Why solid skincare is better for your skin (and not just the planet)?
Linda Durante
In recent years, solid cosmetics have become increasingly popular. They are often associated with an ecological approach: less packaging, less transport, less plastic.
But what many don't realize is that solid cosmetics can also be very beneficial for the skin itself.
More concentrated formulas, less water, essential ingredients… solid cosmetics offer a different approach to skincare.
And sometimes, simpler also means more effective.
What is a solid cosmetic?
A solid cosmetic is a product formulated with no water or very little water.
Unlike classic creams, whose formula can contain up to 70 to 80% water, solid cosmetics focus more on active ingredients and lipids.
Result: the formula becomes denser, richer and more concentrated.
This allows the skin to receive what it really needs, without excess.
Formulas more concentrated in useful ingredients
Most of the products you use are mainly composed of… water.
A neutral base, which primarily serves to create a texture, but does not necessarily provide direct benefits to the skin.
Solid cosmetics take a different approach:
remove the superfluous, keep the essential.
The absence of water allows for the prioritization of active and nourishing ingredients such as:
- vegetable oils
- natural fatty acids
- squalane
- vegetable butters
- botanical extracts
The skin therefore receives a formula richer in useful elements, capable of supporting its hydration and skin barrier.
Better affinity with the skin barrier
The skin barrier is largely composed of natural lipids.
Products rich in oils and fatty acids can therefore have excellent affinity with the skin.
These lipids contribute to:
- nourishing the skin
- limiting water loss
- strengthening the skin barrier
- maintaining supple and comfortable skin
This is one of the reasons why solid formulas can be particularly interesting for supporting the skin's natural balance.
Less water, fewer preservatives
Water in a cosmetic formula promotes bacterial proliferation.
This is why water-containing products generally require more significant preservatives to guarantee their stability.
Solid cosmetics, which contain little or no water, can often use simpler preservation systems.
This allows for the creation of more minimalist and concentrated formulas.
A simpler routine
Solid cosmetics often embody a different philosophy of skincare.
Rather than multiplying products, they offer a simple and versatile gesture.
This minimalist approach can be beneficial for the skin.
Overly complex routines can sometimes disrupt the skin's balance and weaken the protective barrier.
Simplifying one's routine often allows the skin to regain its natural function.
A more sustainable approach
Of course, solid cosmetics also have environmental benefits.
They notably allow for:
-
reduced packaging
-
limited plastic use
-
reduced transport weight
-
reduced carbon footprint
It’s a way to take care of your skin while reducing your environmental impact.
Our vision at DRTE
At DRTE, we chose the solid format for several reasons.
We wanted to create a product capable of concentrating essential ingredients, without unnecessary water, and without complicating the routine.
Our stick combines:
-
nourishing lipids
-
antioxidant active ingredients from micro-algae
-
botanical extracts like peony
-
protective ingredients like karanja
All in a solid format designed to support the skin daily.
A simple gesture, a concentrated formula, and an approach that prioritizes the essential.
In summary
Solid cosmetics are not just a more sustainable alternative.
They offer a different way to formulate products.
By removing water, we are not removing something essential.
We are primarily removing a basic element to make more room for the ingredients that truly matter.
Result:
• more concentrated formulas
• less reliance on preservatives
• a natural affinity with the skin
Because skin doesn't need more.
It needs better.
And sometimes, better simply starts by removing what isn't essential.