If You’d Like to Do Your Bit for the Environment and Swap Some of Your Go-to Products for Waterless Alternatives, Here are the Best Waterless Beauty Products You Can Try(2019)

Have you noticed that water or 'aqua' is the top ingredient for many of the skincare products you use? Yes, water indeed makes up anywhere from 60 up to 80% of any product! Just check the ingredients list of any product - ingredients typically are listed in descending order, - and you'll see water listed first.

Water is a popular ingredient as it makes for a great base for a whole lot of skincare products and cosmetics. Adding it as an ingredient helps to easily create a smooth consistency which helps products glide on the skin and absorb well. Water additionally acts as a relatively harmless filler that can be used to bulk up the volume; another reason for its popularity.

But a new trend is catching on where water is being eliminated as an ingredient, and instead, formulations that incorporate only essential ingredients are being introduced. Waterless beauty is gaining attention because there is rising awareness of the fact that such heavy water usage by the skincare/cosmetics industry has a significant impact on the environment.

A worrisome prediction that has been often repeated is that around two-thirds of the population across the globe may have to face a shortage of water by 2025. With the water crisis looming in several countries, sustainable beauty is becoming a priority for manufacturers. Creating waterness skincare products is one of the major initiatives where companies are investing in creating new formulations that help companies reduce unnecessary use of water. Waterless products also have an added benefit in that they weigh less. This cuts down the products' carbon footprint as it travels through the supply chain, from the factory to our home.

The concept of waterless beauty has its roots in the South Korean beauty industry, which in recent years has been a pioneering and innovative force, bringing in several new skincare trends. However Korean manufacturers created waterless beauty products not to be more environmentally conscious but because it was thought that eliminating water would result in more effective and potent products. With water acting as a filler, products often become diluted which reduces its efficacy. K-beauty has an entire category - essences and serums - those feature products with a high level of concentration of essential ingredients that are said to be more powerful.

Products formulated without water do differ from standard ones. How much they differ depends on the kind of products.

When the basic formulation is "wet", then companies often switch the base from water, with the most preferred one being aloe vera which is a wonderful natural substitute. Suitable oils are also used which often makes the product more concentrated. In other cases, the formulation itself is changed. Dry or powdered formats (such as powdered cleansers) are a popular way to rework formulations, which however impacts the way products are used, but works as in the case of regular products.

One major benefit of such "pure" formulations is that "a little goes a long way" - so products often last longer as you end up using far less than in the case of the usual product. However, there's also a major drawback. Waterless beauty products are often more expensive, and they are harder to find. Companies are just starting to create special lines of products without water, but they are far and few between. You will also find it hard to shop for them, especially in India as they are not likely to be found in your favourite departmental store or even online stores. There are just a few brands that offer such brands so you will need to take special effort to find them and buy.

Given that the trend of waterless beauty products is still at its early stages, there is a limited number of brands/products available. Here are a few products that are known to be the best waterless beauty products available today that are highly effective.

Whamisa is an exclusive Korean brand that is known for its top-notch products that primarily use high-quality natural products. This water-free cream from the brand has been created with no water and uses 95% organic ingredients which have been fermented to increase their effectiveness. Despite not having any water, the cream is light and smooth thanks to a range of moisturizing ingredients such as aloe extract, olive gum and rice extract. This combination of ingredients area wonderful way to rehydrate and refresh dry and dull skin. The product includes absolutely no fragrances or parabens or even mineral oil . While the product is creamier in texture, you will find that there is no trouble in skin absorption. Available on Amazon for Rs. 3,699.

The range has other fantastic products such as Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner which is also available on Amazon for Rs.5,049.

