Aqua: Water in cosmetics can do more than you think

Water is life – and that applies to our skin, too. Water plays a vital, often underestimated role in cosmetic products. But this seemingly simple molecule is much more than just a filler.

In the INCI list, the ingredient list of cosmetic products, we find water under the name Aqua , sometimes with the addition (Water) .

• Solvent: Water is the most important solvent in cosmetics. It dissolves the various ingredients, allowing them to exert their effects on the skin. Some active ingredients would not dissolve without water, as water is such a pure substance.
• Moisture: Water is necessary as moisture in the skin and, together with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin , ensures a fresh appearance.
• Improved consistency: Water affects the consistency of creams, lotions, and gels. It can make them easier to spread and more pleasant to use.

• Distilled water: Distilled water is the standard in cosmetics. It has been purified by heating and subsequent condensation. It is free of minerals and salts.
• Softened water: Softened water has been freed of calcium and magnesium ions through ion exchange.
• Demineralized water: Demineralized water has been freed from all minerals and salts through various processes.
• Thermal water : This type of water originates deep underground, where it is filtered through various layers of rock and enriched with valuable minerals. These minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, give thermal water its unique properties, which nourish your skin in a very special way. Thermal water is also known as aqua.

Often the water is filtered additionally.

In natural cosmetics, plant juices are often used as a substitute for water. Plant juices are not inherently better or worse. It depends on whether you tolerate the particular plant juice or not. Water is the most tolerable solvent of all and always ideal in base products.

If you want more antioxidant benefits for your skin, you can look for plant juices. They provide additional protection against environmental influences and make your skin more resilient. Always make sure to choose high-quality products.

Natural aloe vera juice should always be combined with good moisturizers like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin is well-hydrated in the long term and benefits from its effects. Cucumber water is also a very soothing plant juice for stressed skin.

Teas are particularly well-tolerated, antioxidant-rich, and effective. Each variety, whether green, white, black, or Pu-erh tea, has a different effect on the skin. Depending on the product, various teas can be a suitable substitute for water. Make sure the teas are not flavored.

You should always avoid flower hydrosols. Flower hydrosols, such as rose water , cornflower water, orange blossom water, or witch hazel water, can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation. Unfortunately, rose water is recommended by many brands and even in poorly researched articles to soothe very sensitive skin. Flower hydrosols are very often used in creams and toners as a substitute for water, often accompanied by marketing claims that water is just a cheap filler. This is, of course, incorrect. Use water instead of rose water, and your skin will thank you. Especially in basic products, water is not a filler.