Using Water in Cosmetic Formulations

Regarding the use of distilled water from a gas station for mixing creams, it is generally not recommended for cosmetic formulations.

Water used in cosmetics needs to be highly pure and free from impurities, minerals, and microorganisms that could affect the stability, safety, and efficacy of the product. Distilled water for car batteries may contain impurities or residues not suitable for cosmetic use.

As suggested in the replies, sterile water from a pharmacy or clean Reverse Osmosis (RO) water is a much better choice for cosmetic formulations.

If you are using non-distilled or non-sterile water (like RO water), adding Disodium EDTA can be beneficial. Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to metal ions in the water, preventing them from interfering with other ingredients and improving the overall stability and shelf-life of the product. The recommended usage rate for Disodium EDTA is typically 0.1-0.2%.

In summary, opt for sterile or clean RO water for your cosmetic formulations. If using RO water, consider adding Disodium EDTA at 0.1-0.2% to chelate metal ions.