Waterless Skincare

If you’re interested in trying waterless skincare, here is an overview of Oliveda and why I love their products. Take this skincare quiz to get a free product when you order 2+ of the recommended products.

You may see “waterless skincare” tossed around more frequently these days, as this is a beauty movement that is up and coming (and likely here to stay!). The brand I’ve been using for almost a year is one of the main waterless skincare companies, and I’m sharing all about waterless in this post along with some reasons why I love Oliveda’s line.

What is Waterless Skincare?

Waterless skincare refers to beauty products that are formulated without water as a primary ingredient. Instead of water (often listed as aqua on labels), these products use oils, butters, botanical extracts, or waxes as a base.

Sometimes products are sold as a solid like a bar (think shampoo bars), and other times the product – cleanser, serum, tone, moisturizer – is liquid. In both cases, there is minimal-to-no water in the ingredient list.

Why is waterless skincare up and coming?

Concentrated formulas – Without water, products are more potent, which can also lead to better results.
Longer shelf life – Fewer preservatives are needed since water can promote bacterial growth.
Sustainability – Less water, less volume = less water consumption and packaging waste.
Travel-friendly – Solid products like balms and sticks are TSA-approved and easier to pack.

Water, of course, is not bad – and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using water in skincare formations. That said, when water is in a formula, you’re paying for its presence.

Is Oliveda waterless skincare?

Olive Tree People, and its skincare brand, Oliveda, touts itself for being a pioneer in waterless skincare. Oliveda distinguishes itself in the waterless skincare arena through its innovative use of olive tree-derived ingredients, offering potent, sustainable, and effective formulations. Oliveda replaces what would normally be water with their 100% organic bio active beauty elixir made from Hydroxytyrosol.

By replacing water in their beauty products, Oliveda eliminated the need for preservatives in most of its product line and developed products with a much higher percentage of bioactive ingredients. They also replaced the typical refined oils found in typical products with bioactive Arbequina oil, which is similar to the lipids of our skin and contributes to its rejuvenating power. Due to the bioactive nature and high concentration of antioxidants from the Hydroxytyrosol found in every single product, Oliveda products yield amazing results.

What Is Hydroxytyrosol?

Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, olive leaf extract helps to combat free radicals, reduce the signs of aging, and promote overall skin health. It is a staple ingredient in many Oliveda products due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Oliveda Quick Facts:

German-based, has been in the EU for 20 years and launched in the US in 2023
100% organic – everything
Zero plastics – glass bottles for all packaging
Products for skincare, consumption (olive oil), and internal supplements with HT + collagen
Over 4,000 ingredients banned, and every ingredient is thoughtfully placed
Cultivates ingredients itself vs. outsourcing everything
Commitment to sustainability and conservation
It’s become the #1 fastest growing waterless beauty brand in the world.

Oliveda’s Commitment To Sustainability

Aside from falling in love with the scent, feel, and results of their products over the last year which, let’s be honest, is most people’s top priority, I also respect all this company is doing for sustainability as well. When I am looking for brands to buy, sustainability, B Corp, and/or ingredient transparency are all important to me. Oliveda owns over 30,000 eco-certified olive trees in Spain, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. These trees not only place their role in providing oxygen, but they also protect soil from erosion and increase the biodiversity of the area. Oliveda also has over 130,000 bees on the olive tree farms that provide the honey for products with honey (like the Honey Enzyme Face Mask!).

Photo credit: Oliveda

My favorite waterless skincare products by Oliveda

If you’re interested in trying this brand out, here are some of my favorite products! Remember you can take the Olive Bran skincare quiz to get a free full-size product when you order 2+ of the recommended products.

Cleanser – oil or gel is up to you and what you like. Oil is great for sinks / makeup / PM and the gel is great for the shower. I am obsessed with the Arbequina Cleansing Oil scent!
All Purpose Serum – Get the F59 Corrective serum – the best for anti-aging and lines
Vitamin C – I’d recommend the Vit C for anyone concerned with even skin tone or dark spots
Elixir – The Kahai is a great one because you can use it morning and night and it’s great for all skin types
AM Moisturizer – The Corrective Face Cream is my daytime go-to because it has an SPF effect and is very hydrating for dry skin. Try the Cell Active if you want something lighter.
PM Moisturizer – The Regeneration Cream is an amazing, thick night cream.
Eye Cream – Ideally an eye cream mixed with the eye elixir for all the eye help!
Mask – I LOVE the Honey Enzyme Mask! It’s bright green and tastes like honey.
Makeup: Olive Rose Skin Tint Serum gives your skin a light tint and another layer of HT!

Tips For Making A Purchase

All orders over $50 ship free.
Products have a 365 day return window, so they know you’re going to love them.
You can take the quiz for a free full-size product every six months. Get that freebie!
If you think you’re going to spend more than $200, consider upgrading to the consultant level. You’ll get 25% off every order, be plugged into the company, and have the option to share your link with friends, all for just $50 a year. If you spend more than $200 a year (that’s 2-3 products), you’ll make back your $50 investment on 2x orders! Learn more here.

Waterless Skincare