9 Waterless Beauty Brands To Try in 2024
Water usually comes first in the ingredient list of many skin, body, and hair care products. Often, we overlook its presence because it is a staple ingredient in cosmetic products that serves many purposes, combining with other elements to create smooth moisturizers and serums to be absorbed into the skin with ease. Waterless beauty stands for ‘without water’, which has become more mainstream in recent years. Waterless formulations are just one part of the big picture. In addition to the intention of formulating concentrated products with more active ingredients, waterless beauty products contribute to less water usage while making the products, less carbon footprint due to lighter weight, and reduction of excess packaging waste and plastic use.
According to the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association (NATRUE), the average beauty product may contain anywhere from 60% to 85% water, with the percentage being even higher for rinse-off products like shampoo and conditioner that are rinsed off after being used. Clean water is a finite resource; approximately 4 billion people worldwide are affected by severe water scarcity for at least one month out of the year (UN Water). The Carbon Disclosure Project ranks the water impact of personal care and household products as critical, which means that the cosmetics industry impacts the environment. By taking out water from the ingredients list of beauty products, the positive effect extends to other areas, helping us to contribute to a bigger cause for our planet.
The following brands are among beauty brands that are aiming create better value for consumers, at the same time lessen their water usage and overall impact on the environment:
1. Susteau
Instagram | @susteauofficial
Based in | United States
Susteau's innovative powder shampoo is activated in the shower with just a small amount of water. 1 Bottle of Susteau is the equivalent of 4 bottles of an 8oz liquid bottle. The bottles are made with over 95% ocean-bound, recycled plastic. Susteau also partners with Pact's Mail Back Collection Program to work toward reducing packaging waste in the beauty industry.
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2. PLUS
Instagram | @cleanwithplus
Based in | United States
Certifications | Leaping Bunny, 1% for the Planet
PLUS creates no-bottle, single-serve, and waterless body wash sheets in a 100% dissolvable sachet without fillers, sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. Their products emit 80% less carbon during shipping compared to liquid wash products. PLUS body wash sheets can also be used with the refillable container made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic to reduce single-used plastic waste.
3. Loli Beauty
Instagram | @loli.beauty
Based in | United States
Certifications | MADE SAFE
Loli Beauty uses certified organic ingredients from local, small farmers or suppliers that are fair trade, non-GMO, waterless, and upcycled from food for zero waste. They are a member of Made In A Free World, a tech platform that helps assess risk of people trafficking in supply chains. Loli's unique masks and scrubs in powder form give the products a longer shelf-life and makes it easy to control the amount of product you use each time.
4. Everist
Instagram | @helloeverist
Based in | Canada
Certifications | 1% for the Planet
Everist hair and body products are waterless concentrates that are three times more concentrated than most products. They use biodegradable and clean plant-based ingredients in 100% plastic-free recycled and recyclable packaging. Everist's CapBack program ensures that the caps from their tubes are recycled and reused. They also reevaluate their process on a quarterly basis, making sure that their operations are up to date and as sustainable as possible.
5. B.O.B Bars Over Bottles
Instagram | @barsoverbottles
Based in | Brazil
Certifications | Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
B.O.B’s solid beauty bars are waterless, meaning the products require fewer preservatives, which are meant to deter bacteria formation in products containing water. The waterless concept also makes products more compact and lighter to transport, resulting in a lower carbon footprint, less packaging, and a longer life for the product. B.O.B's products can be categorized by different hair goals, making it easy to determine which type of solid bar is right for you.
6. Superzero
Instagram | @superzeronow
Based in | United States
Certifications | 1% for the Planet
Superzero says no to plastic, hidden microplastics, water, and harmful ingredients to help shrink beauty’s environmental footprint. Superzero products are expertly formulated with potent actives and tailor-made to target different hair concerns and objectives.
7. BRIXY
Instagram | @gobrixy
Based in | United States
Certifications | Leaping Bunny
BRIXY aims to produce as less waste as possible by creating simple, effective hair and skin bars packaged without any plastic. BRIXY has shampoo and conditioner sets that come in a variety of scents that are suitable for every hair type and routine.
8. SBTRCT
Instagram | @sbtrctskincare
Based in | United Kingdom
SBTRCT pioneers a new solid format of high-performing skincare that is plastic-free, palm oil free, and contains no added water. They offer a wide range of unique products, including face cleansers, body balms, makeup melting balm, and even a solid Vitamin C booster serum.
9. Kate McLeod
Instagram | @katemcleod
Based in | United States
Certifications | MADE SAFE, Leaping Bunny
Kate McLeod's solid stones are filled with nourishing ingredients that soothes and smoothes your skin. These solid stones are suitable for the face and body and are concentrated due to their waterless formulation. Each Body Stone has a set of core ingredients: 80% natural cocoa butter blended with sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, and fractionated coconut oil. In addition, the fragranced stones are supplemented with essential oils, such as rose, chamomile, lavender, and bergamot.
If you are interested in discovering more conscious beauty brands, check out our Brand on Our Radar - ConsiderBeyond Directory, where you can discover sustainable brands from all over the world curated by ConsiderBeyond. Through the ConsiderBeyond App (IOS and Android), you can find local brands in your area or easily look for conscious brands during your travels! We actively aim to empower our Conscious Community members to keep learning more about conscious products and lifestyle tips through the ConsiderBeyond Newsletter where you can receive recommendations directly to your inbox twice a month!