Waterless beauty is an emerging skincare concept that has been gaining fans all over the world. Considering the benefits of this skincare presentation, it’s only natural! These formulas are practical to carry around and ideal for traveling. For being as compact as the formula can get, they get a smaller package and save space, contributing to reducing the environmental footprint. If a compact presentation and a smaller carbon print are attributes that you consider when looking for skincare, then this is for you. A full waterless skincare routine is possible, and we’re letting you know exactly what type of products you can use below.
What is waterless skincare?
As we further explore on our post dedicated to waterless beauty, anhydrous or waterless skincare is compact skincare that partially or totally excludes water from the formula. By leaving water out, the formulas often have an oil, butter, or powder base that allows for petite sticks delivering all the actives you need. By excluding water—which typically makes for a significant percentage of the cosmetic formulas—you’re not only saving water but also saving space in transportation, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of your product.
Waterless makeup remover
ATTITUDE Oceanly Phyto-Cleanse Oil-to-Milk Cleanser Stick
What can a waterless makeup remover be? From what we know, it can be presented as a soap or as a stick. These formulas are compact and melt when in contact with the skin in an almost water-free process; you’ll only need water to rinse off the product. If you’re a double cleansing devotee, consider this your first cleanse. Regardless of the product presentation, an oil-based formula is always a great choice when it comes to makeup removal. That is why we brought you an oil-to-milk cleanser in stick as the face of waterless makeup removers.
Waterless face cleanser
Diadermine Beauty Cleansing Stick
Just like the product we’ve seen above, waterless face cleansers can be found in two presentations: a stick or a soap bar. One of the good things about this is how intuitive to use this product presentation is for everyone: you won’t need many directions about how to use a bar or stick cleanser. You may use it alone to remove impurities and get the skin ready for your waterless skincare routine, or you can use it as a second cleanse after your oil-based cleanser. One way or the other, using a facial cleanser daily is a must!
Waterless serum
ATTITUDE Oceanly Phyto-Glow Face Serum Stick
If solid facial cleansers are a quite common concept, the same is not true for everything-else-skincare; and that is why you may struggle while building your full waterless skincare routine. If you’re invested in chasing your waterless beauty dream, then you should know that there are brands out there working to make it a reality, like ATTITUDE! For this important skincare step, we’re suggesting a lovely formula in stick that you may apply directly to your face and then massage in. Give it a go!
Waterless moisturizer
Shakeup Cosmetics Hydrate in a Hurry Moisturizer Stick
A waterless moisturizer stick is what you need if you’re looking for a facial cream with a lower carbon footprint, not only because they’re compact and require less room in transportation but also because the brands that create this type of product care for the sustainability of the product’s life cycle. A stick moisturizer is the ideal solution for those looking for a sustainable skincare routine as well as for those with dry or dehydrated skin who need a moisturizer to carry around and reapply throughout the day as needed.
Waterless eye cream
Payot Source Adaptogen Moisturizing Eye Stick
A stick eye cream sounds like a good idea, resembling the application of those options with metal or ceramic applicators; the same logic applies here. More than granting the benefits of every other waterless skincare product, the stick eye cream allows a pleasant massage upon application. The action of the massage, along with the formula, more than hydrating the eye area, may also help to depuff the skin and minimize the appearance of signs of fatigue.
Waterless sunscreen
ISDIN Fotoprotector Invisible Stick SPF50
In the last couple of years, we’ve seen sunscreen sticks thrive and conquer their space in the world of cosmetics. It’s easy to understand why: they’re easy to apply, versatile, and ideal to carry around. Most importantly, they allow for a fuss-free sunscreen touch-up, much needed in the summer season. Whether it is the versatility or how your choices may impact the planet, stick sunscreens are a waterless skincare item that has already settled in the beauty industry, and you have plenty of options to choose from!
Waterless face exfoliant
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant Powder Exfoliant
Let’s take a break from everything-in-a-stick cosmetics and move on to another amusing way of using cosmetics: powder exfoliants. In this formula, you exclude not only water but also any kind of oil or butter. All you need are the exfoliating agents, waiting patiently—and dry—for you to activate them with a bit of water. One of the highlights of this option is how compact it can get: a few grams of powder lasts for dozens of applications.
Waterless face mask
Glow Hub Calm & Soothe Face Mask StickGlow Hub Calm & Soothe Face Mask Stick
If you’re looking for a face mask alternative that leaves no waste after use, you may consider adding a stick mask to your waterless skincare routine. This product goes on just like all the previous stick skincare formulas, but it comes with a bonus application option: you may scrape off a generous amount to warm between your fingers before application. We know masks are a skincare step to relax and enjoy, and a generous amount of product is part of the ritual!
A waterless skincare routine asks for more waterless beauty from head to toe. Explore all the waterless options you find for hair and body on our post entirely dedicated to it!
