AQUA

AQUA

EXCIPIENT ⎪ SOLVENT 

What is Aqua?

Aqua, also known as water, is the most common cosmetic ingredient, appearing in almost every formulation. In cosmetics, water is used as a universal solvent to dissolve and mix other ingredients, but also as an essential support to provide hydration to the skin and hair. Water used in cosmetic products is often purified or demineralized to ensure that it does not contain contaminants or minerals that could interfere with the stability and effectiveness of the products. Essential in aqueous formulations, it is also the base of creams, lotions, serums and other moisturizing products.

It's about water, essential for dissolving other substances and emulsifying cosmetics.

There is a big trend today to advocate reconstituted dry cosmetics, but it is not always easy to guarantee the same organoleptic qualities by reconstituting a powder with water afterwards. Indeed, for dry formulations, we add more surfactants, molecules which make the textures more solid but which can potentially irritate the skin and scalp.

Water therefore still has its place in cosmetic formulation!

Where does aqua come from?

The water used in cosmetic products generally comes from natural sources or advanced filtration systems that make it pure and suitable for topical use. It is purified by processes such as distillation, reverse osmosis or deionization, to remove impurities, microorganisms and unwanted minerals. Some products also include specific waters such as thermal water, spring water or floral water, which provide additional benefits depending on their origin and mineral composition. The use of organic or naturally enriched waters is common in organic and high-end formulations.

Properties and active ingredients

Aqua, although seemingly simple, plays a crucial role in cosmetic formulations thanks to its unique properties. Here are its main characteristics and actions:

1. Universal solvent : It dissolves water-soluble active ingredients, preservatives and moisturizing agents to form a homogeneous texture.
2. Moisturizing base : As a hydrophilic component, it helps maintain hydration by providing water to the skin and hair.
3. Transportation of assets : It facilitates the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, allowing better absorption and effectiveness.
4. Light texture : By diluting the ingredients, it allows you to create light, non-greasy formulations, suitable for all skin types.
5. Versatile and hypoallergenic : It is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive, and is essential in natural formulations.

What are the benefits of aqua?

Aqua is an essential ingredient for the health and appearance of skin and hair, thanks to its role as a moisturizing base and solvent. Here are the main benefits of this essential ingredient:

1. Immediate hydration : It provides a feeling of freshness and hydration, essential for dry and dehydrated skin.
2. Skin smoothing : By maintaining optimal hydration, it helps smooth fine lines caused by dryness and improves skin texture.
3. Strengthening asset efficiency : By facilitating their dissolution and penetration, it optimizes the action of the other ingredients present in the formulation.
4. Suitable for all skin types : Whether it is sensitive, oily or mature skin, water is a universal and safe base.
5. Ideal basis for personalized formulations : It is essential in modern care, allowing varied textures ranging from light gels to rich creams.

How to consume aqua?

Aqua is a ubiquitous ingredient in skin and hair care products, thanks to its ability to hydrate, transport active ingredients and improve the texture of products. Here are the main ways to benefit from this ingredient:

• Face and body moisturizers : Water is the base of moisturizing creams and lotions, helping to maintain hydration and soothe the skin.
• Light serums : In serums, it creates a fluid and light texture that quickly penetrates the skin.
• Tonics and mists : Aqueous products like toners and refreshing mists often contain water enriched with active ingredients to soothe and hydrate the skin.
• Hair products : As the main component of shampoos, conditioners and hair sprays, it hydrates the hair and facilitates the application of other active ingredients.
• Face masks : In masks, water hydrates and softens while transporting moisturizing and soothing active ingredients into the upper layers of the skin.

Note : Although water itself does not cause irritation, its quality in formulations is essential. The use of purified or specific waters, such as thermal water, can offer additional benefits depending on the product.

Any side effects?

Aqua is generally well tolerated, but certain points must be taken into account to ensure optimal use:

1. Sensitivity to water origin : If the water used is not purified or contains contaminants, it may cause irritation or reduce the effectiveness of the products.
2. Risk of dehydration : Used alone, it can evaporate quickly, leaving skin drier. This is why it must be combined with humectants or emollients.
3. Temporary effect : Although water hydrates on the surface, it does not replace the lipids needed to seal in hydration in the deeper layers of the skin.
4. Interferences in poorly balanced formulations : Too much water in a formulation can dilute the active ingredients and reduce their effectiveness.
5. Incompatibility with certain skins : Extremely dry or sensitive skin may require formulations enriched with occlusive agents to avoid a feeling of tightness after the water evaporates.

Sources

The use of Aqua in cosmetics has been documented for centuries, particularly for its moisturizing properties and its role as a solvent in formulations. Numerous research confirms that purified or enriched water is essential to improve the texture, stability and effectiveness of skincare products. Studies also highlight the benefits of specific waters, such as thermal water or floral water, which offer additional properties to soothe, nourish or protect the skin.