Water is an essential part of the skincare routine. Some people practice applying moisturizer on damp skin. Others do it right after taking a hot shower. 

One could even soak a cotton tab in water before applying the moisturizer. 

Even if you only apply oils, it’s good to do it on moisturized skin for a better softening effect and a more pleasant spread. 

Find the detail below on how water and moisturizer “play” together.

What is a cosmetic emulsion?

It is a dispersion of two or more immiscible liquids. In other words, it is a mixture of liquid substances that cannot and would not naturally mix. 

Often the consistency of the emulsion is thicker than that of a simple liquid. 

For the most part, emulsions are a mixture between water and an oil element that is achieved by using an active agent to help reduce the surface tension of the water. 

In the case of cosmetic products, this allows the creation of something that, in its final form, contains both an oil and an aqueous phase, thanks to which moisturizing, nourishing, and protection is achieved simultaneously.

Not only moisturizers are emulsions. You can see them everywhere in the cosmetic world:

Toners, sunscreen, foundation, eyeshadow, lip gloss, face mask, hand and body cream, hair products like shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, etc.

What do emulsions contain?

Water phase – composed mainly of water or hydrolats, the aqueous phase may be accompanied by some other ingredients, depending on the product being prepared. 

Its role is to provide hydration to the surface layer of the skin – the epidermis.

Oil phase – base vegetable oils and extracts. The oil phase nourishes and comforts the skin or protects and smoothes the hair. The choice of oils depends on the skin and hair type.

Emulsion agents allow a stable and permanent coupling of the water and oil phases. 

These molecules have two parts of different polarity- one lipophilic, which has an affinity for oil matter and the other hydrophilic, which has a relationship with water.

Cosmetic active agents – add specific properties to the emulsion. Active skin agents may be:

– moisturizing (vegetable glycerin, hyaluronic acid)

– anti-aging or anti-oxidation product (coenzyme Q10, vitamin E)

– soothing (allantoin, chamomile essential oil)

– mattifying (concealer, powder)

– antibacterial (propolis, tea tree)

– restorative (lavender essential oil, provitamin B5)

Preservatives and antioxidants – ensure the longevity of the emulsion and protect it from going rancid

Fragrances and colorants – make the emulsion smell and look better.

There are two water/oil emulsion compositions

The oil-in-water emulsion is suitable for normal to combination skin. It has around 75% water and 20% oil in its formula, while the emulsifier is 5%. 

When blending the substances, you slowly put the oil in the water. This is how water-based moisturisers are formed. They are more liquid in consistency.

The water-in-oil emulsion is suitable for dry skin. The formula has 30-40% oil and 50 – 65% water. When blending the substances, you slowly put water in the oil.

This is how oil-based moisturizers are formed. They are thicker and heavy in consistency.

What is the best way to mix moisturizer with water?

Water-based moisturizers are easier to add water. They are light and liquid. They have more water in their original formula. 

They are a better option than the thick water in oil creams if you want to experiment.

To wrap it up

Moisturizers fit well with water because they are emulsions. And a sustainable part of an emulsion is…water.

It is up to you to explore. Find a water-based moisturizer and mix it with a small amount of water. If you like the new substance, you can always increase the quantity.

Another option is to try applying a moisturizer on a wet face. Rinse and repeat different methods until you find the most optimal solution.

Thank you for reading!

Valeria