Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water?

Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water is the watery distillate collected when the stems of the Aquilaria Crassna tree are steam distilled. Aquilaria Crassna is better known for producing agarwood, a prized aromatic wood native to Southeast Asia. During steam distillation the heat draws out volatile aroma molecules along with small amounts of natural antioxidants and soothing plant sugars, leaving them suspended in water. The result is a clear, mildly scented liquid often called a floral water or hydrosol.

Agarwood has been valued for centuries in perfumes and incense. As interest in gentle plant derived ingredients grew, formulators began exploring the softer by-products of agarwood production. The stem water offered a subtler scent than the concentrated essential oil along with light skin comforting properties, making it a welcome addition to modern skincare and personal care lines.

Production starts with sustainably sourced Aquilaria Crassna stems that are chipped or sliced. Steam passes through the plant material, carrying aromatic compounds upward where they condense into a mix of essential oil and water. The oil is separated and the remaining water is cooled, filtered and preserved for cosmetic use.

Because it is light, non-oily and pleasantly scented, Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water shows up in facial mists, toners, sheet masks, soothing gels, serums, moisturizers, aftershave splashes, body sprays and even hair care blends that aim for a subtle natural fragrance.

Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

When added to a formula Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water mainly serves two purposes:

  • Fragrance: It brings a gentle woody aroma that can round out or replace synthetic perfume notes, giving products a more natural scent profile without overwhelming the senses
  • Skin conditioning: The distillate delivers trace humectants and calming plant compounds that help the skin feel soft and comfortable while supporting a refreshed look

Who Can Use Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water

This gentle distillate is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin thanks to its light watery texture and low concentration of fragrant compounds. Those with extremely reactive or fragrance-allergic skin should still proceed cautiously since trace aroma molecules are present.

Because it comes entirely from plant stems and contains no animal by-products or processing aids, Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No specific data suggest that the ingredient poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with their doctor before adding new skincare products.

The ingredient has not been shown to increase photosensitivity. It does not make skin more prone to sunburn so no extra sun precautions are required beyond normal daily sunscreen use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water vary. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated and preserved.

  • Skin irritation such as mild redness or stinging
  • Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or rash
  • Exacerbation of existing eczema or rosacea in highly sensitive individuals
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 out of 5. Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water is essentially a watery distillate with only trace amounts of oil-soluble compounds, so it does not leave a film that can block pores. It is comparable to other hydrosols that routinely score a zero.

Because it is non-comedogenic, it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

No data suggest that the ingredient promotes excess sebum production or contributes to blackheads, making it a low-risk choice in acne-focused formulas.

Summary

Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water serves mainly as a light natural fragrance and a mild skin-conditioning agent. It delivers a subtle woody scent while offering light hydration and soothing benefits thanks to plant-derived antioxidants and sugars suspended in the water.

Although not as famous as rose or lavender waters, its connection to prized agarwood and its gentle profile are helping it gain slow but steady traction in niche skincare, especially among brands looking to replace synthetic fragrances.

Overall safety is high with only rare irritation or allergy reports. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a product containing Aquilaria Crassna Stem Water before full use to confirm personal tolerance.

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