Is Water in Skincare Just a Filler? The Truth About Waterless Skincare
There’s a lot of marketing hype around waterless skincare, with claims that it’s more potent, effective, and eco-friendly. But is water really just a filler in skincare? Or is waterless skincare just another beauty trend?
Let’s break down the science behind water in skincare, the truth about waterless formulas, and how to choose products that truly support skin barrier health.
Why Does Skincare Contain Water? 💧
Water is a key ingredient in effective skincare formulations, and here’s why:
1. Water Helps Active Ingredients Absorb Better
Many powerful skincare ingredients—like vitamin C, niacinamide, and botanical extracts—need water to properly dissolve and penetrate the skin. Without it, they can sit on the surface and be less effective.
2. Hydration & Skin Barrier Support
Your skin barrier naturally interacts with water-based ingredients more efficiently than oil-based formulas alone. Water helps to maintain moisture balance, keeping your skin plump, healthy, and resilient.
3. Balanced, Lightweight Texture
Water helps create non-greasy, fast-absorbing formulations that work for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Without water, products can be too rich or occlusive, leading to clogged pores and irritation.
The Truth About Waterless Skincare 🚨
While waterless skincare is often marketed as a better alternative, there are some major drawbacks to consider:
1. Not Always More Potent
Many skincare actives require water to be effective. Without it, they may not fully activate or penetrate the skin.
2. Can Be Too Heavy for Some Skin Types
Waterless products are often oil-, butter-, or wax-based, which can feel too rich for those with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
3. Waterless Doesn’t Mean Preservative-Free
Contrary to marketing claims, waterless formulas still require preservation. Many contain botanical extracts, aloe, or humectants, which can hold moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
4. Not Always More Sustainable
Waterless skincare is often advertised as eco-friendly, but the reality is more complex:
- Some waterless products require more preservatives or heavier packaging, increasing their environmental impact.
- Sabbia Co focuses on sustainable ingredient sourcing, eco-conscious packaging, and refillable solutions to minimise waste—regardless of water content.
How Sabbia Co Formulates for Skin Barrier Health
At Sabbia Co, our formulations have been created by an Australian Cosmetic Chemist and Dermal Clinical with over 20 years of skin knowledge to heal and strengthen the skin barrier naturally with science-backed ingredients, reducing inflammation and restoring balance for long-term skin health.
Did you know? Over 70% of people have an impaired skin barrier, which is linked to 9 out of 10 common skin concerns—including acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and sensitivity.
Instead of focusing on marketing trends, we focus on what actually works for your skin.
Should You Avoid Water in Skincare?
No! Water isn’t a filler—it’s a functional ingredient that helps skincare absorb, hydrate, and balance the skin.
While waterless skincare works for some products (like balms and powders), it’s not always more effective, sustainable, or better for your skin.
