Abstract

This technical article will explain how to understand water purity and the different purification technologies available to cosmetic manufacturers. It will also highlight the importance of considering any future move from laboratory or pilot trials through to full production, and the need to ensure that the inherent nature of the product being manufactured remains unchanged as does the quality of purified water required to produce it.

INTRODUCTION

Water is the most commonly found raw material in cosmetics manufacturing, used in product development, testing and analysis, for product make-up, cleaning production machinery and, in the form of steam, for Sterilising-In-Place (SIP) and sterilising instruments or glassware.

While routine processes such as Clean-In-Place (CIP) may demand a relatively low level of purification, for other applications including analytical experimentation and testing in the laboratory it is absolutely critical that the highest level of water purity is achieved, using highly advanced water purification technology.

Potable water drawn from a mains supply, borehole or local groundwater source cannot be used in its raw form, as it will potentially include a wide range of contaminants that will affect the quality, consistency or even safety of the finished product. These contaminants range from organic and suspended matter in surface water to highly mineralised ground waters.

The successful production of cosmetic products depends on the quality and consistency of raw materials and therefore control of water purity is critical. In turn, this d ...