Fat Water
Fat Water
Product Description
Product overview
A 2-in-1 toner-serum hybrid by Fenty Skin (Fenty Beauty by Rihanna) that tightens the look of pores, visibly fades dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine — all without stripping skin. Powered by niacinamide, Barbados cherry, and witch hazel water in a unique full-bodied gel-water texture that absorbs instantly.
2-in-1 Toner + Serum Hybrid
Combines the pore-tightening treatment of a toner with the nourishing, brightening benefits of a serum in a single step.
Texture & feel
SENSORY2-in-1 Toner + Serum Hybrid
Combines the pore-tightening treatment of a toner with the nourishing, brightening benefits of a serum in a single step.
Pore-Refining Niacinamide
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) at an estimated 3-5% concentration helps reduce visible pore size, regulate oil production, and even skin tone.
Barbados Cherry (Acerola)
Packed with more Vitamin C than an orange, it visibly brightens skin and provides powerful antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
Botanical Powerhouse
Features Australian lemon myrtle to absorb surface oil, Japanese raisin tree to detoxify, green tea for antioxidants, and cactus flower for hydration.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Contains witch hazel which some practitioners advise caution with. Fenty recommends consulting your physician before use during pregnancy or nursing.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, which breaks down into fatty acids that can feed Malassezia yeast, and Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (a fermented ingredient).
Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Oil-free, lightweight formula is unlikely to clog pores. Officially labeled noncomedogenic by Fenty Skin.
Free from drying alcohols, sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils. Meets Sephora's "Clean at Sephora" standards.
Contains witch hazel water as the second ingredient. While it offers anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening benefits, it can cause irritation, stinging, or dryness in sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Includes Parfum/Fragrance (cherry and fig scent) and Red 33 dye (CI 17200). A fragrance-free version is now also available separately.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~3-5%Proven
A multi-tasking powerhouse that reduces the appearance of pores, evens skin tone, fights shine, and helps fade dark spots. Listed 4th in the INCI, suggesting a meaningful concentration.
- Research: Studies show 2-5% niacinamide improves skin barrier function, reduces sebum production, and decreases hyperpigmentation over 8-12 weeks.
- Benefit: Helps regulate oil production, making it especially effective for oily and combination skin types.
Witch Hazel Water ~5-7%Proven
A natural astringent that helps tighten the appearance of pores, reduce surface oil, and calm inflammation. Used as the second ingredient after water.
- Research: Witch hazel has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in dermatological studies.
- Form: Used here as witch hazel water (hydrosol), which is gentler than alcohol-based witch hazel extracts.
Barbados Cherry (Acerola) Extract <1%Promising
A tropical superfruit containing significantly more Vitamin C than oranges. Provides potent antioxidant protection and visible brightening benefits.
- Source: Malpighia Punicifolia fruit extract, rich in ascorbic acid and polyphenols.
- Benefit: Supports collagen production and helps defend against free radical damage from UV exposure and pollution.
Australian Lemon Myrtle ~1-2%Promising
Backhousia citriodora leaf extract that helps absorb excess surface oil and refine pores, with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Research: Contains citral, a compound with documented antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
- Benefit: Helps control shine and keeps pores looking refined throughout the day.
Green Tea Extract <1%Proven
Camellia Oleifera leaf extract loaded with catechins (EGCG), providing powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for skin protection.
- Research: Green tea polyphenols are well-documented in peer-reviewed literature for photoprotective and anti-aging properties.
- Benefit: Helps defend skin against environmental stressors and UV-induced damage.
21 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 20, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus (Cactus) Flower Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Hovenia Dulcis Fruit Extract, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance, Red 33 (CI 17200).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM after cleansing. During the day, follow with Hydra Vizor SPF 30. At night, follow with Instant Reset Gel-Cream. No cotton pad needed — apply directly with hands.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Start with clean, dry skin. Use Total Cleans'r or your preferred cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities.
Dispense
Twist the cap to open and squeeze a liberal amount of Fat Water into your palms. The unique thick-water texture won't drip.
Pat & Press
Pat and press the product over your entire face, avoiding the eye area. Let it absorb fully — it sinks in within seconds.
Follow Up
Layer your serum, moisturizer, or SPF on top. Fat Water creates the perfect hydrated canvas for the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and want to control shine
- You want to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores
- You're looking for a multitasking toner-serum to simplify your routine
- You want to even out skin tone and fade dark spots
- You prefer a no-cotton-pad, hands-on application method
- You value eco-friendly, recyclable packaging
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (contains Polysorbate 20 and ferment filtrate)
- You are very sensitive to witch hazel or fragrance
- You have extremely dry skin and need rich hydration
- You prefer fragrance-free products (try the FF version instead)
- You need a high-concentration active treatment (this is a multi-benefit hybrid)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is Fat Water's sweet spot. Witch hazel and niacinamide work together to regulate sebum and tighten pores without over-drying. Absorbs instantly with zero shine.
Balances oily T-zone without stripping drier cheeks. The humectant blend of glycerin and butylene glycol keeps all zones comfortable.
Works well as a hydrating, brightening toner step. Provides a smooth, bouncy base for the rest of your routine without feeling heavy.
Provides some hydration via glycerin and humectants, but witch hazel may feel drying. Needs a richer moisturizer on top. Consider the Hydrating Milky version instead.
