Bronze Beauty, Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Design · 2025
Aquaclean Oral Care
by Menghai Xia, Siyu Zang and Qijun Nie
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Beauty, Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Functional Form Flock Allies
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,707
- Verification code 24C5764D8E · Verify this award
About Aquaclean Oral Care
Aquaclean is an oral care device that combines the functions of a toothbrush, a water flosser and mouthwash in one unit. A built-in hydrogen peroxide generator converts water into an antibacterial solution for cleaning. The titanium nozzle offers three modes: focused stream, wide spray and 360 degree jet. Two sliders control the device, one for power and water pressure and one for the cleaning mode. Water is filled into a tank in the lower part of the body. The compact and rechargeable form is intended to reduce waste from disposable oral care products.
Aquaclean Oral Care participates in the evolving discourse surrounding personal wellness technology, situated at the intersection of industrial design refinement and accessible health-maintenance practice, reflecting broader contemporary movements toward integrating professional-grade oral care methodologies into daily domestic routines through elegantly engineered appliances that honor both functional necessity and aesthetic consideration. The design achieves notable compositional sophistication through its restrained formal vocabulary, the elongated vertical proportion suggesting both efficient countertop footprint and a dignified presence that elevates the object beyond purely utilitarian categorization, while the precisely calibrated material palette, juxtaposing expansive cool white thermoplastic surfaces with carefully positioned warm metallic accent bands at crown and base, demonstrates chromatic intelligence that communicates both hygienic cleanliness through the dominant white tonality and enduring quality through the brushed stainless steel elements, the metallic components serving not merely as decorative embellishment but as structural punctuation that defines the object's visual hierarchy and guides the eye through its vertical organization. The technical execution reveals accomplished handling of form definition through subtle tonal gradation rather than dramatic contrast, the delicate shifts from highlight to midtone to shadow modeling the cylindrical volume with a sensitivity that rewards close observation, while the integration of functional elements including the recessed control interface, the lateral nozzle projection with its precision-engineered spray head, and the dual vertical apertures suggesting reservoir visibility, demonstrates successful resolution of the complex challenge inherent in contemporary product design: the seamless synthesis of operational necessity with formal elegance. The horizontal nozzle extending from the vertical body introduces dynamic asymmetry that animates the otherwise symmetrical composition, suggesting both directional purpose and ergonomic consideration, while the perforated disc termination of the nozzle references shower technology and spray diffusion principles, making visible the device's water-delivery mechanism in a gesture of functional transparency. Thematically, this work invites contemplation of how everyday personal care practices become sites of design attention and material refinement, how objects that participate in intimate daily rituals merit the same formal consideration traditionally reserved for furnishings or architectural elements, and how the visual language of clinical precision and technological advancement can be rendered approachable and domestically integrated through thoughtful proportion, restrained chromatic decisions, and honest material expression that neither overstates technological complexity nor diminishes functional capability, ultimately proposing that wellness practices need not be segregated into purely clinical or purely aesthetic categories but can inhabit a middle ground where health maintenance and design appreciation mutually reinforce one another, encouraging viewers to consider how the objects that structure daily self-care routines shape not only physical well-being but also the aesthetic environment of domestic space and the psychological experience of attending to one's own maintenance and renewal.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Aquaclean (Model No. H202-O1A1) is a revolutionary oral care device that merges the functions of a toothbrush, water flosser, and mouthwash into one. Its key feature, a hydrogen peroxide generator, transforms water into a safe antibacterial solution for effective cleaning. The titanium nozzle offers three modes: focused, wide, and 360-degree streams. Compact, sustainable, and easy to charge, AquaClean reduces waste and enhances hygiene, making it an essential tool for modern oral care.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Main body: Height 193mm x Length 44mm x Width 64mm
The "Lollipop" Nozzle:Height 10.7mm x Length 35mm x Width 10.7mm - Tags
- Oral hygiene, hydrogen peroxide generator, sustainable design, water flosser, electric toothbrush, antibacterial cleaning, titanium nozzle, dual-slider control, eco-friendly oral care, compact device
- Production Technology
- For the production and realization of Aquaclean, we focused on using durable, lightweight materials like titanium for the nozzle and high-grade, glossy plastic for the body. The hydrogen peroxide generator, water pump, and interlocking chain mechanism were integrated using precision engineering. We utilized CAD software for design prototyping and 3D printing to validate form and ergonomics. The device was developed with modular components for easy assembly, ensuring efficiency and scalability in manufacturing.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of Aquaclean’s design was balancing advanced technology with user friendliness while minimizing environmental impact. Internally, we faced challenges in designing a hydrogen peroxide generator that was safe for children and adults alike, ensuring it was intuitive to use. Externally, laws on medical grade devices, sustainable materials, and production scalability influenced our choices. We overcame these by extensive testing, feedback from dental professionals, and iterative design adjustments.
