What are hydrosols used for? Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or hydrolats, are a byproduct of essential oil distillation. They are less concentrated than essential oils and have a lower percentage of volatile compounds. As a result, they are less potent but they can still be used for skin care benefits and their uplifting properties.
Hydrosols carry the water soluble components of the plant and microscopic droplets of essential oils in suspension. They offer a softer and more subtle aroma than essential oils. Read on to learn more!
What are Hydrosols?
If you're not familiar with hydrosols, you're not alone. Even though they've been around, hydrosols have only recently started to gain popularity in the Western world.
So, what are hydrosols? Put simply, hydrosols are aqueous solutions that contain the water-soluble parts of plants.
Hydrosols are extracted from plant material. The plant material is typically placed in a still and steam is passed through it. This process causes the essential oils of the plant to become suspended in the water, creating a hydrosol.
That might sound a bit technical, but hydrosols are actually quite versatile and can be used for everything from skin care to home freshening.
What is the Difference Between Essential Oil and Hydrosol?
Both are distilled from plants, and they both have a wide range of benefits for health and beauty. However, there are some key differences between these two products.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are typically used for aromatherapy purposes. They are made by distilling the stems, leaves, flowers, or other parts of a plant in a process that captures the volatile compounds. They are highly concentrated, and just a few drops can go a long way.
Hydrosols are more dilute than essential oils and can be used more liberally. They also tend to be more supportive of the skin’s natural balance than essential oils, making them a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
They can both be helpful in promoting relaxation and improving mood. So, next time you’re wondering what to add to your skincare routine, remember that essential oils and hydrosols each have their own unique benefits.
Essential oils can be used in a diffuser to disperse the fragrance into the air or they can be added to lotions and creams for topical application.
What are Hydrosols Used for?
Hydrosols are very versatile and have a wide range of uses. They can be used as facial toners, body sprays, room sprays, hair rinses, and more. Hydrosols are also popular in natural skincare products because they are gentle and non-irritating.
Hydrosols for Skin Care
Many people choose to use hydrosols instead of witch hazel or other astringents because they are less drying. When used as a facial toner, hydrosols can help to balance the skin's pH, control excess oil production, and tighten pores.
Mist hydrosol on face after washing but before moisturizing. They can also be used to soothe sunburns, relieve bug bites, and calm inflammation.
Hydrosols for Room Sprays
In the home, hydrosols can be used as an all-natural air freshener or surface cleaner. Simply misting a hydrosol around the room will leave it smelling fresh and clean, plus you can gain therapeutic benefits.
Hydrosols for Laundry and Linen
Hydrosols can also be used in the laundry to add a light, refreshing scent. Use as linen spray and freshen towels, sheets and other linen.
Hydrosols for Hair Care and Fragrance
Adding a few drops of hydrosol to your shampoo or conditioner can also help to boost moisture levels and leave your hair looking shiny and healthy. Or it can be spritzed on to tame flyaway hair and to add a boost of shine.
As you can see, there are many ways to use hydrosols in your everyday life!
Common Types of Hydrosols
If you're not familiar with hydrosols, you're not alone. Even though they've been around, hydrosols have only recently started to gain popularity in the Western world. Hydrosols are a by-product of the distillation process of plants and contain all the water-soluble properties of the plant.Â
Hydrosols are aqueous solutions that contain the water-soluble parts of plants. That might sound a bit technical, but hydrosols are actually quite versatile and can be used for everything from skin care to room spray. They’re also known as floral waters, herbal waters, or flower waters. Rosewater is probably the most well-known hydrosol.
- Rose hydrosol: Face toning, skin care
- Geranium Hydrosol: Calming, balances emotions, skin care
- Lavender hydrosol: Calming, skin care
- Peppermint hydrosol: Anti-itch, dandruff, insect bites
Rose Hydrosol Benefits
Rose is perhaps the most popular type of hydrosol and has been used for centuries in cosmetics and skincare products. Rose has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for treating acne, eczema, and rosacea. It's also a great toner and makeup remover. If you have sensitive skin, rose hydrosol is a good choice as it's gentle and won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
What's the Difference Between Rose Water & Rose Hydrosol?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between rose water and rose hydrosol? If so, you're not alone. With so many skincare products on the market containing rose-derived ingredients, it can be hard to keep track of what does what. Here's a quick rundown of the key differences between rose water and rose hydrosol to help you make informed choices about which products are right for your skin.