Witch hazel, fragrance, and dye may trigger irritation. Patch test first. If sensitive, opt for the fragrance-free version. Some users report stinging on freshly cleansed skin.
Noncomedogenic and oil-free. Niacinamide helps reduce breakouts and post-acne marks. However, not suitable for fungal acne due to Polysorbate 20.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Oil Reduction & Pore Tightening
Skin feels immediately smoother and more refined. Visible reduction in surface oil and improved pore appearance right after application.
Based on clinical study of 54 peopleImproved Texture & Hydration
Skin starts to feel bouncier and more replenished. The niacinamide begins strengthening the moisture barrier, leading to a plumper, more hydrated complexion.
85% noticed improved textureVisible Brightening
Skin tone appears more even and radiant. Dark spots begin to fade as niacinamide and Barbados cherry work on hyperpigmentation over time.
78% noticed brighter skinCumulative Pore & Tone Improvement
Significant visible reduction in pore size, dark spots, and uneven texture. Oil production is better regulated and the complexion looks smoother overall.
90% saw improvement in pores and toneRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Unique thick gel-water texture absorbs instantly without residue
- Visibly tightens pores and controls oil throughout the day
- Multitasking 2-in-1 formula simplifies routine (toner + serum)
- No cotton pads needed — eco-friendly, hands-on application
- Pleasant cherry-fig scent loved by most users
- Recyclable packaging with no outer box or shrink wrap
- Works beautifully as a makeup prep step
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and meets Clean at Sephora standards
Criticized
- Witch hazel can sting or irritate sensitive skin
- Contains fragrance and dye (Red 33) — potential irritants
- Not fungal acne safe (Polysorbate 20, ferment filtrate)
- Price per ml is higher than many drugstore toners
- May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin
- Some users report formula changes over the years
- 150 ml may not last long with liberal application twice daily
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains niacinamide, arbutin, and Vitamin C for brightening. Simpler formula without witch hazel or botanical extracts. Lighter, more watery texture. Fragrance-free and fungal acne friendly.
Also a toner-serum hybrid with niacinamide and witch hazel. Includes BHA and zinc PCA for acne-fighting benefits. Similar thick texture. Slightly more exfoliating than Fat Water.
Shares the jelly-water texture, witch hazel, and cactus extract. No niacinamide but includes multi-molecular hyaluronic acid. Provides similar dewy hydration at a fraction of the cost.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed.
Squeeze bottle with twist cap — no outer box or shrink wrap. Bottle and cap are both recyclable.
Full size (150 ml) exceeds 100 ml carry-on limit. Mini size (50 ml) is available and TSA-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. Fat Water does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the major ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain witch hazel and fragrance, which some healthcare providers recommend limiting. Fenty Skin officially advises consulting your physician before use during pregnancy or while nursing. A fragrance-free version is available as a potentially safer option.
No, Fat Water is not fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 20, an emulsifier that breaks down into fatty acids which can feed Malassezia yeast. It also contains Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, a fermented ingredient. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner or The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, both of which are fungal acne safe.
Yes, Fat Water is generally compatible with other actives. Niacinamide pairs well with most ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA. However, the witch hazel content may increase sensitivity if layered with strong exfoliants. If combining with retinol or acids, consider using Fat Water in the morning and stronger actives at night, or introduce combinations gradually to assess tolerance.
Fat Water is best suited for oily and combination skin types. The witch hazel and niacinamide combination excels at controlling shine and refining pores. It works for normal skin as well. Those with dry skin may find it insufficient for hydration alone and should layer a richer moisturizer on top. Sensitive skin types should patch test first due to the witch hazel, fragrance, and dye content.
You can expect instant pore-tightening and oil-reduction effects after the very first application. Improved skin texture and hydration become noticeable within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Visible brightening and dark spot fading typically takes 4-8 weeks, as niacinamide works gradually. Full cumulative benefits including significant pore and tone improvement are reported after 8+ weeks of daily AM and PM use.
Fat Water goes immediately after cleansing, as the second step in your routine. Apply it on clean, dry skin before serums, moisturizers, or sunscreen. During the day, follow with SPF moisturizer. At night, follow with a treatment serum or overnight cream. No cotton pad is needed — simply squeeze into palms and pat onto face.
No. Fat Water has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it has a very low likelihood of clogging pores. It is officially labeled as noncomedogenic by Fenty Skin. The formula is oil-free and water-based, with no heavy emollients or occlusive agents. Independent ingredient analysis confirms zero acne-risk ingredients in the formulation.
Fat Water has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 150 ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use at the recommended liberal amount. The mini size (50 ml) lasts approximately 3-4 weeks. Signs of expiration include changes in color, texture, or scent.
Verdict: Fenty Skin Fat Water is a genuinely innovative toner-serum hybrid that delivers on its pore-refining and brightening promises, especially for oily and combination skin. The unique thick-water texture, effective niacinamide content, and botanical-rich formula make it a standout multitasker. Points are lost for containing fragrance, dye, and ingredients that make it unsuitable for fungal acne sufferers, plus the witch hazel can be divisive for sensitive skin. At $34 for 150 ml, it sits in the mid-range for prestige skincare — reasonable if you consider it replaces both a toner and a treatment serum. Best for those who want visible pore and oil control in a simplified, eco-conscious routine.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 20
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial, Antidandruff Agent
|
|