We’ve been conditioned to believe that a skincare product in a heavy glass bottle, triple-digit price tag, and list of 20+ ingredients that you can’t pronounce equates to potency and quality. But when you see that the first ingredient is water (aqua) you’d be right to get a little suspicious. Water, you’re paying for water??
Don’t get us wrong, there is a time and a place for water in your skincare routine (literally writing this post from the bathtub). But when we’re talking about the potent nourishment that comes from a serum, it doesn’t seem like water belongs.
Did you know that conventional serums are 70% water?
Most conventional face serums on the market today have of 70% to 90% water in their formula. From a manufacturing standpoint, water is the ultimate filler ingredient. It’s cheap, abundant, adds volume, and it can create a texture that feels weightless on the skin (and we all love that weightless feel). But from a biological standpoint, water in a serum creates two major issues:
- Dilution: You are paying a premium pricepoint for a product where only 10% of the bottle contains the actual active ingredients you’re seeking (like Vitamin C or Antioxidants). This is just downright silly.
- Chemical Dependency: Water breeds bacteria. If you leave a banana on the counter for 10 days, its growing to decay and grow mold. But if you freeze-dried that banana, now you have a preserved, shelf-stable snack! To keep a water-based serum shelf-stable, it needs to be loaded synthetic preservatives, parabens, and emulsifiers (even more filler).
This means that when you buy a water-based serum, not only are you paying for water, but now you’re also paying for the chemicals required to keep that water from going bad. This went from silly to insanity very quickly.
So…where’s the good stuff?
Hello Artemis Night Serum — 100% active botanicals to nourish your skin
At RHEA, we believe your skin deserves nourishment, not fluff and fillers. That is why our Artemis Night Serum is formulated without a single drop of water.
While the industry average is 70% filler, Artemis is 100% active botanical oils. When we say "active," we mean every single drop in the bottle is there to actively heal, nourish, and moisturize your skin. We don’t use fillers to create a slippery texture; we use cold-pressed, nutrient-dense oils that the skin can actually recognize as food.
What’s Inside 100% Potency?
Because we don't dilute our formula, Artemis delivers a massive dose of nutrients to help your skin repair and restore overnight.
- Seabuckthorn Oil: A "liquid gold" powerhouse rich in Vitamins A, C, and E. It doesn’t just sit on the skin; it works to boost collagen and repair UV damage.
- Astaxanthin: One of the most powerful antioxidants in the natural world—65x stronger than Vitamin C. It’s what gives Artemis its vibrant hue and its ability to rejuvenate skin overnight.
- Pomegranate & Rosehip Seed Oils: High in punicic acid and essential fatty acids to fight oxidative stress and encourage new cell growth.
- Jojoba Oil: Very closely resembles human skin sebum, allowing Artemis to be easily absorbed int your skin.
Read more about the natural, non-toxic ingredients we use.
Why Waterless is Better for Your Ritual (and the Planet)
If you’re still not convinced to go water-less when it comes your serums, let us break it down even more.
- Better Value: Because the product isn’t diluted, you need less of the product to make an impact. A 1oz bottle of Artemis can last longer and perform better than a water-based equivalent due to the punch it packs.
- Biocompatibility: Our skin’s barrier is made of lipids (oils), not water. Botanical oils integrate seamlessly with your natural sebum, whereas water-based lotions often evaporate, taking your skin’s natural moisture with them. This cycle can make your skin dependent on the very products that are stripping its hydration.
- No Hidden Toxins: No water means no need for synthetic preservatives. Artemis is stabilized naturally with Rosemary Antioxidant, keeping the formula pure and non-toxic, just the way we like it.
The RHEA Philosophy: Intentional, Not Industrial
Our serums are handcrafted in the Pacific Northwest using methods and formulations that allow each ingredient to shine. Slow and cold-infusions, botanical stabilizers instead of synthetic, and local, organic sourcing whenever possible. We do everything we can to preserve the integrity of each ingredient so that your skin feels deeply cared for. So you feel cared for by Mother Rhea in every bottle.
What exactly is a serum?
A serum is a high-concentration skincare treatment designed to deliver potent active ingredients directly into the skin. While moisturizers act as a protective barrier to lock in hydration, a serum's job is to target specific concerns like aging, hyperpigmentation, or cellular repair. Because they are designed to be "powerhouses," the quality of the base (oil vs. water) determines how much of those actives actually reach your skin.
Why do most brands use water in their serums?
Water is primarily used as a cost-cutting filler. It allows companies to create a larger volume of product for a lower price. Water also acts as a solvent for water-soluble ingredients like Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or Hyaluronic Acid, meaning it dissolves those things so that they can be used in the formula. However, the downside is that water-based formulas require heavy synthetic preservatives to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
When should I include water in my skincare routine?
Water is essential for hydration, but it doesn't need to be inside your serum bottle. The best time to include water is during your cleansing and prepping stages. We recommend applying Artemis Night Serum to damp skin, either after the shower, or after using a hydrosol. The botanical oils will trap that moisture on your skin’s surface, creating a "hydro-lipid" film that mimics your skin’s natural barrier without the need for added chemicals or fillers.
Are waterless serums better for sensitive skin?
Yes. Because waterless serums like Artemis are composed of 100% botanical oils, they do not require the harsh alcohols, parabens, or synthetic fragrances used to stabilize water-based products. For those with sensitive or reactive skin, removing these "hidden" irritants is often the key to reducing redness and inflammation.
Is Artemis a "face oil" or a "serum"?
It is both. While it has the texture of a luxurious oil, its formulation is that of a high-performance serum. We use a combination of Astaxanthin and Seabuckthorn, which provides a concentration of antioxidants and vitamins far higher than a standard "beauty oil."