12 best waterless beauty, hair & cosmetics products

The waterless beauty trend is well and truly making its mark on the global skincare and beauty product market right now.

It’s also playing a big part in helping the planet too.

You see, water is fast becoming a limited commodity worldwide, so much so, that according to market research firm, Mintel, it will be considered a luxury over the next decade.¹

What are waterless beauty products?

The crisis that’s emerging and stats like those produced by Mintel, as well as the World Wildlife Fund’s prediction that two-thirds of the world’s population may face shortages by 2025, has prompted many skincare and beauty brands to radically rethink their use of water.²

Some companies have already responded to the situation by reducing their water usage there and then or pledging to cut it by a certain level within certain deadlines.

For instance, Unilever has reduced its water levels during the manufacturing process by more than 40%, and L’Oréal aims to achieve a 60% reduction in water consumption for each finished product by this year.³

Many more brands are making massive strides in this area too.

Some, like Unilever and L’Oréal mentioned above have adapted their processes, while others have been specifically set up to produce nothing but water-free products.

Keep reading for details of who these brands are and the type of products they’ve brought to market.

Waterless cleansers, moisturisers, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and even, deodorants, are steadily emerging in stores and online and in our beauty cabinets and on our shelves that contain a lower level of water and more botanical ingredients.

Summary

• Waterless beauty products contain more botanical ingredients and oils than water
• They are becoming increasingly mainstream
• More and more companies commit to using less water within their manufacturing processes

Are waterless beauty products right for me?

The benefits of the new waterless beauty trend are widespread, not just because of their positive impact on the environment, but because of their gentle skin properties.

You see, when it’s applied topically, water can actually dry our skin out.

Prolonged exposure to water or exposure to water that’s too hot, can strip our skin of the delicate protective lipids (AKA the natural oils) that line the surface of our skin and protect it against water loss.⁴

However, products like the ones we’re going to showcase to you now are single-handedly revolutionising the skincare, haircare and beauty produce scene and, with some of them, because there’s less product (i.e. they haven’t been bulked out with water and preservatives) there’s less packaging too, which is a double bonus!

So, now we’ve given you a quick, and necessary, intro to the origin of waterless beauty products and the main benefits, let’s have look at some of them in more detail.

More specifically, these products are all within our Beauty range, which also features vegan products and sustainable packaging and is focused on zero waste.

Handpicked content: Zero-waste beauty swaps

Summary

• Waterless beauty products are growing in popularity
• They tend to be gentler on the skin
• They also come with less packaging and more 100% natural ingredients

Best waterless beauty products 2021

Keep in mind that 'waterless' doesn't mean a product has been manufactured with no water at all.

Rather, these eco-friendly products have a drastically reduced water content - they have been made with less water.

Eco-friendly soap

1. Faith in Nature Unfragranced Seaweed Soap

Customer rating: 4.8 stars

This is made with wild-harvested seaweed that’s known for its antioxidant qualities and is rich in beneficial minerals and proteins.

100% recycled and recyclable packaging. Vegan Society-approved and cruelty-free.

Available in 8 other different fragrances – coconut, dragon fruit, grapefruit, hemp & green tea, lavender, orange, rosemary and green tea.

Customer reviews

Dealite - 5/5 stars - Lovely soap without skin irritation
‘Makes my skin feel clean and doesn’t leave it dried out after showering. It seems to last for ages too.’ 

Smiley11 - 5/5 stars - Great value for money
'An unfragranced bar soap that foams up nicely and lasts much longer than the liquid versions. Also seems to hydrate my dry skin well.'

RJNE - 5/5 stars - New favourite soap!
‘This is my new favourite soap. I wash my hands constantly and, for me, it does not make my hands dry out like others do. Lathers very well and the price is good. I'm very happy with this purchase!’

2. Faith in Nature Coconut Soap 100g

Customer rating: 4.6 stars

This luxurious pure soap is made with tropical organic coconut to enrich your senses.

Contains 100% natural fragrance and essential oils100% recycled and recyclable packaging.

Vegan Society-approved and cruelty-free.

Customer reviews

Pauline -5/5 stars - Simply the best!
‘Best soap ever! Love this, as it’s pure and smells lovely. Lathers so well.’ 

Bod Bod - 5/5 stars - Great soap
‘So far so good. Lovely bubbles in shower and skin feels good.’

