Aqua, commonly listed as one of the first ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products, plays a fundamental role in their formulation. As an odorless, tasteless, inorganic, and nearly colorless substance, water is the most abundant ingredient in many personal care products, particularly those in liquid form. In fact, its presence can range from 60% to 85% of the total composition of a product, and in rinse-off formulations such as shampoos and shower gels, it can comprise up to 95%. On the other hand, solid products like bar soaps and certain types of makeup may contain only minimal amounts of water.
The term “Aqua” is simply the official designation for water as approved by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). Its function in skincare products extends beyond being just a base ingredient—it serves as a solvent that dissolves and helps deliver active components effectively to the skin. However, not all water used in cosmetics is the same; to ensure purity and safety, different types of purified water are used, each undergoing specific filtration or purification processes to remove contaminants, microbes, and toxins.
One of the oldest purification methods is distillation. This process involves boiling water in a still, then collecting and condensing the vapor before cooling it to reform pure water. Distillation effectively removes most impurities, though certain volatile substances with lower boiling points than water, such as alcohols, may still remain.
Another purification method is demineralization, which eliminates all naturally occurring minerals from water. This is particularly useful in chemical formulations where the presence of minerals could interfere with reactions. The process typically involves replacing unwanted minerals with sodium chloride, effectively “softening” the water and making it more suitable for use in cosmetic products.
A similar but distinct process is deionization, which removes mineral ions such as iron, calcium, chloride, and sulfate. This method involves passing water through specialized ion-exchange resins that replace dissolved minerals with hydrogen and hydroxide ions. These ions then recombine to form purified water, making deionized water ideal for high-quality cosmetic formulations.
In skincare, water acts as a medium that facilitates the dissolution of key active ingredients, allowing them to be effectively absorbed into the skin where they provide the greatest benefit. Beyond serving as a solvent, it also contributes to the texture and consistency of products, ensuring smooth application and even distribution. Given the crucial role of water in personal care formulations, its quality is strictly regulated, and manufacturers adhere to stringent safety guidelines to maintain purity and prevent contamination.
Overall, Aqua is far more than just a basic ingredient in cosmetic products—it is an essential component that enhances the effectiveness of active ingredients, supports formulation stability, and ensures that skincare products perform as intended. Whether used in its distilled, demineralized, or deionized form, water remains the backbone of modern skincare and continues to be an indispensable element in product development.