Vitamin C is well known ingredient that offers a plethora of benefits. It is one of the best to use against anti-aging, brightening and reduction of hyperpigmentation and even dark circles. The Ordinary is a revolutionary brand that focuses on offering products that have a no-fuss formulation with no unnecessary fillers or additives. This vitamin C serum has L-Ascorbic acid at a 30 per cent concentration which is said to be the best to see substantial results. With no water in the formulation the product uses silicone to ensure the solution remains stable. You can get it on Amazon for Rs. 1,590

The Dermalogica brand specializes in creating products for sensitive and troubled skin. This is a waterless moisturizer is from their Ultracalming line of products that seeks to calm inflammation and improve your skin's barrier for better protection. The product includes nourishing ingredients like shea butter, primrose oil to improve your skin texture. Instead of water, it uses silicones to ensure your skin feels hydrated. Get it for Rs. 3,232.00 on strawberrynet.com.

Dry shampoos have been hailed as the saviour of many a busy professional. It can be a great substitute for washing your hair as it can clean and refresh your hair in minutes. Though not all but many dry shampoos are formulated without water. One of the most popular dry shampoos is this from the UK brand Bastise. This dry shampoo with no water uses rice starch to clean your hair and returns the body and bounce to it. It just needs to sprayed and then scrubbed out. Available on Nykaa for Rs. 299.

The Low PH Centella Cleansing Powder is a unique cleansing product that comes in a powder form but converts into foam on rubbing. Packed in form of capsules, this formulation features just nine ingredients, with primary ones being enzymes that help remove skin impurities and Centella Asiatica extract that heals the skin. Infused with the soothing goodness of natural ingredients, the powder cleanses without drying out the skin. To use all you do is to break open the capsule, pour the powder onto your hands, and then rub your hands to create a foam that you can massage onto your face. Once done, you rinse with water to have a squeaky clean face without any tightness or dryness. Available on Yes Style for Rs. 2,400

This cult classic K-beauty product (known earlier under the brand Leegeehaam) features a 90% extract of tea tree, an ingredient that is said to offer great benefits to acne-prone skin. The other fantastic ingredient in this product is Centella Asiatica which also a wonderfully soothing botanical extract. Together the cream offers fantastic sebum control and reduces chances for breakouts while keeping the skin radiant and hydrated. The cream is particularly recommended for sensitive skin. Available on Yes Style For Rs. 1,530

Though not for everybody, essential oils are a popular solution to a great many skin concerns. Rosehip oil which is harvested from a particular strain of rose bushes is said to be full of beneficial vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids, that can reduce hyperpigmentation, rough texture and dryness. Cold-pressed oils are said to the best for skin use. However, this product is said to be even better. This 100% pure product certified organic clears the skin without causing irritation and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Rather expensive at Rs. 6833, this product is, however, the recipient of rave reviews from both users and critics, and can be purchased on Amazon.

Pinch of Colour is the brand that started it all - the first one to launch the waterless beauty products. This Face Elixir is their flagship product that is choc-a-block with natural ingredients including oils like jojoba and neroli, antioxidants and vitamins. Giving your skin radiant and smooth look, this product despite being oil-based will get absorbed quickly give you a great glow and smooth look and is safe for even those having oily skin. Available on cultbeauty.co.uk for £50.00 or Rs. 4,638

This remarkable product features a special botanical extract white lotus leaf from Jeju Island (a region in South Korea) which has very high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids that is great for anti-aging. The flower is said to grow in the pond of a local temple the Jeju Beophwa Temple. The product features 89% of the lotus leaf extract replacing water which results in a high concentrations of these great ingredients. The product is said balance pH levels, and leaves the skin brighter. Available on Peach and Lily for USD 54 or Rs. 3,875.

In theory, waterless beauty products make a lot of sense - they are environmentally friendly and good for the skin. However making a change from regular products will take a whole lot of adjusting - the products feel different, they are hard to find and they are expensive You may also need to completely rejig your skincare routine after reevaluating your skin's needs. Given these aspects, right now shifting completely to waterless skincare is a significant lifestyle change not feasible for all.

If you are not ready for it, then try picking one or two products to add to your routine. This way you will be doing what you can for the environment, while also reaping the benefits of this unique skincare concept.