Exploring the Properties of Water in Skincare Formulas

Water is almost always found on your skincare labels at the top of the inci list.

This indicates that it is among the most abundant ingredients in a formula.

So, how is it beneficial to your skincare?

Join us as we explore the physical properties of water.

The Properties of Water

Water is Essential for Life

When it comes to skincare, it plays a crucial role as this research shows.

Often written as H2O, water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It’s known for its ability to dissolve various substances, making it a fantastic solvent.

In its natural state, water is rarely found in its pure form; instead, it typically contains dissolved ions of different salts, so you’ll often hear about ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ water.

Let’s look at what this means and how it impacts the skincare products you use daily.

Soft Water

Soft water contains fewer dissolved salts and minerals. It’s ideal for creating a lather with soap because it doesn’t interfere with its ability to produce bubbles.

Rainwater is a classic example of soft water, as it naturally has a low mineral content. If you live in an area with soft water, your skin and hair may feel softer and smoother after washing, as it is less likely to cause build-up or dryness than more challenging water.

Hard Water

On the other hand, hard water contains a higher concentration of dissolved salts, particularly calcium and magnesium.

These minerals can react with soap, reducing its lather and effectiveness. Hard water can be temporary or permanent, depending on the type of minerals it contains.

One of the main effects of hard water on the skin is its tendency to leave a residue, making your skin feel dry or irritated after washing. This is due to the minerals binding to the skin, which can create a barrier and prevent proper hydration.

Regarding skincare, the water used in most products doesn’t contain these salts. Instead, you’ll typically find purified or desalinated water in the ingredient list.

This means that any dissolved minerals or salts have been removed, ensuring that the water used in your skincare formulations won’t negatively affect the product’s efficacy or your skin’s health.

Methods of Water Purification

Water must be purified before it can be used in skincare products. Several methods exist to achieve this, each designed to ensure the water is free from impurities that could compromise the product. Let’s explore a few of the most common methods.

Deionisation

Deionisation removes ions from water, particularly those that might react with skincare products.

It involves an ion-exchange process that removes undesirable ions, such as magnesium salts, leaving behind pure water.

This is typically achieved using a Zeolite filter, which attracts and removes ions from the water. This ensures that the water used in skincare products is neutral and will not cause unwanted reactions.

At The Naked Chemist, we use this method to ensure that our formulas are perfectly blended and free from impurities that could interfere with their effectiveness.

Distillation

Distillation is another popular water purification method, especially when creating high-quality skincare formulations. This process involves vaporising the water to separate it from other substances like salts and then condensing the vapour into liquid form.

The difference in boiling points between water and other substances allows for this separation.

For example, water has a boiling point of 100ºC, while alcohol has a boiling point of 70ºC. When the water and alcohol are heated together, the alcohol will vaporise first, leaving only the purified water behind.

The result is water-free from contaminants, which is ideal for use in skincare products.

The portion of the liquid left after distillation, known as the residue, is purified water, while the distillate—in this case, alcohol—is removed.

Distillation is a thorough process that ensures the water used in skincare is free of impurities and contaminants that could affect the product’s performance.

Why Purified Water Matters

Purified water in skincare products ensures your skin receives the best possible care.

If dissolved minerals, salts, or other impurities are not properly purified, they can irritate the skin, dry it out, or even cause breakouts.

Purified water removes these unwanted substances, helping to create a stable, practical base for your skincare products. This allows the active ingredients to work their magic without interference.

At The Naked Chemist, we understand the importance of using high-quality purified water in our formulations.

We go the extra mile to ensure that all our products are made with carefully filtered, distilled, or deionised water, so you can trust that your skin is getting the best possible nourishment.

Are you keen to learn more about the importance of water for your skin? Great! We have put together an article on seawater, which you can read here.

To conclude. The naked truth

Water may seem like a simple ingredient, but its quality and purity are crucial to the effectiveness of your skincare routine.

Whether it’s soft, hard, or purified through methods like deionisation, the water used in your skincare products plays a pivotal role in delivering the results you desire.

At The Naked Chemist, we prioritise that every product is effective and gentle on your skin.