The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Water
aka aqua · eau · purified water · deionized water
The universal aqueous vehicle for cosmetic formulations. Functions as solvent, carrier, and primary vehicle for all water-phase ingredients.
- Universal solvent for hydrophilic actives
- Primary vehicle in aqueous formulations
- Provides skin hydration on contact
- Required for emulsification of oil-in-water products
- Vehicle for electrolyte and pH buffer systems
- All aqueous cosmetic formulations
- Cleansers
- Emulsions
- Toners
- Serums
Must be purified (deionised/distilled) for cosmetic use to avoid mineral contamination affecting stability and actives. pH control required. The foundation of all aqueous formulation systems.
Not a skin active — provides transient surface hydration only on evaporation. Quality control of water purity critical for preservation and stability.
Universally accepted. The most ubiquitous cosmetic ingredient. No safety controversy.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Water
aka aqua · eau · purified water · deionized water
The universal aqueous vehicle for cosmetic formulations. Functions as solvent, carrier, and primary vehicle for all water-phase ingredients.
- Universal solvent for hydrophilic actives
- Primary vehicle in aqueous formulations
- Provides skin hydration on contact
- Required for emulsification of oil-in-water products
- Vehicle for electrolyte and pH buffer systems
- All aqueous cosmetic formulations
- Cleansers
- Emulsions
- Toners
- Serums
Must be purified (deionised/distilled) for cosmetic use to avoid mineral contamination affecting stability and actives. pH control required. The foundation of all aqueous formulation systems.
Not a skin active — provides transient surface hydration only on evaporation. Quality control of water purity critical for preservation and stability.
Universally accepted. The most ubiquitous cosmetic ingredient. No safety controversy.