Aqua is probably one of the most important ingredient used in cosmetic products. It is an odorless, tasteless, inorganic, transparent, and nearly colorless substance that occurs naturally on the Earth’s surface. If the list of ingredients shows Aqua on the top - it almost definitely means that Aqua ingredient is present in more quantity than any other ingredient in the product. Based on the category, Water makes up almost 60-85% of the product. It may even go up to 95% in rinse-off products like shower gels and shampoos. However, some products like bar soaps and some makeup only contain traces of the ingredient Aqua.
What is AQUA used for?
Aqua is an universal solvent in cosmetics and can be combined with thick ingredients like oils and butters to form lotions and creams. In skin care, aqua dissolves thicker ingredients and facilitates the making of lighter products that spread evenly and can be rinsed off with water. It can be found in a range of skincare products like lotions and moisturizers, cleansing products, and bath products. Instead of leaving the skin feeling dry or chapped, aqua helps the skin feel hydrated and nourished.
Origin
Aqua occurs naturally on the earth’s surface and is made by two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom joining together to form a molecule (H2O). In cosmetics and skin care, only distilled or deionized water is used, which is a highly purified variant of water.
Safety profile
Water is one of the safest ingredients used in cosmetics and skincare products. Yes, water contains pollutants and toxins, which is why only deionized or distilled water is used in the cosmetic industry. Aqua ingredient is naturally occurring - making it safe for humans, safe for the environment, and is also halal.