- Project Duration
- 2024.2 - present. Beijing, Huzhou, China & london, UK.
- Operation Flow
- Aquaclean features two sliders for user control: one adjusts the power and water pressure, allowing for customized intensity, while the second slider switches between the three cleaning modes: focused stream, wide spray, and 360 degree jet. Users fill the bottom water tank, and the hydrogen peroxide generator activates, providing a safe, antibacterial solution. This dual-slider system enables a personalized cleaning experience, enhancing effectiveness and making AquaClean a superior, versatile oral care tool.
- Research
- In developing AquaClean, we conducted research with dentists and healthcare professionals to address oral care challenges, focusing on plastic waste from disposable products like toothbrushes and mouthwash bottles. AquaClean has the potential to replace all three procedures: brushing, flossing, and rinsing, using a hydrogen peroxide generator, eliminating bottled mouthwash. Its durable titanium nozzle extends lifespan, while the dual-slider design allows customizable water pressure for simplified operation, particularly for children.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for Aquaclean arose from the desire to simplify oral hygiene by reducing reliance on multiple products like toothbrushes, water flossers, and mouthwash. The key technology, the hydrogen peroxide generator, efficiently converts water into a potent cleaning solution, offering an effective, eco-friendly way to clean the mouth. This hydrogen peroxide generator is the cornerstone of our technology, prompting the question: could we one day rely solely on water-based solutions for full oral care, eliminating the need for traditional tools like toothbrushes and mouthwash?
- Image Credits
- all pictures are works of the team.
Colors of Aquaclean Oral Care
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G0E3 ShopDesign Interview about Aquaclean Oral Care
The principle behind Aquaclean Oral Care is simplification. Oral hygiene today often requires multiple products — toothbrushes, water flossers, toothpaste, and mouthwash — each producing waste and requiring separate use. The inspiration came from imagining an all-in-one solution where water alone, enhanced by smart technology, could deliver comprehensive care. The hydrogen peroxide generator at the heart of Aquaclean transforms ordinary water into a safe antibacterial solution, challenging the conventional reliance on chemical-based or disposable products.
Our main focus was to merge effectiveness, convenience, and sustainability in a single compact device. We wanted to achieve professional-grade cleaning while reducing plastic waste and unnecessary chemical processing. The goal was not only to create an oral care device that performs well but also to make oral hygiene easier, more intuitive, and more environmentally responsible for everyday users.
Future plans include further refinement of the hydrogen peroxide generator for speed and efficiency, and potentially developing different models tailored to various user groups — such as children, seniors, and frequent travelers. We are also exploring integration with mobile health apps for personalized oral care routines. In the long term, we envision Aquaclean becoming part of a larger family of sustainable personal care products.
The design process began in early 2024 and progressed through months of research, prototyping, and iteration. Altogether, the initial concept to refined prototype took nearly a year. The process included not just technical development, but also ergonomic testing and form factor adjustments to ensure the device was comfortable for a wide range of users.
The origin of Aquaclean Oral Care is really a combination of collaboration and inspiration. On one hand, we had the privilege of working with outstanding technical partners who developed and patented the hydrogen peroxide generator technology. Their innovation opened the door to new possibilities that we might not have reached on our own. On the other hand, our role as designers was to recognize the broader potential of that technology — to see beyond its original applications and imagine how it could transform oral care. In this sense, the project was neither purely commissioned nor purely self-driven; it was the synergy of cutting-edge technology and design vision that inspired us to pursue this concept.
At this stage, Aquaclean remains in the advanced prototyping stage. We are in discussion with potential partners who specialize in oral health products for future production. While we would like to oversee design integrity, we are open to licensing or collaborations that will allow the product to reach a wider audience quickly and responsibly.
We designed Aquaclean because oral hygiene is universal. Everyone has a mouth, and everyone faces the daily responsibility of keeping it healthy. By rethinking such a common activity, we saw an opportunity to make a significant positive impact — reducing waste, simplifying routines, and improving health outcomes. It’s the type of work that directly touches people’s lives.
We were influenced by two categories of products: consumer electronics that emphasize sleek, ergonomic interaction, and medical devices that emphasize precision and safety. Electric toothbrushes and water flossers provided some reference points, but we aimed to go further by blending multiple functionalities into one. In terms of design philosophy, we were also influenced by the idea of “fewer but better” products that reduce clutter and simplify life.