3. Faith in Nature Lavender Soap 100g

Customer rating: 4.7 stars

This magnificently fragrant soap is blended with lavender, known for its soothing qualities.

100% recycled and recyclable packaging. Vegan Society-approved and cruelty-free.

Customer reviews

Ruby98 - 5/5 stars - Love this brand for hand soaps
‘Good lather, quite long lasting and really good price point. Not overly scented, don't expect scent to stay on hands after washing, but I quite like this. Doesn't seem to dry out my hands either unlike some other soaps. Overall, very impressed!’

Mama R - 5/5 stars - Lovely soap
‘It’s a lovely soap tablet that lasts me ages. Would certainly recommend it. I was bought some as a gift and use it all the time now.’

4. UpCircle Fennel & Cardamom Soap Bar 100g

Customer rating: 4.9 stars

This gentle, exfoliating natural soap bar is designed to cleanse and moisturise skin.

It's been created with the same residual chai spices used to make chai syrup.

100% natural, vegan & cruelty-free.

Customer reviews

Renata T - 5/5 stars - Already repurchased!
‘The fact that they use ingredients to make this soap, that otherwise would go to waste, is amazing! It smells divine, it’s amazing for the body and I also use it on my face and it doesn’t dry my skin out. It’s affordable and my skin feels refreshed and there’s zero waste.’ 

Emzy - 5/5 stars - Fabulous product
‘Lovely smell and gentle feel to this soap. Cruelty free, so that's an added bonus! Will definitely buy it again.’

5. UpCircle Cinnamon & Ginger Chai Soap Bar 100g

Customer rating: 4.5 stars

Another soap bar from UpCircle that provides gentle exfoliation to purify and energise skin.

Pink clay reduces redness and irritation, whilst organic cinnamon and ginger oils give skin a reviving energy boost.

100% certified natural, vegan, sustainable and cruelty-free.

Shetty - 5/5 stars - Lovely soap
‘The best upcycled soap I've used. Really creamy lather, doesn't dry the skin and it's helping the environment. Cruelty free. It's amazing - the pink clay with chai and cinnamon fragrance.’

 ahussain - 5/5 stars - This amazing soap converted me to soap bars!
'I actually had to buy a soap dish for this as I've never liked soap bars. But I am officially converted by this amazing soap bar. It foams beautifully and has such a delicate scent that lingers on the skin. It's effective enough to use on it's own in the morning. In the evening, I use it in conjunction with Upcircle's cleansing balm to double cleanse my face of make up. I love the scent of this so much, I bought a second one for my shower! I love Upcircle's ethos and how they repurpose by products from other industries!'

Eco-friendly cleansing foam 

6. Ethique Bliss Bar Face Cleansing Bar

Customer rating: 4.5 stars

Made with creamed coconut butter, vegetable glycerine and clay, this bar is designed to gently cleanse without stripping the most sensitive skin.

Vegan-friendly, zero waste, SLS free, no animal testing.

Customer reviews

Ameera012 - 5/5 stars - Love it
‘I recently started using this cleanser when trying to reduce my packaged skincare. I was a little apprehensive as I have used solid face washes before and they have been a little too drying on my skin. Whilst using this cleanser it lathered up nicely with a creamy feel. After removing, my face felt so clean, supple and soft. It removes makeup well (not including eye makeup) and is also gentle on my sensitive skin; I have combination skin.’

Useful and decorative - 5/5 stars - Surprisingly good
‘I say surprisingly because I didn’t expect it to be good at all. I’m used to buying premium cleansing balms and face washes for my combination sensitive skin. I lather this up between both hands to get a creamy consistency, which cleans off my foundation perfectly, I then lather and repeat for the most clean feeling comfortable skin.’ 

7. Ethique SuperStar! Face Cleanser & Makeup Remover 65g

Customer rating: 4.3 stars

SuperStar’s combination of cocoa butter, kokum butter, coconut oil and cleansing castor oil leaves behind a nice layer of hydration without being slick or greasy.

The sweet orange essential oil helps break down oil and grease and leaves you smelling super sweet.

Customer reviews

Camilladorosario - 5/5 stars - Everyday favourite
‘I use this product every day and cannot fault it. It smells great, is good for the environment and does a great job on my skin.’ 

