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SkinWis Scientific

Skincare Ingredient

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Water

In Skincare: Is Water Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics; no known carcinogenicity/endocrine concerns—risk mainly depends on contamination/impurities rather than water itself. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that water is safe for use in cosmetic products under current conditions of use.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Water is the most prevalent ingredient found in cosmetic formulations.

  • 02

    Due to its hydrating properties, water frequently appears as the primary ingredient listed in skincare products.

  • 03

    A concentration of just 10% is sufficient for water to contribute to the softness and pliability of skin’s outermost layers.

  • 04

    Research indicates that dry and oily skin types exhibit comparable moisture levels.

Key Benefits

What Water does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Water is a common solvent in skincare, frequently listed as the primary ingredient due to its high concentration in many formulas. While often associated with hydration, research suggests that the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of skin—requires only a small amount (around 10%) of water to maintain softness and pliability. Excessive water exposure can disrupt the natural lipids that support skin's barrier function, potentially leading to a temporary change in texture.
Classifications
Solvent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Water used in cosmetic formulations must be free from contaminants such as toxins, pollutants, and microbes. Terms like “distilled water,” “purified water,” and “aqua” are commonly used to denote this quality, particularly in European Union labeling.

Common Uses

Formulation in Water

Water functions primarily as a solvent within cosmetic formulations, dissolving numerous ingredients that contribute to beneficial effects on the skin and hair. It’s also essential for creating emulsions – stable mixtures of oil and water – which are key to the texture and consistency of products like creams and lotions. These emulsions can be categorized as oil-in-water or water-in-oil depending on the balance of ingredients.

Role of Water

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ANTIPLAQUE

Plaque Prevention Agent

Prevents or reduces bacterial plaque formation on teeth

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Antiplaque agents inhibit dental biofilm formation through disrupting bacterial adhesion to tooth enamel, inhibiting bacterial growth, or breaking down plaque matrix. Key ingredients include zinc citrate, triclosan, chlorhexidine (cationic antimicrobial), stannous fluoride, and enzymes like dextranase. Mechanism involves interfering with bacterial adherence and preventing polysaccharide matrix formation.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

SOLVENT

Ingredient Dissolver

Dissolves other ingredients to create uniform formulations

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Solvents dissolve, dilute, or disperse other ingredients creating homogeneous solutions. Water is universal solvent for hydrophilic ingredients. Organic solvents include ethanol (dissolves fragrances, some actives), propylene glycol, and glycerin. Selection based on polarity matching between solvent and solute. Mechanism involves disrupting intermolecular forces in solute and surrounding with solvent molecules. Critical for maintaining ingredient solubility and product stability.

Products

containing Water

74174 formulations
Pore Tightening Mask
Pore Tightening Mask
SHANGPREE
Good Morning Cream
Good Morning Cream
The Vegan Glow
Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask
Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask
Estee Lauder
Mild Foam Cleanser
Mild Foam Cleanser
The Vegan Glow
Advanced Essential Energy Hand Nourishing Cream
Advanced Essential Energy Hand Nourishing Cream
Shiseido
Night Cream
Night Cream
The Vegan Glow
Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing and Revitalizing Rose Mask
Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing and Revitalizing Rose Mask
Lancome
Fresh Peeling Mask
Fresh Peeling Mask
SHANGPREE
Age Balancing Moisture
Age Balancing Moisture
Murad
Acsen U.V Protector Essence SPF 50
Acsen U.V Protector Essence SPF 50
TROIAREUKE
See all products with Water

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136

[2]

Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351

[3]

Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Water — common questions

What is Water in skincare?

Water is a fundamental ingredient in nearly all cosmetic and personal care products. It’s utilized across a wide range of formulations, including lotions, creams, cleansers, bath products, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, and sunscreens.

What does Water do? / Functions of Water?

Common functions: ANTIPLAQUE, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Water? / Is Water comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Water has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Water is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Water safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Water has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics; no known carcinogenicity/endocrine concerns—risk mainly depends on contamination/impurities rather than water itself. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Ex

Is Water good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Water has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Water in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics; no known carcinogenicity/endocrine concerns—risk mainly depends on contamination/impurities rather than water itself. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that water is safe for use in cosmetic products under current conditions of use.

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