Unboxed: 12 waterless personal care products making a splash
Just because these products are waterless does not mean they are lacking. In fact, they might just be better for your skin and the environment too.
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This loose powder mineral sunscreen is conveniently packaged with an applicator brush. Consumers can purchase refills of the powder to reduce plastic waste. The all-natural, translucent formula contains antioxidants, does not leave behind a residue and is reef-friendly. Most importantly, it helps protect skin from UVA/UVB rays.
This bar soap can be used on the face, body and hands and is packaged in recyclable paper. The coconut-based soap is scented with essential oils and made with no GMOs. Cleancult is a carbon-neutral brand that offers a range of sustainable home cleaning products and refills.
Georganics’ Toothpaste Tablets are made of a mineral-rich powder containing calcium carbonate and kaolin clay and flavored with organic spearmint oil. Packaged in a recyclable glass bottle with a compostable label, each bottle contains 480 tablets, enough for one person to brush their teeth twice a day for eight months.
Because this USDA Certified Organic mask is a powder, consumers can customize to their skin’s unique needs. With just a quarter-teaspoon of powder, they can mix in water, rosewater, yogurt, avocado or any favorite base—and customize its thickness, as well. The chlorophyll mask helps to detoxify, promote clarity, soothe and brighten dull skin.
With infinitely recyclable packaging, this reef-friendly sunscreen is made from four simple, organic ingredients. The product is GMO free and Protect Land + Sea Certified. With 25% zinc oxide, this SPF 50 sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and formulated with vitamin E to moisturize skin.
By turning shampoo from liquid to solid, HiBAR completely eliminates the need for plastic. The 3.2-ounce shampoo bar lasts as long as a 16-ounce bottle. Coconut oil and rice protein support extra hydration and nourishment for all hair types.
Packaged in a reusable bamboo canister, this gentle lotion bar is lightly scented with essential oils and melts softly on contact with dry skin. Simple ingredients—cocoa butter and four nourishing base oils—help leave skin soft and glowing.
The Aura Multi Stick is an all-in-one tint for cheeks, lips and eyes that comes in eight shades. The waterless formula hydrates with organic sunflower oil and promotes calming from other plant and mineral-derived ingredients such as frankincense, myrrh, tulsi and lotus. Vapour Beauty sustainably creates this product from 100% daylight solar power and is packaged in 100% post-consumer-recycled material.
This solid lotion in a bar gently melts when rubbed against the skin. Formulated with oils that promote healing, eliminating water allows the skin to absorb them more quickly and deeply. The bar is estimated to last two times longer than liquid lotion.
This diaper balm, an oil-based gentle herbal cream with antifungal and antibacterial properties, rubs on easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The USDA Certified Organic balm is safe for use on all diaper types and helps soothe as well as prevent discomfort.
No plastic is needed for this deodorant bar, with one bar replacing two plastic bottles. This container-free deodorant is naturally scented with peppermint and tea tree, and free from aluminum, parabens and artificial fragrances. Packaged in a sustainable, biodegradable box, Spinster Sisters also created a reusable/refillable storage and travel tin to sustainably carry the deodorant.
Routine’s natural deodorant is baking soda free and packaged in an infinitely refillable glass jar. Routine creates its deodorant within a 2.5-kilometer from its headquarters to reduce its carbon footprint. The deodorant is formulated with magnesium to promote relaxation and essential oil scents of ylang ylang, patchouli, sweet orange, vanilla and champa.
Routine’s natural deodorant is baking soda free and packaged in an infinitely refillable glass jar. Routine creates its deodorant within a 2.5-kilometer from its headquarters to reduce its carbon footprint. The deodorant is formulated with magnesium to promote relaxation and essential oil scents of ylang ylang, patchouli, sweet orange, vanilla and champa.
Waterless is trending in the personal care aisle. Many brands are opting to exclude water from traditional products such as shampoo and toothpaste to transform those liquids into a more compact, solid form. The results are great for both brands and retailers, as products take up less space on shelves and last longer.
Personal care and cosmetic products also become more effective with a higher potency when they aren't diluted. Lastly, the products are more sustainable due to needing less packaging and reducing water as the main ingredient.
Traditionally, a product could be made of up to 90% water. Water has always been a staple ingredient in personal care because of its accessibility and low costs. However, climate change will continue to deplete the earth's natural resources and make even water more scarce.
When water doesn't dilute products' formulas, consumers will use less and not need to discard the packaging as often, another sustainability win. Additionally, the active ingredients stand out more and do not require preservatives to prevent bacteria, which thrive in water, and give the product a longer shelf life. Removing the water makes a product anhydrous, which usually means the product contains oils and antioxidants like vitamin E to prevent spoiling. Anhydrous also means that oils are better absorbed into the skin without water acting as a barrier getting in the way. Consumers have many reasons to consider buying a waterless personal care item over traditional diluted and bulkily packaged ones, from cost efficiency to supporting sustainability efforts.
Water has long been the first listed ingredient in many cosmetics, making it harder and taking longer for many established brands to change their formulas. Major companies such as L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble and Unilever have pledged to reduce their water usage, but smaller CPG brands are putting waterless products on the shelf now. Sales of soap and shampoo bars have grown 30% in the last year, according to SPINS, and waterless continues to trend across the personal care aisle.
Going waterless allows brands to create better, longer-lasting, travel-friendly and cost-efficient products for consumers. Click through this gallery to see how losing water might be a win-win situation for all.
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