What Nilaqua does

Nilaqua, operated by Waterless Limited, is a UK-based manufacturer of waterless personal care products founded in 2010 and headquartered in Swansea, Wales. The company develops and sells no-rinse bathing and hygiene solutions targeted primarily at clinical, care home, and consumer settings where conventional washing is impractical, unsafe, or resource-constrained. Its principal end markets are NHS hospitals, residential care homes, and individuals with mobility or cognitive impairments.

The company's core technology is the "Towel Off" line of no-rinse formulations — including shampoo caps, body wash foams, hand sanitizers, and related hygiene products — designed to cleanse without water. Products carry multiple NHS supply chain codes and meet European standards including EN1500 for hygienic hand rubs. Nilaqua sells through a multi-channel model: direct-to-consumer e-commerce, NHS supply chain, healthcare and mobility distributors, mobility product retailers, and small-volume charity/individual sales. The company operates from a 16,000+ sqft facility in Swansea, has a small team, and has expanded its portfolio into biodegradable formats and adjacent pet care lines.

Name

Nilaqua

Legal name

Waterless Limited

Website

https://nilaqua.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Nilaqua manufactures waterless personal care products, including no-rinse shampoo caps and body wash using its Towel Off technology, primarily serving NHS hospitals, care homes, and individuals with mobility or cognitive impairments across the UK via NHS supply chain, distributors, and direct e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Personal Care and Hygiene Products

NAICS

Toilet Preparation Manufacturing (32562), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561), Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing (325611)

SIC

Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840), Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Specialty Cleaning, Polishing And Sanitation Preparations (2842)

akta.pro primary industry

Hand Sanitizers & Antibacterial Personal Care (CRADANAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hand Sanitizers & Cleansing Sprays (CRABAEAJ), Personal Care Wipes & On-the-Go Hygiene (Non-medical) (CRADANAJ), Hand Soap & Hand Wash (CRABAEAC)

Keywords

• Waterless hygiene products
• No-rinse bathing
• Patient care hygiene
• Alcohol-free sanitiser
• Biodegradable personal care

Headquarters

HQ city

Swansea

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce Sales: Products sold directly to consumers via the nilaqua.co.uk e-commerce storefront. Customers include individuals caring for relatives with health conditions (dementia, autism, incontinence, mobility issues) and general consumers seeking waterless hygiene products.
2. NHS and Healthcare Institutional Sales: Products sold to NHS hospitals, care homes, and healthcare providers. Available via NHS prescription codes in some areas. Products also sold through NHS supply chain under specific codes (MTH85169, MTH85170, etc.).
3. Distributor/Mobility Store Sales: Products distributed through a wide network of specialist healthcare distributors (CareShop, Wightman and Parrish, Lyreco, Fast Aid, etc.) and mobility stores (Millercare, Clearwell Mobility, etc.). Distributors purchase wholesale and resell to end customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nilaqua manufactures and sells waterless personal care and hygiene products built around its proprietary Towel Off® technology, including rinse-free shampoo liquids, biodegradable shampoo wraps, rinse-free shampoo caps, foaming and antimicrobial skin cleansers, alcohol-free hand sanitisers, virucidal surface sprays, and biodegradable wipes. The products are designed for NHS hospitals, care homes, and individuals with limited mobility, dementia, autism, or incontinence, and are sold through the company's own e-commerce store, NHS supply chain, and a UK distributor network.

Product overview

Nilaqua is a comprehensive range of waterless personal care products built around proprietary Towel Off technology. The portfolio comprises three main pillars: (1) Waterless Hair Care including No Rinse Dry Shampoo Liquid in 100ml/200ml/500ml, Shampoo Wraps (100% biodegradable bamboo caps), Rinse Free Shampoo Caps, Shampoo & Conditioner Antibacterial, and Gentle Detangle Spray; (2) Waterless Body Care encompassing Foaming Skin Cleanser (regular and antimicrobial formulations) and Biodegradable Patient Cleansing Wipes; and (3) Hand & Surface Hygiene including Alcohol Free Sanitiser in multiple sizes, Virucidal Surface Spray, Biodegradable Hand & Surface Wipes, and Foaming Hand Soap. The products enable washing without water or rinsing by applying formulas that lift dirt and grease, then removing via towel drying. A complementary accessory line includes Biodegradable Large Dry Wipes. The brand focuses on healthcare settings (hospitals, care homes), individuals with health conditions (dementia, incontinence, autism, stroke), and eco-conscious consumers. The company also offers a traditional rinse-off option (Hygienic Decontamination Wash Lotion) for facilities preferring conventional washing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pits & Bits: Outdoor brand offering travel-size personal care products with various scents.
• Waterless Pet Shampoo

