Journal
Water-Free Skincare - Why it Matters
by Rebecca Giorgilli
December 13, 2021
In my quest to create the most active, pure and powerful skin care, that was 100% plant based, it quickly became apparent that water-free was the only way forward. Waterless, water-free or anhydrous refers to skincare and cosmetic products that are formulated without water.
A flurry of water-less products have begun flooding the skin care space, and for very valid reasons. Traditionally, beauty formulas are made up of 60-80 per cent water (check out your vanity; you’ll see it listed as the first ingredient for most). So why would we suddenly want to leave it out? It comes down to sustainability, shelf life, purity and efficacy.
Water, particularly fresh water, is a precious commodity. In Australia we love our sunburnt country, our land of droughts and flooding rains, and in more recent times devastating bush fires. From an environmental perspective after agriculture, the beauty industry laps up a LOT of water. Although our planet is made up of 70 per cent water, only 3 percent of that is freshwater, the kind we need for everyday life, not necessarily for skincare.
Water-based products require high amounts of synthetic preservatives since water breeds bacteria. So by getting rid of “aqua” at the top if the inci list, means the formula can be filled with only active ingredients, and because they’re not diluted in water, it eliminates the need for preservatives.
Oils can become rancid too when exposed to oxygen and sunlight, which is why we only use fresh oils within our formulations, we encase them in miron glass to protect them from light in order to prolong shelf life, while recommending use within 6 months instead of spending years sitting inside your vanity. We also include ancient essential oils that are antimicrobial by nature, to ensure that our formulations remain active and as fresh as possible.
Many cold creams contain synthetic emulsifiers, otherwise water and oil will seperate, and in many cases a thickener is required to improve the “feel” of the product. This is not including the alcoholic extracts, parabens and synthetic fragrances that do not offer any benefits to your skin or the environment.
In my humble opinion, synthetic ingredients are like packaged food, lacking in life force and vitality. We are awakening to the truth about where our food comes from, and by extension, also where our skincare stems from too. Like our food, the most effective skincare is made with raw, organic and wildcrafted ingredients.
Without water, we allow for the creation of more concentrated and potent products, because there is no dilution. Fresh botanical oils already feel beautiful when applied to the skin, and they absorb easily because of the oil lipid content, getting actives to where they need to go.
Our commitment to your wellbeing is contained within each bottle, and also what isn’t. When it comes to purity there are no compromises. In addition to being free of water, we refuse to include any questionable ingredients - carcinogens, hormone disruptors, GMO’s, conventionally grown plants and not “of nature” ingredients. It is my belief that these ingredients may cause long-term damage to skin, the body and our precious planet.
Our wildcrafted, organic, unrefined whole plant ingredients offer an enormous spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Nothing compares to the powerful science of nature. Synthetic lab-made ingredients only aim to mimik what nature has already mastered, and without them maximum efficacy, potency and purity is accomplished.
To your blossoming
Bec x
P.S. Check out the difference between water based cleansers and cleansing oils here.
