What alternatives are there to osmosis water in cosmetic products?

In the field of cosmetics, the choice of ingredients that make up the product formulations is an essential factor in guaranteeing the excellent quality of the products. Water is one of the essential ingredients in cosmetic products, often responsible for as much as 70% of a product’s total composition. Among the different water qualities used, osmosis water is preferred by many brands to guarantee purity and performance. However, while it offers undeniable advantages, its use also has drawbacks, especially in environmental terms. This article considers the importance of osmosis water in cosmetics and the challenges associated with using it.

What is osmosis water?

Osmosis water is purified water obtained through a process called “reverse osmosis”. This process involves passing water through a semi-permeable membrane that retains impurities, unwanted minerals, bacteria and chemical particles. The result of this process is extremely pure water, free from contaminants and elements that may interfere with cosmetic products. This purity makes osmosis water an ideal ingredient for skin and hair care, where product stability and safety are paramount. Although its use has many advantages, it also has some drawbacks.

The drawbacks of osmosis water in cosmetic products

The production process is energy-intensive. The process that makes it possible to obtain osmosis water guarantees high-purity water by removing all unwanted residues and minerals. However, it is also very energy- and water-intensive, consuming a large volume of water during the process.

The water obtained has no benefits. Although pure, osmosis water remains a neutral ingredient that provides no specific active benefits in products. Its main function is to act as a vehicle, but it offers no additional benefits for the skin or hair.

As freshwater resources become scarcer, processes requiring large amounts of water are increasingly coming under scrutiny by both eco-conscious consumers and industry professionals aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.

H2Olixir plant waters: A multi-functional and sustainable alternative

H2Olixir plant waters developed by Groupe Berkem overcome these drawbacks by offering a powerful and ecologically responsible alternative to osmosis water. Derived from unique expertise in plant extraction, they combine the purity of a water-based solution with the active properties of plants.

Natural and active

H2Olixir waters are enriched with active molecules naturally present in plants, giving them specific properties suited to the needs of cosmetic products:

• Hydration and soothing for sensitive skin.
• Antioxidant effects to fight skin aging.
• Purifying properties for treatments aimed at blemished skin.

Each H2Olixir water is therefore much more than a substitute; it becomes an ingredient in its own right, bringing added value to the final products.

Reduced environmental footprint

H2Olixir waters are obtained using environmentally friendly processes, prioritizing the use of local, sustainable plant resources. These solutions reduce:

• Water consumption: H2Olixir plant waters can completely replace osmosis water in cosmetic products.
• Carbon footprint: By favoring plants from short, ethical supply chains, H2Olixir plant waters are part of a process to reduce climate impact.

Response to consumer expectations

Current trends in cosmetics, such as clean beauty and natural qualities, are compelling brands to seek more transparent solutions that are in line with environmental concerns. H2Olixir waters meet these expectations by replacing an ingredient perceived as industrial with a plant-based and active alternative.

H2Olixir: A global ecologically responsible approach

Beyond their intrinsic properties, H2Olixir waters are examples of Groupe Berkem’s broader commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility. This range of plant waters repurposes by-products from the horticulture industry by limiting wastage of natural resources. H2Olixir also contributes to more sustainable cosmetics by reducing a brand’s environmental footprint and supplying products in line with end-consumer values.

Groupe Berkem provides total support for integrating H2Olixir plant waters into product formulations, by offering its expertise in plant extraction and cosmetic product formulation.