The target customers are individuals who value both effectiveness and sustainability in their personal care routines. That includes eco-conscious consumers, frequent travelers who need compact solutions, and families who want safe, child-friendly devices. Aquaclean is designed to serve a global audience — oral hygiene is universal, and so is the need for simpler, smarter solutions.
What sets Aquaclean apart is its all-in-one approach. While traditional products focus on one aspect — brushing, flossing, or rinsing — Aquaclean unites them through water-based cleaning enhanced by hydrogen peroxide generation. The titanium nozzle with three modes and the intuitive dual-slider system also differentiate it, offering flexibility without complexity. It’s not just a tool; it’s a complete oral care ecosystem in one device.
The name Aquaclean emphasizes the essence of the product: using water as the universal medium for cleanliness. “Aqua” represents the core element, while “clean” conveys both hygiene and simplicity. Together, the name highlights the vision of a product that makes oral care as straightforward and natural as water itself.
We used CAD software such as Rhino for 3D modeling and KeyShot for rendering. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop were applied for visualization and interface mockups. For validation, 3D printing was critical to testing form, ergonomics, and nozzle configurations. These tools enabled us to move fluidly between conceptual design, technical engineering, and real-world prototyping.
The most unique aspect is the hydrogen peroxide generator, which allows the device to transform plain water into an antibacterial cleaning solution. This innovation eliminates the need for separate mouthwash and chemical products. Combined with the modular titanium nozzle and dual-slider interface, it delivers a truly holistic solution that has never been offered in one compact device before.
Yes, collaboration was key. We worked closely with technology partners specializing in hydrogen peroxide generation, as well as dental professionals who provided feedback on usability and effectiveness. Engineers helped us refine the internal mechanisms, while industrial designers shaped the ergonomic and visual aspects. The final product reflects this multidisciplinary effort.
Technology is at the core of Aquaclean. The hydrogen peroxide generator is its most critical feature, turning water into an antibacterial cleaning agent. The dual-slider interface is another technological innovation, simplifying complex functions into intuitive gestures. The role of technology here is to amplify natural resources — in this case, water — into a complete oral care solution without overwhelming the user.
Yes, the design was informed by both professional and consumer research. We conducted interviews with dentists and healthcare providers to understand the effectiveness of various cleaning methods, as well as surveys with everyday users to assess pain points in their routines. We also analyzed environmental data on plastic waste from toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash packaging. This combination of medical, behavioral, and environmental research shaped the design direction.
One of the greatest challenges was balancing advanced technology with ease of use. The hydrogen peroxide generator had to be safe for children and adults alike. Another challenge was designing a form factor that was compact yet capable of housing multiple components — the pump, generator, and nozzle system. Finally, aligning sustainability goals with manufacturing realities required careful selection of materials and modular design strategies.
We chose to submit to the A’ Design Award because it emphasizes both innovation and impact. Aquaclean represents a significant shift in how we approach oral care, and we wanted it to be part of an international dialogue about design for health and sustainability. The competition provides not only recognition but also a platform to inspire others in the industry to rethink established practices.
This project reinforced the importance of designing holistically. We learned that oral care is not just about cleaning teeth, but about addressing health, behavior, sustainability, and emotional experience together. Personally, I improved my ability to merge technological complexity with user-centered simplicity, ensuring that innovation does not overwhelm usability.
Perhaps the most important point is that Aquaclean represents a philosophy of reduction. By reducing the number of tools, the number of chemicals, and the amount of waste, we also reduce barriers to better health. It is a small device with the potential for large-scale impact — making oral care easier, cleaner, and more sustainable for everyone.
Grand Interview about Aquaclean Oral Care
This innovation was made possible thanks to our incredible technology partners, who developed a patented system capable of generating low-density hydrogen peroxide directly from ordinary water. While the core chemical process is their proprietary advancement, our role was to push its application further through design and user integration.Traditionally, hydrogen peroxide-based oral care has required pre-made products like toothpaste or mouthwash. But with this embedded generator, we’re exploring a future where such pre-packaged solutions may no longer be necessary. Users can simply rely on water as a raw input—one that’s easily accessible and safe—and let the device generate the antibacterial agent on demand. This not only enhances convenience and sustainability, but also brings professional-grade oral care closer to daily home use or even outdoor scenarios.Ultimately, we see this as a step toward redefining oral hygiene—minimizing dependency on consumables, and making clean, effective care more accessible wherever you are.