Products and services

• Nilaqua No Rinse Dry Shampoo Liquid Waterless shampoo liquid using Towel Off technology that cleans hair without water or rinsing; apply to scalp, massage to lift dirt and grease, then towel dry. For individuals with limited mobility and for healthcare settings.
• Nilaqua Foaming Skin Cleanser Waterless body wash foam using Towel Off technology for gentle cleansing without water or rinsing; dual-use for body and perineal areas. For bed-bound patients and care home residents.
• Nilaqua Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser Antimicrobial foaming body wash that kills germs without water; effective against viruses, bacteria, spores and fungi. Paraben free and kinder to skin than chlorhexidine. Ideal for bed-bound and assisted cleansing.
• Nilaqua Shampoo Wrap 100% Biodegradable World's first 100% biodegradable shampoo cap made from bamboo with biodegradable formula and recyclable packaging. Rinse-free hair washing that can be used cold or microwaved for warmth. For healthcare facilities and eco-conscious consumers.
• Nilaqua Rinse Free Shampoo Cap Single-use disposable rinse-free shampoo cap for bed-bound patients or those with limited mobility. No water required; can be warmed in microwave. Suitable for all hair types including coloured and permed hair.
• Nilaqua Biodegradable Patient Cleansing Wipes Certified compostable wet wipes for personal hygiene, twice as thick and wetter than regular wipes. Available in 100pk and 500pk refill options.
• Nilaqua Biodegradable Large Dry Wipes 100% plastic-free, zero waste dry wipes made from 100% viscose. Thick 50 GSM material, FSC-certified biodegradable outer box, 24x30cm, 100 wipes per pack. Allows up to 50% fewer wipes per application.
• Nilaqua Alcohol Free Sanitiser Alcohol-free hand sanitiser with EN1500 approval providing up to 6 hours of protection; kills up to 99.9999% of bacteria in 30 seconds. Non-flammable, non-irritating, Halal compliant. Available in 50ml to 5L sizes.
• Nilaqua Virucidal Surface Spray Surface sanitiser with 30 days post-application protection against enveloped viruses, bacteria, spores and fungi. Tomorrow's FM Awards 2021 Top Ten product. Available in 100ml and 500ml sizes.
• Nilaqua Biodegradable Hand & Surface Wipes Natural cellulose fibre biodegradable wipes for hands and surfaces. Twice as thick as average wipes, UK-made, EU biocidal regulation compliant. Kills up to 99.99% of viruses and 99.9999% of bacteria.
• Nilaqua Hygienic Decontamination Wash Lotion Traditional rinse-off antibacterial body wash lotion for facilities preferring conventional washing. Alcohol, dye, paraben and fragrance free; proven against EN1276, EN13727, EN1275, EN13687.
• Nilaqua Shampoo & Conditioner - Antibacterial Rinse-free shampoo and conditioner in one step with antibacterial properties. Sulphate free, vegan friendly, watermelon and aloe vera scent. Combines shampoo and conditioner for easy waterless hair washing.
• Nilaqua Foaming Hand Soap Foaming hand soap for traditional hand washing with water. Eco-friendly formula in 500ml size.
• Nilaqua Pro Floor Cleaner Eco Concentrate Eco-friendly floor cleaner concentrate in 5 litre size with lemon fragrance, designed for facility cleaning.
• Nilaqua Gentle Detangle Spray Hair detangling spray for use after towel-off shampooing. Available in 100ml size.
• Nilaqua Biodegradable Sanitising Sachet Wipes Individually packaged alcohol-free, bleach-free, non-flammable sanitising wipes. 19x10cm sachets, 100-pack. Skin-safe, vegan friendly and Halal compliant.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces nursing time by up to 70% for hair washing
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CareShopcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialist healthcare distributor reselling Nilaqua products to care homes and healthcare providers.
• Wightman and ParrishcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialist healthcare distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• LyrecocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOffice and workplace supplies distributor with healthcare product range, reselling Nilaqua products.
• Fast AidcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare and first aid supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• John PrestoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• Andway HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• Source SuppliescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• PTP HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• Cymru HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare supplies distributor based in Wales, reselling Nilaqua products.
• Countrywide HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• MillercarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobility store reselling Nilaqua products to individuals with mobility needs.
• Clearwell MobilitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobility store reselling Nilaqua products to individuals with mobility needs.
• Hickleys HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobility and healthcare supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• Redland HealthcarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare supplies distributor reselling Nilaqua products.
• Cardiff University / Cardiff Life SciencescoreTechnology or IntegrationConducted rigorous independent testing of Nilaqua's Alcohol-Free Sanitiser against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Testing confirmed 6-hour post-application protection against viruses. Results published in the Journal of Hospital Infection.
• Crisis South WalesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity partnership. Nilaqua donated hygiene products to Crisis South Wales to help people experiencing homelessness access dignified waterless hygiene during winter.
• Ski4WalesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity partnership. Nilaqua donated alcohol-free sanitisers to support the annual adaptive skiing trip for adults and children with physical, neurological and visual challenges.
• Jessica and Jax's Christmas AppealminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity partnership. Nilaqua sponsored A Bear Named Buttony as part of the 25-day Advent campaign to bring comfort to children and young adults who have a stoma.
• Greyhound Rescue WalescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing charity partnership. Nilaqua provides free cleaning products and waterless pet shampoo to kennels. MD Jess has personally fostered over 12 greyhounds. Nilaqua helped secure Greyhound Rescues Wales' first-ever food contract with Burns Pet Nutrition.
• Burns Pet NutritionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPet nutrition company. Partnership facilitated through Nilaqua's connection with Greyhound Rescue Wales, resulting in a food supply contract for the charity.
• Cornerstone Care SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompleted a month-long waterless personal care trial exclusively using Nilaqua products in a UK nursing home. Published results with Care England demonstrating product efficacy in dementia, frailty, and mobility care.
• Care EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry body that published Cornerstone Care Solutions' trial results on waterless personal care using Nilaqua products, providing industry validation.
• Community Lives ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of supported living homes (Cwmgelli House, Drummau Road House, Tawe Street House, Roger Street House) that trialed and adopted Nilaqua Skin Cleanser, providing testimonials on efficacy.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves1 record

