One of the most important, yet often overlooked, ingredients in skincare is water. While many skincare brands use tap water in their formulations, ishga proudly takes a different approach. We use only locally sourced Hebridean spring water and pure, unpolluted seawater from the pristine shores of the Outer Hebrides, never tap water. After all, our name 'ishga' is derived from the Gaelic meaning for water, so we use only the best! Here's why that matters...

Water from the heart of the Hebrides

Our water comes from two natural sources:

• Hebridean Spring Water – Sourced from a secluded spring on the Isle of Lewis, this mineral-rich water is naturally filtered through ancient rocks. It's known for its soothing, therapeutic properties and has been used for centuries to promote healing and wellbeing.

• Hebridean Seawater – Collected from our island's coastal waters, this seawater is officially classified with the highest quality rating by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. It’s unpolluted, fresh, and bursting with skin-loving minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

These waters are sustainably collected weekly or fortnightly, depending on our production needs. We calculate the amount required before each collection to ensurezero waste and minimal environmental impact.

Why not use tap water?

Tap water can contain trace chemicals, heavy metals, and chlorine that may not benefit the skin and can sometimes cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Instead, our carefully sourced waters are not just a base, they’re an active part of our skincare’s performance. They hydrate, balance, and support the delivery of key nutrients from our signature Hebridean seaweed extract.

What happens after the water is collected?

Before being used in our formulations, both the Hebridean spring water and seawater undergo a filtration process to ensure maximum purity. First, the water passes through a 1 micron filter to remove any particles or sediment. It is then refined further through a 0.2 micron filter, which eliminates any bacteria - ensuring the water is not only naturally rich in minerals, but also exceptionally clean and safe for all skin types. This careful preparation preserves the integrity of our ingredients and supports our commitment to producing results-driven, luxury skincare with the highest standards of quality.

Water that works in harmony with your skin

Nothing is ever added to our filtered water - we keep it completely pure, just as nature intended. After careful filtration to remove particles and bacteria, the water remains untouched and unaltered, retaining its natural mineral composition and therapeutic properties. Respecting the water’s origin and purity ensures it blends seamlessly with our Hebridean seaweed extract to deliver skincare that is both gentle and powerfully effective.

In skincare, water isn’t just a filler, it’s an ingredient for transformation. It hydrates, helps carry active ingredients into the skin, and influences how a product feels and performs. That’s why the quality of water is crucial, and why ishga will never use tap water.