Water in skincare
Water is a common base in creams, serums and cleansers.
What is water?
Water is a common base in creams, serums and cleansers. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Aqua. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does water do for skin and the product?
Dissolves water-soluble ingredients and affects texture.
Supporting ingredients can control pH, solubility, texture and stability. They are not necessarily added for a direct effect on skin, but may be needed for a particular product type to work.
Water percentage alone does not determine the effectiveness of moisturising care. Humectants and lipids also matter.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about water
What does water do in skincare?
Dissolves water-soluble ingredients and affects texture.
What should I know about water?
Water percentage alone does not determine the effectiveness of moisturising care. Humectants and lipids also matter.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations