Why are solid cosmetics better than liquid ones?

Why are solid cosmetics better than liquid ones?

Let’s start with some tough news: The skincare and beauty industry has a significant impact on the environment, and unsustainable product packaging is a major culprit. While it’s satisfying to finish a product, the empty containers often end up in landfills.

The beauty industry also consumes vast amounts of water. In 2023 alone, studies showed the industry used 120 billion liters of water.

Water, a critical resource, remains one of the most pressing issues we face today—and unfortunately, it’s a problem we haven’t yet solved. All industries must rethink how they use water to address challenges related to water quality and scarcity.

We need a collective effort—every sector of the economy, every business, and every individual must consider how they can help conserve and protect water. While individual consumers may not have the same influence as companies or governments, we can still make a difference. Choosing and advocating for solid skincare products? That’s a smart step in the right direction.

Solid Skincare: A Sustainable Solution That Still Works

Fortunately, there’s growing awareness about these issues, and consumers are increasingly pushing beauty brands to assess their environmental impact.

Water is typically the main ingredient in haircare and skinare—most traditional moisturizers, cleansers, and shampoos are made up of 60 to 80 percent water. In contrast, solid bars use minimal water and focus on active, natural ingredients.

Powder-based products and solid skincare have emerged as viable alternatives to liquid products. Not only do they eliminate the need for water, but they also require less packaging. Plus, because they’re lighter, they leave a smaller carbon footprint during shipping. Solid products also tend to last longer and are used more slowly compared to traditional products.

Solid cosmetics have several advantages over liquid forms, making them a popular choice for those seeking sustainability and convenience. Here's why solid cosmetics are often considered better:

  1. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Solid cosmetics typically come with minimal or no plastic packaging, reducing waste and environmental impact. Many are packaged in biodegradable or recyclable materials, helping combat plastic pollution.
  2. No preservatives needed: As there is no microbial growth risk, no preservatives need to be added, which can often be suspected endocrine disruptors.
  3. Longer Shelf Life: Without the water content found in liquid products, solid cosmetics are less prone to bacterial growth, meaning they often last longer.
  4. Travel-Friendly: Solid products, like shampoo bars or conditioners, are compact, lightweight, and non-liquid, making them easier to transport, especially for air travel where liquids are restricted.
  5. Concentrated Formula: Solid cosmetics are usually more concentrated than liquids, meaning a little goes a long way. This often results in fewer applications needed, making the product last longer.
  6. Water Conservation: Solid cosmetics reduce water usage since they don't contain the high water content that liquid products do, contributing to sustainability and better resource management.
  7. Less Spillage: Solid products are mess-free, with no risk of spilling or leaking during storage or travel.
  8. Lower conditioner pH: Liquid conditioners must have a higher pH due to formulation limitations, while solid conditioners can have lower pH and provide stronger conditioning effect.

These benefits make solid cosmetics not only more sustainable and convenient but also can provide superior performance.