WATERLESS PRODUCT - SKIN

This beauty category is going to become more and more of a focus in coming years, as we demand that beauty brands focus on sustainability. The reason for choosing waterless products is simple: transporting water around the country (or even across the globe) uses unnecessary amounts of energy, when we’re blessed with being able to turn on a tap and add the water at home.

TBH we were hoping for a wider range of products in this category; only one – from Tropic – made the cut, truly fitting the criteria for a product that COULD be made with water but isn’t.

PS We had a WATERLESS PRODUCTS – BODY category, too, but the winning entry there was… a soap! So, it seemed more logical to move that to SOAP.

GOLD AWARD and BEST NATURAL  Tropic Clear Skies Cleansing Powder

Three cheers for Tropic, for blazing a bit of a trail with a waterless product. This winner is actually a cleanser-slash-exfoliator, which you activate with water and use twice daily, either on its own or as part of a double-cleanse; it’s a style of product already popular in Japan. Simply mix half to a full teaspoon of the product – a gentle scrub, formulated from rice powder and tapioca starch – with a few drops of water, then massage onto the face using gentle circular movements for a minute to create a light froth. Swoosh away with water or use a muslin cloth to remove the product. Ingredients include two types of plant enzymes (lipase, to break down sebum and oil, and protease, to remove dead skin cells), as well as blue spirulina to boost cell turnover. A dose of hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, ensures moisture levels are maintained.

£20 for 60g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Would I buy it again? Big Fat YES! After the first time using this cleansing powder, my skin was left glowing. Conclusion: I love it! Such a satisfying way to cleanse and exfoliate the skin at the same time’ • ‘Noticed smoother, more balanced skin both in feeling and appearance straight away, while over time skin feels softer and smoother, less textured, pores less noticeable and minimal spots. When my skin was looking more congested, I would use to twice daily and it would sort out the issue’ • ‘An easy-to-use, fun skin cleanser and exfoliator in lovely, easy to dispense packaging. Gorgeous scent, pleasurable to use and great results’ • ‘A light, subtle earthy fragrance – barely there, and somehow reminded me of oats, very soothing! I loved it’ • ‘This formed a paste with water and then became a soft light moisturising foam which was very easy to apply. I liked the concept and would recommend to my environmentally aware friends’ • ‘My friend complimented me on my complexion; she thought I'd been for a facial treatment since I'd last seen her’ • ‘Loved this, perfect for days or evenings when you wear full make-up, too. I didn't use it on my eyes, but it definitely removed my other make-up effortlessly, leaving behind brighter, clearer skin. The effect lasted, too’ • ‘My skin improved over the time I used it and I've still got lots left, so great value’ • ‘I would definitely buy this again; so easy to use, no squeezing of tubes, and lightweight, making it travel-friendly.’

£20 for 60g - click to buy