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aqua/ water/ eau
AKA “water, Distilled water, Dihydrogen oxide, Purified water, Sterile water”
Water
Ingredient Facts
Aqua/ water/ eau
AKA: Distilled water, Dihydrogen oxide, Purified water, Sterile water
Water · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
aqua/ water/ eau is a cosmetic ingredient.
CAS #
7732-18-5
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Fights Plaque
Conditions Skin
Dissolves Ingredients
Prevents plaque buildup
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
The most ancient skincare ingredient, used in bathing and skincare rituals across all civilizations since human history began. Water remains the primary solvent and base ingredient in virtually all cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
NTP toxicology and carcinogensis studies of dipropylene glycol (CAS No. 25265-71-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (drinking water studies).
National Toxicology Program technical report series, 2004
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Formation and stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions containing rice bran oil: in vitro and in vivo assessments.
Bernardi DS, Pereira TA, Maciel NR, Bortoloto J, Viera GS et al.
Journal of nanobiotechnology, 2011
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Formation and stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions containing rice bran oil: in vitro and in vivo assessments.
Bernardi DS, Pereira TA, Maciel NR, Bortoloto J, Viera GS et al.
Journal of nanobiotechnology, 2011
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Freshwater Environmental Risk Assessment of Down-the-Drai...
Emily E Burns, Kyle S Roush, Susan A Csiszar, Iain A Davies
Environmental toxicology and chemistry, 2022
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In vitro efficacy of Rosa damascena solid state fermentation liquid and water extract on skin care.
Chen Z, Hong N, Xu N, Yan C, Cao P et al.
Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 2024
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Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Avena Sativa (Oat) Seed Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Depressa Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Depressa Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit/Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Grandis/Paradisi Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Iyo Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Iyo Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Jabara Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Junos Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Junos Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Natsudaidai Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Tankan Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Unshiu Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Unshiu Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Unshiu Peel Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Citrus Unshiu/Citrus Reticulata/Citrus Iyo Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Cocos nucifera (coconut) water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ecklonia Cava Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hizikia Fusiformis Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hordeum Vulgare Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Houttuynia Cordata Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Houttuynia Cordata Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Malus Domestica Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Olea Europaea (Olive) Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Panax Ginseng Root Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Portulaca Oleracea Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Punica Granatum Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosa Centifolia Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosa Damascena [Rose*] Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosa Damascena Flower Water Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Triticum Monococcum (Wheat) Stem Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Triticum Spelta Seed Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Straw Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Watermelon Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Watermelon Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-10 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Watermelon Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Zingiber officinale (ginger) water
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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Xylan-cellulose core structure of oat water-extractable β-glucan macromolecule: Insight into interactions and organization of the cell wall complex.
Cyran MR, Snochowska KK, Potrzebowski MJ, Kaźmierski S, Azadi P et al.
Carbohydrate polymers, 2024
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Evaluation of nutritional composition of Citrullus lanatus Linn. (watermelon) seed and biochemical assessment of the seed oil in rats.
Eke R, Ejiofor E, Oyedemi S, Onoja S, Omeh N
Journal of food biochemistry, 2021
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Junos Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Cocos nucifera (coconut) water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hamamelis Virginiana Witch Hazel Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Panax Ginseng Root Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Zingiber officinale (ginger) water
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Interfacial structurization between triolein and water from pH and buffer ions.
Frigerio M, V M Freire R, Soares TA, Amenitsch H, Leser ME et al.
Journal of colloid and interface science, 2024
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Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and ...
Anne Guertler, Nora Marie Jøntvedt, Benjamin M Clanner-Engelshofen, Christian Cappello, Angelika Sager, Markus Reinholz
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2020
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Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and ...
Anne Guertler, Nora Marie Jøntvedt, Benjamin M Clanner-Engelshofen, Christian Cappello, Angelika Sager, Markus Reinholz
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2020
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c) Products intended to be diluted in bath water may contain levels of AHAs exceeding 10%
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
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Investigation of water-soluble elastin as a multifunctional cosmetic material: Moisturizing and whitening effects.
Inoue A, Hikima T, Taniguchi S, Nose T, Maeda I
Journal of cosmetic science, 2017
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Water vapor permeation through topical films on a moisture-releasing skin Model.
Keshavarzi F, Zajforoushan Moghaddam S, Barré Pedersen M, Østergaard Knudsen N, Jafarzadeh S et al.
Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 2021
→
Water vapor permeation through topical films on a moisture-releasing skin Model.
Keshavarzi F, Zajforoushan Moghaddam S, Barré Pedersen M, Østergaard Knudsen N, Jafarzadeh S et al.
Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 2021
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Surface moisture increases microcracking and water vapour permeance of apple fruit skin.
Khanal BP, Imoro Y, Chen YH, Straube J, Knoche M
Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany), 2021
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Surface moisture increases microcracking and water vapour permeance of apple fruit skin.
Khanal BP, Imoro Y, Chen YH, Straube J, Knoche M
Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany), 2021
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In vitro skin permeation and anti-atopic efficacy of lipid nanocarriers containing water soluble extracts of Houttuynia cordata.
Kwon TK, Kim JC
Drug development and industrial pharmacy, 2014
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One-component waterborne in vivo cross-linkable polysiloxane coatings for artificial skin.
Li P, Zhang A, Zhou S
Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials, 2020
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Antioxidative activity, moisture retention, film formation, and viscosity stability of Auricularia fuscosuccinea, white strain water extract.
Liao WC, Hsueh CY, Chan CF
Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 2014
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Physicochemical characterization and cosmetic application of kelp blanching water polysaccharides.
Liu P, Hu J, Wang Q, Tan J, Wei J et al.
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
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The extraction, structure characterization and hydrogel construction of a water-insoluble β-glucan from Poria cocos.
Meng Y, Hu C, Cheng J, Qiu W, Wang Q et al.
Carbohydrate research, 2023
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Fabrication of High-Resolution Fine Microneedles Derived from Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Gels in Vacuum Environment Imprinting Using Water Permeable M
Miura S, Yamagishi R, Miyazaki R, Yasuda K, Kawano Y et al.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland), 2022
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Formulation and evaluation of a water-in-oil cream containing herbal active ingredients and ferulic acid.
Moldovan M, Lahmar A, Bogdan C, Părăuan S, Tomuţă I et al.
Clujul medical (1957), 2017
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Formulation and evaluation of a water-in-oil cream containing herbal active ingredients and ferulic acid.
Moldovan M, Lahmar A, Bogdan C, Părăuan S, Tomuţă I et al.
Clujul medical (1957), 2017
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Formulation and evaluation of a water-in-oil cream containing herbal active ingredients and ferulic acid.
Moldovan M, Lahmar A, Bogdan C, Părăuan S, Tomuţă I et al.
Clujul medical (1957), 2017
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Influences of added surfactants on the water solubility and antibacterial activity of rosemary extract.
Park S, Mun S, Kim YR
Food science and biotechnology, 2020
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Influences of added surfactants on the water solubility and antibacterial activity of rosemary extract.
Park S, Mun S, Kim YR
Food science and biotechnology, 2020
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Superior effect of isostearyl isostearate on improvement in stratum corneum water permeability barrier function as examined by the plastic occlusion s
Pennick G, Harrison S, Jones D, Rawlings AV
International journal of cosmetic science, 2010
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Nuclear magnetic resonance of sodium-23 linoleate-water. Basis for an alternative interpretation of sodium-23 spectra within cells.
Shporer M, Civan MM
Biophysical journal, 1972
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Smart-Adhesive, Breathable and Waterproof Fibrous Electronic Skins.
Tan D, Guan X, Chung KY, Tang Y, Yang Y et al.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 2024
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Smart-Adhesive, Breathable and Waterproof Fibrous Electronic Skins.
Tan D, Guan X, Chung KY, Tang Y, Yang Y et al.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 2024
→
Smart-Adhesive, Breathable and Waterproof Fibrous Electronic Skins.
Tan D, Guan X, Chung KY, Tang Y, Yang Y et al.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 2024
→
Bioinspired Bilayer Nanofibrous Membrane with Unidirectional Water Transport, Antimicrobial Properties, Antioxidant Capacity, and pH-Responsive Epigal
Xia Z, Shang S, Zhang J, Ding Z, Li X et al.
Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids, 2025
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Effects of Leaf Removal and Applied Water on Flavonoid Accumulation in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot) Berry in a Hot Climate.
Yu R, Cook MG, Yacco RS, Watrelot AA, Gambetta G et al.
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 2016
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Hydrophobically-modified hyaluronic acid as stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions to improve epidermis biodistribution of actives.
Zamora P, Movellan J, Grande HJ, Loinaz I, Dupin D
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2025
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Oil components modulate the skin delivery of 5-aminolevulinic acid and its ester prodrug from oil-in-water and water-in-oil nanoemulsions.
Zhang LW, Al-Suwayeh SA, Hung CF, Chen CC, Fang JY
International journal of nanomedicine, 2011
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR