Hydrosols 101: A Beginner's Guide to Using Hydrosols and Floral Waters

Contents:

1. What is a Hydrosol / Hydrolate / Floral Water / Distillate Water?
2. Is There a Difference Between Hydrosols and Floral Waters?
3. Are Hydrosols Natural?
4. How to Use Hydrosols?
5. How to Apply Hydrosols?
6. What are Benefits of Hydrosols?
7. What is the Shelf Life of Hydrosols and How to Preserve Hydrosols?

1. What is a Hydrosol / Hydrolate / Distillate Water? 

A pure hydrosol (also known as a hydrolate or distillate water) is a 100% natural water extract of plants obtained through steam distillation of aromatic and therapeutic plant material such as flowers, leaves, fruits, and wood. 

During steam distillation, steam passes through the plant matter, carrying aromatic and therapeutic compounds. When the vapor cools, it separates into two layers:

• The oil layer (essential oil)
• The water layer (hydrosol)

Hydrosols mainly contain the water-soluble compounds of the plant, along with trace amounts of essential oil (around 0.1%). Compared to essential oils, hydrosols are gentler and have a lighter aroma. They are often described as the water-based co-product of essential oil distillation.

2. Is There a Difference Between Hydrosols and Floral Waters?

 Floral water can be made either by:

• Steam distillation (pure / true hydrosols), or
• Steeping plant material in water

Because of this, not all floral waters are the same. Some may contain added fragrances or other ingredients. In many cases, the term floral water is used to refer to hydrosols.

3. Are Hydrosols Natural?

Pure hydrosols are natural and typically have a mild aroma. Unlike many commercial floral waters, they do not contain synthetic fragrances, emulsifiers, or preservatives.

4. How to Use Hydrosols?

Hydrosols are a gentle alternative to essential oils and can be used directly on the skin without dilution.

They are commonly used in natural skincare and beauty routines such as:

• Facial toners
• Face mists
• Face packs
• Herbal baths

Examples:

• Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree hydrosols can be used as facial toners or body mists for hydration and skin rejuvenation.
• Sandalwood and Rosemary hydrosols can be used as light hair sprays against dandruff and dryness.

They can also be added to bath water or foot soaks for a mild aromatic experience. When refrigerated, hydrosols can work as a refreshing and cooling body spray.

Hydrosols are not typically used for strong aromatherapy, but they can be used in water-based diffusers as a base for essential oils.

5. How to Apply Hydrosols?

It is recommended that a patch test be performed on inner elbow before using a hydrosol in beauty routines, to ensure that the user is not allergic to the plant.

6. What are the Benefits of Hydrosols?

Hydrosols carry the natural therapeutic benefits and the aroma of the plants from which they are distilled, in a gentle form. Thus, they can be used without dilution and are suitable for regular use.

They are also practical for delicate and rare flowers such as Blue Lotus, which do not yield much essential oil but can be effectively distilled into Blue Lotus hydrosol.

7. What is the Shelf Life of Hydrosols and How to Preserve Hydrosols?

Hydrosols are self preserving in its natural form and usually have a shelf life of 6 - 12 months, though some may last up to 2 years. Once diluted, blended or mixed, a synthetic preservative is recommended. 

To store:

• Keep in a cool, dark place
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Refrigerate after opening for better freshness
   

Pure hydrosols offer a gentle and natural way to experience benefits of plants. With their mild aroma and ease of use, they can be a simple yet effective addition to everyday skincare and wellness routines.