Ingredient index / Personal care
Aqua
The solvent and base of many cosmetics, allowing water-soluble ingredients to be combined.
- Label name
- Aqua
- Typical function
- Base
- Use
- Personal care
- Other names, identifiers and related terms
- Water · Eau
Where is it commonly found?
Creams, shampoos, gels and toners.
What should you check on the label?
Being first on an INCI list is not a quality rating. A water base is an ordinary part of many formulas.
Sources and context
Reference materials cover ingredient names, uses or the context of an ingredient group. They do not assess a specific product. FDA materials describe the US context, while CosIng covers the EU; conditions of use may differ.
A name alone does not establish concentration, finished-product safety or individual tolerance. Read the full label and manufacturer directions. This information is educational.
How to use the index ↗