We all know that simple actions such as turning the tap off when we brush our teeth will save water – and these actions are very important for reducing the amount of water we use directly. After all, the average person in the UK uses around 149 litres of water per day. But that doesn’t take into account the water we use indirectly, from the manufacturing process of the clothes we wear, to our beauty products.
Yes, a lot of cosmetics contain water. It’s used as a solvent and emulsion to help improve the efficacy and consistency of products. You’ll find it in make-up, moisturisers, suntan lotions, and much more, which means that our bathroom shelves and dressing tables have been upping our water consumption for years, without us even knowing it.
With reports stating that Britain could be facing a water shortage within the next 25 years, many brands, including those that manufacture beauty products, have made a pledge to reduce water consumption. L’Oréal, for example, took an active approach in 2018 by turning three of their production facilities into ‘dry factories’; this means that ‘100% of the water used for industrial purposes is recycled and reused in a closed loop’.
However, there are also brands who have chosen to take the ‘waterless skincare’ route, which involves producing efficient beauty products without the use of water. Angela’s Lab, for example, is the UK first waterless beauty brand, offering an entire range natural, handmade beauty products that are all completely absent of water. It begs the question, if they can do it – why can’t everybody else? Well, the answer is they already are. Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask, £18 is a unique dry – yes, dry – face mask inspired by Korean beauty. It uses fabric infused with vitamins, floral extracts, peptides and oils. You can bolster your skincare regime further by using the The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone, £5.80. This affordable and effective vitamin C cream brightens and repairs dull and damaged skin. It’s the perfect bedtime treatment to perk up the skin in the morning.
The dark side of water
Despite being associated with hydration, water is actually drying when applied topically to the skin. It can also encourage the growth of bacteria, especially when left on flannels and make-up brushes. By going waterless with, for example, your make-up remover, the epidermis – the outer layer of the skin – is not stripped of its natural moisture. In most cases this is the cause for dryness. The DCL Skincare Express Waterless Makeup Remover, £26 is a moisturising cleanser designed to remove all traces of make-up in one go and also hydrates your skin with botanical power.
Similarly, water strips the hair of its natural oils. And because 60 per cent of the UK is classed as having hard water, it might be time to take a new approach to cleansing your hair. The Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam, £3.99 refreshes manes weighed down by dirt and product build-up by absorbing the excess oil. The results are instant: fluffy and refreshed hair that smells delicious thanks to its creamy vanilla and jasmine scent.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask, £18
This unique dry – yes, dry – face mask is inspired by Korean beauty and uses fabric which has been infused with vitamins, floral extracts, peptides and oils.
Buy it here.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone, £5.80
Brighten and repair dull and damaged skin with this affordable and effective vitamin C cream. It’s the perfect before-bed skin treatment.
Buy it here.
DCL Skincare Express Waterless Makeup Remover, £26
This moisturising cleanser removes all traces of make-up in one go, and hydrates your skin with botanical power.
Buy it here.
Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil, £24
Rich in Omegas to help regenerate skin without irritation, this oil restores balance and confidence to unpredictable skin.
Buy it here.
Natural Spa Factory Colombian Rush Coffee Body Scrub, £25
This body scrub features Colombian beans infused with antioxidant-rich green cardamom and bitter chocolate. Smells amazing, works even better.
Buy it here.
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