Interview about Aquaclean Oral Care, winner of the A' Beauty, Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Design Award 2025
Aquaclean, model number H202 O1A1 is an all in one oral care device that combines the functions of a toothbrush, water flosser, and mouthwash. Its key feature is a hydrogen peroxide generator that converts water into an antibacterial solution for enhanced cleaning. The device includes a titanium nozzle with three settings: focused, wide, and 360 degree streams, offering flexibility for different cleaning needs. Compact and rechargeable, Aquaclean is designed to reduce waste and promote better hygiene, providing a practical solution for everyday oral care.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThis 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.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