The_gerrings - 5/5 stars - Removes make up well
‘This leaves you feeling clean. It’s great at removing makeup. It lathers up well and is really deep cleansing. So impressed.’ 

Eco-friendly moisturiser

8. Fushi Organic Hand Made Shea Butter 200g

Customer rating: 4.4 stars

Beautifully replenishing, this pure, organic and unrefined shea butter is deeply moisturising and soothing for the skin.

Organic shea butter is rich in Oleic, Stearic and Linoleic acids that help protect, nourish and keep the skin soft and moisturised.

Vegan-friendly, zero waste, no animal testing.

Customer reviews

Nieal - 5/5 stars - Nourishment for dry, sensitive skin
‘Really melts into your skin and nourishes it, especially if it’s dry. I have very sensitive dry skin and this doesn’t irritate it. I recommend it as it’s clean, organic and Fair Trade.’ 

OYCL - 5/5 stars - Lovely pure shea butter
‘Great for applying on irritated skin before bath for my son. Soothes and protects his skin better than using emollient wash and there’s less mess left in the bath.’ 

Eco-friendly shampoo

9. EarthKind Tea Tree & Eucalyptus Shampoo Bar for Improved Scalp Health 

Customer rating: 4.5 stars

Made in the UK with natural tea tree and eucalyptus, this gentle formula can be used daily and won’t strip hair of its natural oils.

Customer reviews

Emmalouiseshair - 5/5 stars - One of the best shampoo bars I’ve ever tried!
‘I’m really happy I purchased this a few weeks ago. I’ve used it consistently since then and it has really improved the condition of my scalp. It has a very strong tea tree scent, but it doesn’t linger in your hair. Most shampoo bars take a while to lather, but not with this one! It’s a game changer!’

Blondie1072 - 5/5 stars - Lovely shampoo
‘After trying many products, this is the best for keeping my dry itchy flacks scalp at bay. Lovely to use.’

10. EarthKind Bergamot & Sage Shampoo Bar for Dry & Coloured Hair

Customer rating: 4.6 stars

This shampoo bar is ideal for hair that’s naturally dry due to a lack of natural oil from the skin or the use of hair driers and straighteners.

Customer reviews

Jilly B - 5/5 stars - Does what it says on the tin!
‘Mild perfume in this shampoo. It lathers up easily and feels rich on my hair. Smooth and easy to apply.’

Laura25 - 5/5 stars - Nice scent, shiny hair
‘This is the first time I've used a solid shampoo. I was worried it would dry out my hair, but it didn't. It left it nice and shiny. I'm so glad to be able to ditch plastic bottles.’

Eco-friendly lip care

11. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer Apricot 2.6g

Customer rating: 4.8 stars

This 100% natural, luminescent lip colour moisturises and softens lips with shea butter, beeswax and nourishing fruit oils.

Customer reviews

Emma2018 - 5/5 stars- Love these!
‘Love this, I have tried about 6 different 'flavours' and have one in my bag, car, desk etc. Lovely feel and adds a nice colour,’ 

Ellen123 - 5/5 stars - Good product
‘Very good product. When you put it on your lips, the smell is very nice and apricot colour is perfect.’ 

12. PHB 100% Pure Organic Lipstick - Tea Rose 9g

Customer rating: 4 stars

PHB’s nourishing creamy formula moisturises like a lip balm whilst pure mineral pigments provide rich, deep colour.

This lipstick is easy to apply, long lasting and stays put all day.

Available in 9 other shades – blossom, camellia, cranberry, grace, mulberry, petal, plum, raspberry and sienna.

Customer reviews

Jessicalily1 - 5/5 stars - Pure organic lipstick
‘This product was very moisturising , and lasted several hours. Felt very nice to wear and kept lips well moisturised . The colour was lovely too.’

Takeaway

Waterless beauty is shaping the future of skin, hair and beauty products for so many reasons, ranging from the fact they’re gentle on skin and come with a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional products.

No wonder demand for waterless products is increasing by the day!

If you’re yet to try this new phenomenon, give one of the products listed above, or within our wider Waterless Beauty range, a go.

There are plenty of waterless beauty options for you to choose from… 

Now that you’re here, have a read of this, ’20 of the best natural beauty products of 2021.’

Last updated: 16 September 2021