A recent report shows that the global waterless cosmetics market is rapidly growing, projected to reach USD 19.81 billion by 2032, with consumer demand for eco-friendly, travel-ready, and high-performance products driving expansion.
What waterless cosmetics are available?
Waterless cosmetics are available in several innovative formats, each catering to different needs and preferences. Popular options include solid bars such as shampoos, conditioners, and cleansers, which are easy to transport and ideal for travel. Powdered formulations—like cleansers, masks, or tooth powders—activate upon contact with moisture, offering customizable application and extended shelf life. In addition, there are powdered products specifically designed to be reconstituted by the customer with water before use, transforming them into liquid formulations as needed. Balms and oils deliver intensive hydration and nourishment for skin and hair, often packaged in compact containers for convenience. Additionally, there are concentrated serums and stick-based makeup, which achieve high efficacy with minimal packaging and are perfect for busy lifestyles or minimalist routines.
Why are waterless cosmetics so appealing?
- Sustainability: Waterless cosmetics save water and reduce the need for preservatives, meeting consumer expectations for greener products.
- Performance: By leveraging oils, butters, waxes, and botanical extracts, formulators create concentrated products with potent active ingredients, improving efficacy and shelf stability.
- Convenience: Solid and powdered formats are lightweight, portable, and particularly suited for frequent travelers and users with busy lifestyle
Natural or not?
According to the same report consumers people are getting pickier about what goes into their beauty routines—they’re moving away from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens and are hunting for products packed with natural ingredients instead. Health-conscious shoppers want formulas that are simpler, safer, and more concentrated, so the clean-beauty trend is stronger than ever. Thanks to cool new cosmetic technology, brands can create waterless products that work for all kinds of skin, with great texture and effectiveness, no compromise needed.
Preservation strategies for formulators
Preservation is an important consideration for cosmetic formulators working with waterless products. For balms and oils, preservatives are often unnecessary because these formulations do not contain water, which means microbes have a much harder time growing. However, whether or not to skip preservatives should always be double-checked with a formulation safety assessor, as ingredient choices or use patterns may require extra precautions. When it comes to reconstituted powders—especially those mixed with water by the consumer and kept for long-term use—it’s crucial to include an effective preservative system to prevent microbial growth and ensure safety. Tools like the Green Chem Finder offer helpful search filters so formulators can easily find powder-form preservatives and antimicrobial multifunctionals to suit specific formulation needs. Visit the compendium section to discover natural multifunctionals or preservatives in a powder format. You can also look for oil soluble antimicrobials!
Read the Report