The development of the titanium nozzle and its three cleaning modes was the result of an iterative design process—full of debates, testing, and user scenario evaluations. Traditionally, water flossers were primarily designed to clean between teeth. But we wanted to go beyond that—to reimagine water-based oral care as a complete solution for full-mouth hygiene.So we stepped back and asked: how does effective cleaning actually happen in the mouth? Brushing works because it physically contacts plaque and debris. So we knew our water streams had to replicate that same level of contact and force—but using only water.That led us to develop three distinct stream modes:1. A narrow, high-pressure stream for precise cleaning between teeth.2. A wide-angle spray to sweep across larger surfaces like the gumline or cheeks.3. A 360-degree mist or rotating spray for general rinsing and refreshing.By allowing users to switch between these modes, the device provides a tailored and more complete oral care experience—replacing not just the floss, but potentially the brush and even toothpaste. With the hydrogen peroxide-enhanced water as the cleaning medium, users can achieve a high level of hygiene with minimal consumables. The nozzle’s titanium construction also ensures durability, safety, and excellent bacterial resistance.In short, the nozzle isn’t just a delivery mechanism—it’s a multifunctional tool that redefines how we clean our mouths.
Absolutely—sustainability was a core principle from the very beginning of AquaClean’s design. We asked ourselves a simple but powerful question: What if one tool could take care of the entire oral hygiene routine?In today’s typical oral care regimen, you need multiple products: a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and often a water flosser. Most of these come in separate plastic containers, involve complex chemical production, and are meant to be replaced frequently—creating significant plastic waste and resource consumption.With AquaClean, we aimed to consolidate all of that into a single, reusable device. Thanks to the breakthrough technology from our partners—specifically the integrated hydrogen peroxide generator—we were able to transform regular water into a safe, antibacterial cleaning medium. That meant no need for toothpaste or mouthwash. By adjusting water pressure and flow direction through our titanium nozzle, users can clean every part of the mouth: teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks, with just water.Environmentally, this is a major step forward. Not only does it drastically reduce plastic packaging waste, but the hydrogen peroxide generated (H₂O₂) breaks down naturally into water and oxygen—leaving no harmful residue behind.At first, even we wondered if it was too good to be true. But through design, testing, and collaboration, we realized it was entirely achievable: a product that delivers professional-grade oral care while dramatically reducing environmental impact.
The dual-slider control system actually emerged from both user behavior observation and feedback from dental professionals. One key insight was that most dental tools—especially those used by professionals—are designed for one-handed operation. Whether it's in clinical settings or at home, users typically need their other hand free to hold a mirror, adjust lighting, or manage other tools. So, enabling full control with just one hand became a top priority.We realized that with one-handed use, only one finger is truly available to make adjustments while the rest naturally grips the device. To support this, we placed two intuitive sliders—one on each side of the device—allowing users to control different functions using separate fingers without having to shift their grip.This arrangement minimizes accidental activation or mode switching. It's a kind of built-in foolproofing that makes the interface more intuitive and responsive. By separating functions across both sides, we enhance precision and comfort without sacrificing usability. This dual-control design reflects our commitment to ergonomic efficiency, ease of use, and real-world practicality in both professional and consumer contexts.
Interestingly, we didn’t face major technical obstacles in the traditional sense, thanks to the strength of our collaboration with our technology partners. They had already developed a remarkable hydrogen peroxide generator, and the core technology was mature and stable when we began the design process.What we did face was more of a design integration challenge. Their original model was closer to a standard water flosser—compact and streamlined, but not built for comprehensive oral care. To support the broader functionality we envisioned—replacing toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and traditional water flossers—we actually decided to increase the casing size slightly.At first glance, expanding the size might seem counterintuitive, but it gave us a valuable opportunity. Rather than struggling to compress everything into a tighter space, we were able to design a form that felt stable, ergonomic, and practical, while still compact enough for everyday use. This slight increase in size allowed us to incorporate multiple features—including the hydrogen peroxide generation system, the water pump, the titanium nozzle, and internal storage—without compromising the user experience.Ultimately, this became a sort of "happy design rebound"—we gained more space to work with while still delivering a product that feels like a single, compact tool, and yet has the power and functionality to replace four or more traditional oral care products.
Yes, the ergonomic design of AquaClean was definitely a carefully considered aspect — though in many ways, it evolved in a counterintuitive direction. Rather than starting from scratch, we studied how other everyday tools — including oral care products — fit into the human hand and how users naturally bring those tools toward the face.We tested a wide range of form factors and dimensions, always keeping in mind the diverse range of users — from adults to older children who are just beginning to manage their own oral care. What we found was that a longer, slimmer design was more universally ergonomic than a shorter, wider one. It allows the product to sit comfortably in a range of hand sizes and offers better control, especially when reaching around the mouth.Children, in particular, were an interesting benchmark. We thought: If a child can hold and operate this device confidently, then most adults will be able to do so even more easily. That led us to shift the proportions — favoring length over width — which not only made it easier to hold, but also ensured that smaller fingers could reach the dual-slider controls without strain.We also designed the sliders to minimize the need for manual adjustments to the nozzle or grip. With just one hand, users of various ages and dexterities can easily adjust the water pressure or mode — making it more inclusive and intuitive.Through prototype testing, these decisions proved effective, and the form factor naturally settled into a shape that balances ergonomics, functionality, and adaptability across age groups.
