Hydagen Aquaporin

Hydagen Aquaporin in short

Hydagen Aquaporin is a liquid moisture active from BASF. It dissolves in water and the supplier specification gives a very wide pH range of 3 to 11. It is listed for all types of cosmetics for skin and hair, especially moisturizers. Confirm the full INCI and dose on the certificate of analysis and the BASF technical sheet.

What aquaporins do

Aquaporins are small channels in cell membranes. They let water and glycerol pass through the cells of the skin. The discovery of these channels was honored with a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In the skin, one type of aquaporin is especially important for moving water and glycerol through the epidermis. Moisture actives built on this idea aim to support the skin's own water distribution, for hydration that works from within the skin layers rather than only on the surface.

Formats

Moisturizers

Day and night creams, lotions and gels are the main use.

Serums and toners

The wide pH range allows use in acidic toners and exfoliating products that also need moisture.

Hair care

Hair products can use the active as part of a moisture concept.

Body care

Body lotions and after-sun products for all-over hydration.

How to use it

Add Hydagen Aquaporin to the water phase and stir until uniform. Its wide pH tolerance makes it compatible with most formulas, including acidic and mildly alkaline products. Follow the dose in the BASF technical sheet.

Partners

Inside-out hydration works best with humectants that hold water on the surface. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid adds a surface film, and Exo-H supports the skin's own moisture components. More hydration concentrates are listed in the actives catalog.

Characteristics

Supplier: BASF. Form: liquid. Solubility: water. PH range: 3 to 11. Listed uses: all skin and hair cosmetics, especially moisturizers. Full INCI and dose: stated on the CoA and technical sheet supplied with each lot.

Twenty-four-hour moisture cream recipe, 100 g

Distilled water 70.40 g, glyceryl stearate citrate 3.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 2.50 g, caprylic and capric triglyceride 8.00 g, squalane 3.00 g, glycerin 5.00 g, Hydagen Aquaporin 2.00 g, sodium hyaluronate 0.20 g, xanthan gum 0.20 g, panthenol 1.00 g, phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin 1.00 g, propanediol 3.00 g, sodium citrate solution 0.70 g. Heat both phases to 75 °C, emulsify, cool while stirring, then add Hydagen Aquaporin, hyaluronate, panthenol and preservative below 40 °C and adjust the pH to about 5.5.

Glycerin as a partner

Aquaporins transport glycerol as well as water. Glycerin in the formula is therefore a natural partner and is included in the recipe above. Moderate glycerin levels keep the cream comfortable and non-sticky.

Long-lasting hydration claims

A twenty-four-hour moisture claim needs measurements across a full day. Measure skin moisture at baseline and at several time points up to twenty-four hours after a single application.

Dose guidance

Follow the BASF technical sheet. A moderate dose in a well-built moisturizer is usually enough.

Hydration for every product type

Because of its wide pH range, the active fits places where many moisture ingredients struggle: acidic exfoliating toners, products with a higher pH and hair care. A brand can use one moisture active across cleansers, toners, creams and conditioners and build a consistent hydration message for the whole range.

Science-based storytelling

The aquaporin story is attractive because it links a well-known scientific discovery with everyday skin care. Keep the explanation simple: skin has its own water channels, and this active is designed to support them. Avoid technical overstatement.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool place, away from heat and light.