Skip to main content
← All Ingredients

Aqua

SolventHydratingNatural

Also known as: Water, Purified Water, Deionized Water, Eau

Best for:All

The most common ingredient in skincare products, typically listed first. Serves as the base solvent for water-based formulations.

Time to results

Results vary by individual and formulation

Benefits

Hydration, serves as a vehicle for active ingredients, creates product texture.

How to Use

Present as the base of most skincare products. No specific application instructions.

Technical Details
pH Range5.0-7.0
Typical Concentrations60%-95%
Research Summary

Essential solvent for cosmetic formulations. Pharmaceutical-grade water used in cosmetics must meet purity standards.

Cautions

Non-irritating. The purity of water used in cosmetics is regulated.

Does your skincare contain Aqua?

Paste your product's ingredient list to check, or create your Skinularity ID for a full routine.

Find Aqua products

Browse skincare products containing Aqua.

Find Products

Related to Aqua

Snail MucinHydrating

Secretion from Cryptomphalus aspersa snails, rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and antimicrobial peptides.

Sodium PCAHumectant

Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, also known as sodium pidolate) is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that constitutes approximately 12% of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in human stratum corneum. NMF is the collection of water-soluble, hygroscopic molecules produced during the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes from the degradation of the protein filaggrin. As the single largest component of NMF, PCA plays a critical role in maintaining stratum corneum hydration, plasticity, and barrier function. Sodium PCA is a remarkably efficient humectant, capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere at humidity levels as low as 50%. Its hygroscopic capacity exceeds that of glycerin, propylene glycol, and sorbitol under equivalent conditions. In cosmetic formulations, sodium PCA helps replicate the natural hydration mechanisms of healthy skin, making it particularly valuable for dehydrated, dry, and mature skin types where NMF levels are typically diminished.

Galactomyces Ferment FiltrateFerment

A yeast ferment filtrate popularized by SK-II. Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids that improve skin clarity and hydration.

Saccharomyces FermentFerment

A ferment from baker's yeast rich in beta-glucans, amino acids, and B vitamins. Supports skin barrier and provides multiple skin benefits.

Bamboo ExtractHydrating

An extract from bamboo rich in silica, amino acids, and flavonoids. Used for hydration and as a natural source of silica.