All products are intended solely for research, laboratory, or analytical purposes only. Not approved or formulated for use in humans or animals.
Bacteriostatic Water for Research & Laboratory Use
Lambda Water supplies research-grade bacteriostatic water in sealed 30 mL glass vials for laboratory and analytical use. Our bac water is manufactured in the USA, formulated with 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative, and every vial is visually inspected before it ships. A Certificate of Analysis is available to view. Choose from the single vials and multi-packs above, all shipped quickly from our US facility.
- Glass vialsSealed 30 mL glass, never plastic
- Made in USAProduced domestically under controlled conditions
- Vial inspectedEvery vial visually checked before shipping
- In stockShips fast from our US facility
What Is Bacteriostatic Water?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, an added preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria. That preservative is the defining characteristic of bacteriostatic water as a substance: because the benzyl alcohol suppresses bacterial growth, a sealed vial remains stable over an extended period. This is what distinguishes bac water from plain sterile water in a research and laboratory context.
Bacteriostatic Water vs. Sterile Water
The difference between the two comes down to the preservative. Sterile water contains no bacteriostatic agent. Bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which is why it is described as a preserved, multi-use formulation in laboratory settings. When a lab references a "reconstitution solution," bacteriostatic water is the category most commonly meant, a preserved sterile-water product supplied in a sealed vial.
- Contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol
- Preservative inhibits bacterial growth
- Stable, sealed 30 mL glass vial
- Certificate of Analysis available
- No bacteriostatic preservative
- No bacterial-growth inhibition once opened
- Supplied without a preservative agent
- General sterile-water product
Why Researchers Choose Lambda Water
Not all bacteriostatic water is supplied the same way. Lambda Water is built around quality, transparency, and availability:
- Glass vials, not plastic. We supply our bac water exclusively in sealed 30 mL glass vials. If you receive anything other than glass claiming to be Lambda Water, contact us.
- Independently lab tested. Our bacteriostatic water has an independent Certificate of Analysis confirming benzyl alcohol content and pH. View the COA on this page.
- Made in the USA. All Lambda Water bacteriostatic water is manufactured domestically under controlled conditions, not imported.
Available Pack Sizes
Our bacteriostatic water is offered in 1-pack, 2-pack, 3-pack, 4-pack, and 6-pack configurations of 30 mL glass vials, so you can order the quantity that fits your research needs. The 6-pack offers the best value per vial. See the full range at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bacteriostatic water?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, a preservative that inhibits bacterial growth. It is supplied for research, laboratory, and analytical use.
What size vials does Lambda Water sell?
We sell 30 mL glass vials exclusively. We do not use plastic vials.
Where is your bac water made?
All Lambda Water bacteriostatic water is manufactured in the United States under controlled conditions.
What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?
Bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative that inhibits bacterial growth, while sterile water contains no bacteriostatic agent. This preservative is the defining difference between the two.
How should bacteriostatic water be stored?
Store vials in a cool, dry place (68 to 77°F) away from direct sunlight. A cabinet works well, and refrigeration after opening is also fine. Once opened, use within 28 days. Before each use, wipe the rubber stopper with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a sterile swab or pad and let it fully air dry.
All Lambda Water products are intended solely for research, laboratory, or analytical purposes. They are not approved or formulated for use in humans or animals.