Sterile water base
The product is presented as sterile water, with the label providing the manufacturer-specific standard and formulation.
UK BAC WATER guide
What is bacteriostatic water?
A straightforward guide to what the product name means, what you may see on manufacturer labels, and how 10 mL and 30 mL listings differ.
Short answer: Bacteriostatic water is sterile water supplied with a bacteriostatic preservative. Many labelled products state 0.9% benzyl alcohol, but buyers should check the exact manufacturer label and documentation for the product they are purchasing.
Updated 21 September 2026 · Laboratory and analytical research information only.
Definition
What the name means
Bacteriostatic water is a sterile water preparation that includes a bacteriostatic preservative. Many manufacturer-labelled products in this category state 0.9% benzyl alcohol on the label. The exact formulation and presentation should always be checked on the product label and manufacturer documentation.
Bacteriostatic preservative
The distinguishing label feature is the added preservative. On many bacteriostatic water products this is listed as 0.9% benzyl alcohol.
Different formats
UK BAC WATER lists manufacturer-specific 10 mL and 30 mL presentations, including vials and ampoules where available.
What to check
Read the product label, not just the product name
Products sold under broadly similar names can differ in manufacturer, container, volume, preservative wording and batch information. For laboratory purchasing, compare the exact listing and the manufacturer-labelled presentation.
| Detail | Why it matters when comparing listings |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Identifies the source and the product-specific documentation you should refer to. |
| Volume | Common catalogue sizes include 10 mL and 30 mL, but the physical presentation can differ. |
| Preservative wording | Check the label for the stated preservative and concentration rather than assuming every product is identical. |
| Batch / expiry | Useful for stock traceability where the supplier publishes current batch information. |
| Availability | Use the live product status because stock and incoming allocations can change. |
Sizes
10 mL and 30 mL bacteriostatic water
The volume is a purchasing and packaging difference. Our catalogue separates products by manufacturer and size so buyers can compare the exact presentation rather than treating all BAC water as one generic item.
See the UK buying guide for the current range, or compare UK BAC WATER 10 mL, UK BAC WATER 30 mL, Genetek 10 mL and the other manufacturer-specific listings.
Questions
Common questions
Is “BAC water” the same phrase as bacteriostatic water?
“BAC water” is a commonly used shortened name. The product label and manufacturer description should be used to confirm the exact product being offered.
Does every bacteriostatic water product have the same presentation?
No. Manufacturer, container type, volume and label wording can vary. Check the individual product page and manufacturer information.
Does UK BAC WATER provide administration or reconstitution instructions?
No. The site provides catalogue and laboratory/research supply information only, not administration, dosing or procedural guidance.
Current catalogue
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