Using Construction-Grade Distilled Water in Cosmetics

Using distilled water from a construction supply store for cosmetic formulations is generally not recommended. Cosmetic formulations require water of high purity, such as cosmetic-grade distilled or deionized water, to ensure the stability and safety of the final product. Water from other sources may contain impurities, minerals, or microorganisms that can interfere with ingredients, reduce shelf life, or even cause adverse reactions.

However, as a last resort if cosmetic-grade water is unavailable, you can use the construction-grade distilled water with extra precautions:

1. Boil the water: Heat the water to boiling for several minutes to kill potential microorganisms.
2. Add a chelating agent: After boiling and cooling, add a chelating agent like Disodium EDTA at a concentration of 0.1-0.2% (0.2% is recommended). Disodium EDTA helps to bind and neutralize metal ions present in the water that could otherwise cause instability or discoloration in your formulation.

While these steps can help mitigate some risks, using water specifically purified for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use is always the safest and most reliable option for your formulations.