care brand Dip, agrees. “Waterless formulas have an advantage in maintaining potency and effectiveness over time compared with water-based products,” she says.