Broad incumbents

• Ecolab: Global leader in water, hygiene, and infection-prevention solutions, including hand sanitisers, surface disinfectants, and cleaning compounds for healthcare and institutional customers. Overlaps with Nilaqua's surface-protection and hand-sanitiser products at the institutional procurement level.
• SC Johnson Professional (Deb Group): Provider of professional hand hygiene, hand washing, and surface sanitising solutions for workplaces, healthcare, and industrial settings (Deb, STOKO). Comparable to Nilaqua in serving institutional hand-care buyers but with broader global scale.
• GOJO Industries (Purell): Global leader in hand hygiene, best known for the Purell alcohol-based hand sanitiser brand. Overlaps directly with Nilaqua's hand-sanitiser line but as a broad incumbent serving healthcare, foodservice, and consumer markets at much larger scale.
• Nice-Pak (PDI Healthcare): One of the world's largest manufacturers of wet wipes and sanitising wipes, including PDI Healthcare's Sani-Cloth and Super Sani-Cloth disinfectant wipes for hospitals. Direct overlap with Nilaqua's biodegradable wipes and sanitising wipe lines for institutional customers.
• Reckitt Benckiser: Global CPG company with major brands in hygiene and personal care (Dettol, Lysol, Durex, Clearasil, Nurofen). Sells hand sanitiser and surface disinfectant products that compete with Nilaqua's alcohol-free sanitiser and surface spray, primarily through retail and pharmacy channels.
• Unilever (Lifebuoy, Dove): Global CPG giant with handwash, body wash, and sanitiser brands (Lifebuoy, Dove, Dove Care & Protect). Competes in personal cleansing at massive scale; potential disruptor to the waterless category if it chooses to enter with eco-positioned SKUs.

Emerging players

• Vernon Comstock / CleanLife Concepts (illustrative wipes/waterless peers): Emerging player in waterless and eco-friendly personal-care formats including body wipes and no-rinse cleansing products. Comparable category-level overlap with Nilaqua's Towel Off® proposition in retail and consumer channels.
• ConvaTec (Sensi-Care): Medical-device company with continence-care and stoma-care product lines including Sensi-Care perineal skin cleansers and wipes. Targets the same incontinence/stoma-care patients as Nilaqua and competes in the same NHS prescription and supply-chain codes.

Direct peers

• Vernacare: UK-based manufacturer of single-use personal hygiene products for healthcare, including waterless patient cleansing systems, maceratable bedpans, and continence care products. Direct competitor in NHS-approved waterless bathing, serving the same NHS trusts, care homes, and continence-care segments as Nilaqua.
• Gama Healthcare: UK-based infection-prevention company supplying Clinell universal wipes, hand sanitisers, and surface disinfectants to NHS trusts and healthcare providers. Closely comparable product portfolio to Nilaqua's sanitiser and surface ranges and the same NHS procurement pathway.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nilaqua
• Facebookfacebook.com/Nilaqua

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nilaqua