Water is used in the formulation of virtually every type of cosmetic and personal care product. It can be found in lotions, creams, bath products, cleansing products, deodorants, makeup, moisturizers, oral hygiene products, personal cleanliness products, skin care products, shampoo, hair conditioners, shaving products, and suntan products.
The quality of water used in the production of cosmetics and personal care products, called process water, is monitored according to Good Manufacturing Practices outlined in FDA's Guidance on Cosmetic Manufacturing Practice Guidelines, and in international guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices known as ISO 22716. Some companies may also comply with the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) standards for the purity of water used in drugs, devices and diagnostics published in the Purified Water monograph. USP Purified Water is prepared from water complying with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with respect to drinking water. It contains no intentionally added substances.
