Ionized Water

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about water (aqua). Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: ORY^® uses purified water — deionized or distilled — in its formulas. This is different from “ionized” or alkaline water, which is sold as a drinking-water product and has no demonstrated skin benefit. On ingredient labels, ORY^® lists it as “Water” or “Aqua.”

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. Deionized water has had minerals such as calcium and magnesium removed; distilled water is purified by evaporation. “Ionized” alkaline water is a different product and is not used in ORY^® formulas.

Citations:

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.3 — Designation of ingredients on cosmetic labels (ingredients must be listed by their established or common names). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-A/section-701.3
    • What it shows: FDA ingredient-labeling rule.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Hard water minerals can destabilize emulsions, weaken preservatives, and leave soap scum; purified water avoids this.

Citations:

• • Danby, S. G., et al. (2018). The effect of water hardness on surfactant deposition after washing and subsequent skin irritation in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy control subjects. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.037
    • What it shows: Study of hard water and skin.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported. The skin’s natural surface is slightly acidic, on average below pH 5, which supports its natural flora. ORY^® adjusts products to about pH 4.5–6 rather than using alkaline water.

Citations:

• • Lambers, H., Piessens, S., Bloem, A., Pronk, H., & Finkel, P. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(5), 359–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x
    • What it shows: Study of skin surface pH.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Supported. Hard-water minerals can build up on hair; ORY^® uses purified water in its formulas.

Citations:

• • Danby, S. G., et al. (2018). The effect of water hardness on surfactant deposition after washing and subsequent skin irritation in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy control subjects. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.037
    • What it shows: Hard water and surfactant deposition.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported. In a controlled study, washing with hard water increased surfactant deposits on the skin and skin irritation, especially in people with atopic dermatitis. This supports using purified water in formulas; it does not mean ORY^® products treat any condition.

Citations:

• • Danby, S. G., et al. (2018). The effect of water hardness on surfactant deposition after washing and subsequent skin irritation in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy control subjects. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.037
    • What it shows: Controlled study of water hardness and skin irritation.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. Because water supports microbial growth, every ORY^® water-containing product is preserved. In cold-process soap, distilled or deionized water dissolves the lye.

Citations:

• • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
    • What it shows: Review of cosmetic contamination and preservation.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Supported by formulation science and skin studies.

Citations:

• • Danby, S. G., et al. (2018). The effect of water hardness on surfactant deposition after washing and subsequent skin irritation in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy control subjects. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.037
    • What it shows: Hard water study.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Microbial risk. Water-based products must be preserved.
  • pH drift. Formulas must be buffered.
  • Name confusion. “Ionized” water is not the same as deionized water.

Citations:

• • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
    • What it shows: Preservation.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
    • What it shows: Preservation.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Purified water dissolves the lye in cold-process soap. Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Danby, S. G., et al. (2018). The effect of water hardness on surfactant deposition after washing and subsequent skin irritation in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy control subjects. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.037
  • Lambers, H., Piessens, S., Bloem, A., Pronk, H., & Finkel, P. (2006). Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(5), 359–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x
  • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.3 — Designation of ingredients on cosmetic labels (ingredients must be listed by their established or common names). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-A/section-701.3
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20