Mineral water products: from Luhačovice’s Vincentka to French cosmetics

When people hear the term “mineral water,” most imagine a glass of sparkling water at a spring or a bottle from the store. Few realize that therapeutic mineral waters are now used in dozens of products—from toothpaste and nasal sprays to luxury cosmetics. And one of the pioneers of this trend is Luhačovice’s Vincentka.

Vincentka — More Than Just Mineral Water

Vincentka is among the most famous natural medicinal mineral waters in the Czech Republic. It is a highly mineralized, iodide-carbonated water of the hydrogen carbonate-chloride-sodium type, which springs from the spring complex of the Luhačovice spa resort at the northwestern foot of the White Carpathians. Its origin is of residual marine origin—it contains ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and iron, as well as biogenic elements such as rubidium, cesium, copper, zinc, vanadium, chromium, and cobalt in physiological proportions.

It is precisely this unique mineral composition that has made Vincentka ideal for uses far beyond drinking cures. Today, Vincentka a.s. offers a wide range of products that benefit from the healing water:

Nasal sprays

Vincentka Standard Nasal Spray is a hypotonic mechanical spray designed for nasal hygiene and the prevention of nasopharyngeal diseases. Mineral water from a natural healing source helps maintain the natural cleansing ability of the nasal mucosa and moisturizes the entire nasal cavity. For children, there is the Vincentka Junior variant. Those who need a more thorough rinse can opt for Vincentka Nasalis—a concentrate of healing mineral water designed for rinsing the nasal cavities and nasopharynx using a special plastic jug.

Toothpaste

Vincentka toothpaste utilizes the mineral composition of the water to care for teeth and gums. The content of fluoride and other minerals from a natural source supplements the standard ingredients of toothpaste with elements you would search for in vain in conventional products. The toothpaste is available for approximately 79 CZK.

Moisturizing Cream

Vincentka moisturizing cream contains up to 70% concentrated Vincentka healing mineral water. The minerals and trace elements naturally present in the water support skin hydration and regeneration. The cream costs around 119 CZK and offers an interesting alternative to foreign thermal water-based cosmetics—with the difference that its active ingredient comes from Luhačovice, not the French Alps.

Cough syrup and lozenges

Vincentka syrup (200 ml, approximately 70 CZK) combines plant extracts from plantain and motherwort with natural healing mineral water. The line is complemented by Vincentka lozenges, which can be used to refresh and care for the throat. The entire range is available at the vincentka.cz e-shop.

Mineral Waters in Global Cosmetics

Vincentka is not alone in its use of mineral water. On the contrary—the world’s most successful cosmetic brands have built their entire empires on thermal waters. All of them originate from France and all fall under the umbrella of major pharmaceutical conglomerates.

Vichy

Vichy thermal water comes from the volcanic region of Auvergne in central France, where it seeps to a depth of up to 4,000 meters and heats up to 140 °C. It rises to the surface enriched with 15 minerals. The Vichy brand (part of the L'Oréal group) uses it in hundreds of products—from moisturizers and serums to cleansers. Vichy thermal water is known for its ability to strengthen and soothe the epidermal barrier.

Avène

Water from the Sainte-Odile spring in the Cévennes mountains is filtered through dolomite rock for approximately 40 years before rising to the surface. It is characterized by a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium and a high silica content, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The Eau Thermale Avène brand (Pierre Fabre Group) has built a line of dermatological products around it, including the iconic thermal spray in a blue-and-white can.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay thermal water is rich in selenium—a natural antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress. It also contains silicon, which forms a protective film on the skin. The brand (again, L'Oréal) is particularly popular among dermatologists and recommended for problematic and sensitive skin.

Uriage

Uriage stands out for having the highest mineral content of all the brands mentioned—11 g of minerals per liter. Its composition closely resembles that of human skin, allowing it to effectively restore the skin’s balance and hydration. The Uriage brand (Laboratoires Dermatologiques d’Uriage) is based in the Alps near Grenoble.

In vitro studies have shown that the thermal waters of Uriage, La Roche-Posay, and Avène reduce the production of inflammatory mediators in skin cells. So it’s not just marketing—the mineral composition of these waters has proven biological effects.

Medicinal products made from mineral waters

The use of mineral waters in medicine has a thousand-year-old tradition. Balneology—the science of the therapeutic use of natural healing resources—is an integral part of the healthcare system in many European countries. The Czech Republic, Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, and other countries prescribe spa treatments as part of both preventive and curative medicine.

Inhalation

One of the oldest ways to use mineral water outside of drinking cures is inhalation. In Luhačovice, mineral water inhalations are still performed in spa houses today—they help with diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies. Vincentka is used for inhalations thanks to its high content of iodine and mineral salts.

Drinking Cures

The classic drinking cure remains the foundation of spa treatment. Vincentka is served both cold and warm and is indicated for diseases of the digestive system, respiratory tract, and metabolic disorders. The daily dosage and temperature are determined by the spa physician’s recommendation.

Baths and wraps

Balneotherapy, in the broader sense, includes mineral baths, peloid wraps (using therapeutic mud), carbonated baths, and other procedures. In European spas, these methods have proven effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions, skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema), cardiovascular issues, and in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation.

Interestingly, modern science confirms what spa doctors have known empirically for centuries. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals show that balneotherapy triggers a hormetic stress response—mild stress that stimulates the immune system and strengthens the body’s resilience.

Where to Buy

Vincentka products are available in several ways:

• Vincentka E-shop — complete product range at vincentka.cz/e-shop
• Pharmacies — Dr. Max, Moje lékárna, Lékárna.cz, and other chain and independent pharmacies throughout the Czech Republic
• Luhačovice Information Center — offers Vincentka products and gift sets (containing lozenges, nasal spray, toothpaste, and moisturizing cream) to spa visitors
• Spa colonnades — right by the springs in Luhačovice

The Vincentka gift set, which includes a bottle of mineral water, lozenges, nasal spray, toothpaste, and moisturizing cream, will be appreciated by anyone looking for an original and health-promoting souvenir from Luhačovice.

Whether you choose Luhačovice’s Vincentka or French thermal cosmetics, one thing is certain: mineral waters have much to offer far beyond the glass at the spring. And Luhačovice certainly doesn’t lag behind in this regard.