Carbonated Water
CO₂-saturated water. Short-lived tonic feel with no lasting effect. Functional formulation ingredient with no standalone activity on the skin.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
About this ingredient
Carbonated Water (Aqua Carbonatum) is water saturated with carbon dioxide (CO₂) under pressure. In cosmetics it is used as a toner for a short refreshing effect and as a marketing ingredient in k-beauty (bubble masks, sparkling cleansers). Mechanism. On skin, CO₂ releases as micro-bubbles, creating a tingling "freshness" feel. A hypothesis exists that CO₂ stimulates local blood flow (Bohr effect – displaces oxygen from hemoglobin with local rise), but no clinical evidence supports this at cosmetic concentrations. Where applied. Korean bubble cleansers (Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask), sparkling toners, refreshing face mists. Rarely used in Spain or Europe – dominated by k-beauty. In medicine CO₂ baths (carboxytherapy) are used for cellulite and post-lipedema, but that is not topical cosmetics. Evidence base. No direct clinical RCTs confirm any long-term cosmetic effect of carbonated water. The effect is purely sensory and short-lived (1-2 minutes). Safety. Topical carbonated water is safe. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Patients with couperose and rosacea may see worsened erythema due to blood flow stimulation – best avoided in those cases. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. What to expect. A refreshing feel and clean-skin sensation – but only a few minutes. Does not replace a proper moisturizing routine. For sensitive skin and rosacea – not the best choice. Marketing value exceeds dermatologic value.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carbonated Water safe during pregnancy?
Carbonated Water is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What is Carbonated Water and what does it do in cosmetics?
CO₂-saturated water.
What's the INCI name for Carbonated Water?
The INCI name is Carbonated Water.
See Carbonated Water in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Carmine, Carnauba Wax, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Carvone, Glyceryl Laurate, PEG-10 Phytosterol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Tetrasodium Etidronate
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