Thanks to the rise of clean beauty, people are looking for healthier, more sustainable alternatives when it comes to cosmetics. Here, we investigate the impact that water-filled products can have on the environment, and why going water-free might be the eco-friendly change we all need to make
Water is one of the most common ingredients found in beauty products. Known for its specific properties that “dissolve hydrosoluble solid or gaseous-active ingredients,” says Shanu Walpita, trend forecaster and founder of Futurewise Studio, it is often used as a solvent or as a means of improving product consistency and spreadability. Think: your cleansers, your serums, your gels, your fragrances.
“Adding a small amount of water gives the product a softer, more malleable texture, which is a counter to the heavier balms and butters on the market,” adds Walpita. However, water also comes with its fair share of problems, affecting both our bodies and the environment at large. As a result, a new wave of waterless beauty—beauty products without any water is sweeping the industry.