Demineralised Water, 20 l

Demineralized water forms the aqueous phase of creams, lotions, tonics, serums, shampoos and shower gels and dissolves all water-soluble ingredients in the formulation. Unlike tap water, it contains no dissolved mineral salts or ions, so it introduces no calcium, magnesium or other substances that alter emulsion stability, gel clarity or preservation efficacy. It is supplied in cosmetic grade, of European origin, preservative-free and without added substances.

In the formulation, it serves as a carrier. It has no cosmetic effect of its own; its role is to dissolve, dilute and deliver active ingredients, humectants, salts, surfactants and thickeners into the finished product. In emulsions and aqueous products it typically constitutes the largest proportion of the formulation, so its purity directly affects both the stability and the appearance of the result.

Why not tap water

Tap water contains dissolved salts (hardness), traces of chlorine and metals. In cosmetic production, this manifests in several ways:

• Emulsion stability – calcium and magnesium ions react with certain emulsifiers and thickeners, particularly carbomers and anionic systems. The result is a drop in viscosity or emulsion breakdown.
• Clarity – in clear gels and tonics, minerals cause turbidity or sediment.
• Preservation – chelating agents are consumed in hard water by binding the ions present and therefore support the preservation system less effectively.
• Soap – in hard water, an insoluble calcium deposit forms during saponification and during soap use, which reduces lather.

Demineralized water removes these variables from the formulation. The result is then consistent from batch to batch.

Use in formulation

It is added to the aqueous phase, in which water-soluble ingredients are dissolved first: glycerin, salts, humectants, hydrophilic active ingredients and water-soluble preservatives. In emulsions, the aqueous phase is heated together with the oil phase to the same temperature and the phases are then combined with constant stirring. The recommended processing temperature is up to 90 °C, which covers standard hot emulsification as well as cold-process preparation.

Dosage is unrestricted; in the formulation it may constitute any proportion up to 100 %. The recommended pH range of the formulation is 5 – 9, which corresponds to the majority of cosmetic products from facial tonics to liquid soaps. It has no application in anhydrous products.

Thickeners such as xanthan gum or carbomers are dispersed into the water gradually with stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Powdered ingredients are first mixed with a small amount of glycerin and only then is water added.

Suitable for products such as

• Emulsions – facial and body creams, lotions, eye creams, baby cosmetics. Water is the continuous phase of both O/W and W/O emulsions.
• Tonics and facial mists – a base to which hydrolates, humectants and active ingredients are added.
• Serums and gels – a solvent for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol and other water-soluble ingredients.
• Shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps – dilution of surfactants and viscosity adjustment.
• Cold-process soap – preparation of sodium hydroxide solution without sediment or impurities in the mass.
• Deodorants, nail, oral care and intimate hygiene products – wherever the formulation requires a clean aqueous phase free of minerals.

It is also suitable for diluting concentrates, preparing salt solutions and rinsing equipment before production.

Good to know

Demineralized and distilled water are used for the same purpose in both home and professional production. Both are free of minerals and differ only in the method of treatment. For cosmetic formulation, what matters is that the water contains no ions and is of cosmetic grade.

Hydrolate is not an equivalent substitute. It is an aqueous distillate from a plant with its own scent, pH and dissolved substance content. In a formulation it may constitute part of the aqueous phase or all of it, but the behaviour of the emulsion and preservation must then be verified separately.

Frequently asked questions