First of all, it's a true honor to have received the Bronze A' Design Award — it validates not only the innovation behind AquaClean but also the direction we believe oral care should be heading. With this recognition, we hope to reach a broader audience — people who care about their oral health, their environment, or simply want a more convenient and effective daily routine.Thanks to opportunities like this interview, we can finally share the story behind AquaClean — how it's designed to consolidate multiple tools into one sustainable, intuitive device. Instead of buying and disposing of separate plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, mouthwash bottles, and floss containers, users now have one product that works with just water — and a bit of smart chemistry — to deliver professional-grade cleaning.We believe this could be a turning point — not just for users at home, but for the oral care industry as a whole. AquaClean offers a glimpse into a more sustainable, user-friendly, and low-waste future. If we can inspire even a small shift in how people think about daily hygiene — prioritizing both personal and planetary health — then we’ve already made a meaningful impact.
Absolutely — this international collaboration is one of our greatest strengths, and something that truly sets our design collective apart. Our team spans Beijing, London, and Huzhou, and our research even reached into user behaviors in the United States. This global perspective allowed us to cross-reference a wide range of consumer habits, design preferences, and oral care routines across cultures and demographics.Interestingly, we found that despite all the cultural differences, oral care — and the human mouth — is surprisingly universal. Regardless of where you're from, what you believe, or how your routine is shaped, everyone has the same fundamental need to care for their mouth. The differences often lie in the habits, product access, or preferred tools, not in the underlying goal.This realization helped us focus on designing for simplicity, accessibility, and adaptability. When one market offers a more streamlined behavior or tool, we ask: how can that be made even more efficient or intuitive for a broader audience? From there, we explore how technology and smart design can bring that idea to life.Our team thrives on this cross-cultural dialogue — and even on the occasional conflict. We see those friction points not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to uncover fresh insights. Every debate is a chance to refine our thinking, and it’s in those conversations that the real design breakthroughs happen.In short, the international nature of our team didn’t just influence the final design — it shaped its very core.
he technology behind our hydrogen peroxide generation system is already quite advanced, and I believe it will continue to evolve naturally as the field progresses. However, what’s particularly exciting is how our design supports and amplifies the potential of that technology.For example, we've designed the system to function as a quick and portable generator — one that doesn’t require any additional supply materials or cartridges. All users need is water. That simplicity reduces barriers to regular use and encourages a more frequent and consistent oral hygiene routine.And that’s where the antibacterial potential really comes into play. More frequent cleaning means fewer opportunities for bacteria to accumulate, which could lead to healthier gums, fresher breath, and even reduce the risk of oral infections or transmissible diseases.So in the future, as the hydrogen peroxide generation system improves in precision and efficiency, we believe the real impact will come from how seamlessly it fits into everyday life. It’s about making better hygiene effortless — and even invisible. Small changes like these can lead to a significant improvement in overall oral health.And let’s be honest — there's absolutely nothing wrong with having a cleaner mouth and fresher breath. In fact, we think it's something worth celebrating.
One of the earliest pieces of feedback — and perhaps the most surprising — was skepticism about whether water, even enhanced with our hydrogen peroxide generation, could be powerful enough to replace traditional brushing. Some professionals questioned if it could match the mechanical cleaning effectiveness of a toothbrush, especially given how ingrained those routines are in dental culture.At first, it felt like a major obstacle. But looking back, that resistance was actually a necessary challenge. Many innovative designs face this kind of doubt early on — the belief that “it can’t be done” simply because it hasn't been done yet.Instead of backing down, we used that feedback as fuel. We asked: What if we let the physics guide us rather than traditional thinking? And that mindset gave us the freedom to explore a new kind of oral care — one that’s not only effective but more convenient, sustainable, and accessible.Of course, we still respect expert input. But innovation often requires pushing past established norms, even professional skepticism. For future iterations, this feedback motivates us to further validate our technology with data, improve the pressure calibration, and fine-tune the nozzle design to meet both consumer comfort and clinical performance standards.Ultimately, that early challenge didn’t stop us — it sharpened our focus. It reminded us that meaningful innovation often begins by questioning the most accepted assumptions.