Seawater
Mineral and salt source. 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
Seawater (Maris Aqua) is water from deep ocean layers, purified of microorganisms but retaining minerals and trace elements. Contains sodium chloride (3.5%), magnesium, calcium, potassium, selenium, zinc, copper, bromine, iodine – over 80 elements in physiological proportions close to human interstitial fluid. Where applied. Mist toners, products for sensitive and atopic skin, infant products, thermal sprays, nasal hygiene products (nasal rinses). On the Spanish market – in Quinton (premium seawater brand since 1897, Alicante), in Mustela infant lines, Sterimar for nasal use. Quinton – Spanish historic brand. The French biologist René Quinton in 1897 showed that isotonic seawater could temporarily replace blood in dogs after extreme blood loss. Today Quinton is produced in Alicante, cold-filtered (no heat treatment), preserving minerals in bioactive form. Used as oral ampules and skin sprays. Evidence base. Topical seawater in dermatology is an adjunct, not a standalone active. Minerals (magnesium, zinc, selenium) topically partially penetrate the epidermis and reduce inflammation (Proksch 2005, in psoriasis and atopy). General cosmetic evidence quality – C/D, as a functional ingredient works well. Safety. EU CosIng permits use. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. On atopic skin during acute flares the saline concentration may slightly sting but does not harm. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. No restrictions in any product, including for infants and pregnancy. Nasal use for rhinitis in pregnancy is one of the few recommended safe therapies.
Frequently asked questions
Is Seawater safe during pregnancy?
Seawater is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What is Seawater and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mineral and salt source.
What's the INCI name for Seawater?
The INCI name is Seawater. It may also appear as: Maris Aqua, Sea Water.
See Seawater 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
Sebacic Acid, Shellac, Silica, Silica Cetyl Silylate, Tris Buffered Saline, Cetrimonium Bromide, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, PEG-5 Pentaerythrityl Ether
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