Rose water is made by steeping rose petals in boiling water and then straining the mixture. Rose hydrosol, on the other hand, is produced through a process called distillation, which involves boiling the entire plant (petals, stem, leaves, etc.) and then condensing the steam to produce a concentrated solution. Because it is more concentrated than rose water, rose hydrosol typically contains a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.
So, which one should you use? That depends on your needs and preferences.
- If you're looking for a product that will simply refresh and tone your skin, rose water may be all you need.
- If you're looking for something that will deeply hydrate and nourish your skin, rose hydrosol is a better choice.
Keep in mind that because it is more concentrated, rose hydrosol may be more likely to cause irritation if used directly on the skin, so be sure to do a patch test before using it all over your face.
Lavender Hydrosol Benefits
Lavender is well-known for its calming properties, which is why lavender hydrosols are often used as relaxants or sleep aids. In addition to promoting restfulness, lavender hydrosols can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, and stress.
If you have trouble sleeping or find yourself feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day life, give lavender hydrosol a try!
Peppermint Hydrosol Benefits
Peppermint oil is often used as a natural remedy for headaches, but did you know that peppermint hydrosol can be just as effective? In addition to providing relief from headaches and migraines, peppermint hydrosol can also help to clear sinuses and ease respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma.
Use to calm irritated or itchy skin by spraying the hydosol directly onto the area(s) of concern. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton round in the hydrosol and apply where needed, like a bug bite. The cooling properties also offer relief to sore, achy muscles.
If you're struggling with congestion or respiratory issues, give peppermint hydrosol a try—you might be surprised at how well it works!
Chamomile Hydrosol Benefits
Chamomile is another type of hydrosol with calming properties. It can be used in much the same way as lavender hydrosol, to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, but it's slightly astringent qualities are particularly helpful for oily skin prone to breakouts.
Roman Chamomile Hydrosol is also a great choice for refreshing, toning, and cleansing the face. It's gentle enough for the whole family and is an excellent choice for natural baby care.Â
Can You Use Hydrosols in a Diffuser?
Yes, hydrosols can be used in a diffuser, but it needs to be an ultrasonic diffuser that requires water to run. The hydrosol would be used in place of some or all of the water, depending on your desires and the diffuser tank size.
When using hydrosols in a diffuser, it’s important to remember that they are much weaker than essential oils. As a result, you’ll need to use more hydrosol than you would oil—typically 4-5 times more.
Some people prefer diffusing them over essential oils because they’re less concentrated. They are gentler for kids, elderly, and pets. This means they’re less likely to cause irritation, where diffusing essential oils may be too much for them.Â
How Do You Store Hydrosols?
It is important to know how to store hydrosols properly in order to prolong their shelf life. The best way to store them is in a cool, dark place. This will help to prevent them from going bad. Hydrosols should also be stored in airtight containers. This will protect them from evaporation and oxidation.
Finally, it is important to keep hydrosols away from direct sunlight, as this can cause them to deteriorate. The refrigerator is best if you are not actively using the floral waters. By following these simple storage tips, you can make sure that your hydrosols will last for a long time.
Final Thoughts on Hydrosols
Both rose water and rose hydrosol can be beneficial for your skin, but they each have their own unique properties. If you're looking for a refreshing toner or makeup primer, go with rose water. If you want something that will deeply hydrate your skin, go with rose hydrosol.
Hydrosols are a versatile product with many different uses. Whether you're looking for something to soothe your skin or calm your nerves, there's a hydrosol out there that's perfect for you. And as always, be sure to do a patch test before using any new product on your skin!
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