Aquaporins are naturally occurring water-channel proteins in skin cells that regulate water and glycerol transport; in cosmetics the term usually refers to ingredients (such as certain plant extracts or glycerol) marketed to support or stimulate aquaporin expression to improve hydration. The proteins themselves are endogenous and not directly applied as a topical active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally attributed to other formulation components rather than aquaporin-targeting actives themselves. |
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Very rare | Possible with plant-derived extracts used to support aquaporin expression. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.