Ingredient

Spring Water

Aqua

Water is the basis of life. It is used a lot in cosmetics as a solvent that helps to mix and bind ingredients together.

Where do we get it?

For its manufacturing sites in Poole, Dorset, Lush purchases spring water from a local supplier. Water is delivered in IBC water tanks from a farm in the civil parish of Swanage. When empty, the tanks are sent back and refilled again and again.

With seven manufacturing sites across the globe, this information may vary depending on where your Lush products were made.

What is the benefit of using spring water?

In natural springs, water comes from the rain and melted snow that penetrates the ground and filters through the soil and permeable rocks. As it flows, it dissolves and carries the mineral content of the stones. Swanage spring water runs through chalk and clay before rising above the ground. It contains nice amounts of minerals, especially calcium.

Why is there so much water in cosmetics?

• Solvent. Lush products contain many ingredients of different origins and chemical properties that must combine to provide optimal comfort of use. There are different ways to achieve this, including using natural or synthetic emulsifiers, but before that, the first step is to add water. In fact, water is a natural solvent that helps dilute and bind different materials together. However, the more water there is in a product, the greater the bacterial growth and therefore the higher the need for preservatives. It's all about finding a good balance.

• Hydrating. Our skin naturally contains water but tends to lose it easily, due to heat, air conditioning, age, alcohol and many other reasons. When the skin is dehydrated, it looks thirsty and dull. To avoid this situation, you can, of course, drink more water but this is not always enough and that's why it's recommended to also bring some via cosmetics.