News

Why Your Skincare is Mostly Water 
And Why It’s Time to Switch

Handso Team

Apr 7, 2025

In recent years, the beauty industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability, with consumers increasingly seeking eco-friendly and waterless personal care products.

 

This movement not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers practical benefits for daily routines.

The Prevalence of Water in Personal Care Products

Water, often listed as "aqua" on ingredient labels, is a primary component in many personal care items. 

For instance, traditional body washes and lotions can contain up to 80% water. 

 

While water serves as a solvent and provides a desirable consistency, its high content necessitates the use of preservatives to prevent microbial growth, which can lead to potential skin sensitivities.

The Rise of Waterless Beauty

The global waterless cosmetics market was valued at approximately $8.9 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $16.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period. 

 

This growth is driven by consumer demand for sustainable and travel-friendly products.

Benefits of Waterless Personal Care Products

1. Concentration and Efficacy: Without water, products are more concentrated, often requiring less per use and delivering active ingredients more effectively.

2. Reduced Need for Preservatives: Lower water content diminishes the risk of microbial contamination, reducing the reliance on synthetic preservatives.

3. Environmental Sustainability: Decreased water usage in production and minimal packaging contribute to environmental conservation.

Incorporating Waterless Products into Your Routine

Transitioning to waterless personal care products can be straightforward:

 

Solid Cleansers: Opt for bar soaps or powder cleansers that activate with water during use.


Concentrated Serums: Use oil-based serums that deliver potent active ingredients without dilution.


Powder Masks: Choose facial masks in powder form, allowing customization by mixing with water or other liquids at the time of application.

Why Waterless = More Travel-Friendly

Liquids in your carry-on are a pain (thanks, airport security). Solid soaps, shampoos, and serums get around the 100ml rule, won’t spill in your bag, and take up less space.

A solid cleanser like a bar soap can replace your face wash, body wash, and even shaving foam in one go.

✨ Tip: Keep a tin or a travel-ready container (like Handso) to keep your solid products clean and mess-free.

Ingredient Transparency

Because they skip fillers like water, waterless products usually have fewer, more focused ingredients—making it easier for consumers to read labels and avoid irritants like synthetic fragrances or parabens.

✨ Tip: Look for keywords like cold-pressed, handmade, vegan, or essential oil-based for high-quality

Long-Term Cost Savings

Waterless products last longer because they’re more concentrated. You might pay a little more upfront, but you’ll replace them less often.

✨ Tip: Track how long your bar soap lasts versus a bottle of body wash—you might be surprised by the difference.

Less Clutter = Simpler Routine

Switching to solids often means fewer products on your shelf, and less plastic in your bin. It's not just eco—it’s visually and mentally decluttering.

✨ Tip: Try starting with one swap—like your shower gel—and build from there. Small changes go a long way.

Conclusion

Embracing waterless personal care products not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances the efficacy and convenience of your daily routine. As the beauty industry continues to innovate, waterless options offer a promising path toward a more sustainable future.

References:
https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/waterless-cosmetics-market

https://leger360.com/en/waterless-beauty-revolution/

https://natrue.org/water-in-cosmetics-a-dive-into-water-free-beauty/

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/waterless-cosmetics-global-market-report

https://straitsresearch.com/report/waterless-cosmetic-market