Ever wondered what is hydrosol? Then, this guide is for you!
Essentially, a hydrosol is aromatic water that is left after the essential oil distillation process from medicinal plants by way of water distillation.
In many cases, hydrosol is not a byproduct of essential oil production because some plants are purposely distilled for the purpose of producing hydrosol. They are also referred to as hydrolats or floral waters.
Hydrosols contain a lot of the aromatic properties of therapeutic plants, but unlike essential oils, they can be applied directly on the skin without the need to dilute them further.
Hydrosols can be used as base ingredients for creating creams, facial toners, fragrances, lotions and some skin products.
Many people also use it as cologne or body spray. Hydrosols can be used to add a pleasant scent to finger bowls, especially on romantic occasions. They can be obtained from suppliers of essential oils and sellers of natural skincare ingredients.
Are Floral Waters the Same as Hydrosols?
You should be cautious when buying hydrosols that are labeled as “Floral Waters” for they can be simply water blended with essential oils and sold as hydrosols. When you buy hydrosol, you should always see to it that you are buying the true product that underwent the real process.
Other Common Hydrosol Applications:
1. They are used as facial toners and skin care lotions.
Some of the most common hydrosols that people use as face toners include those that are made from clary sage, neroli, rose, and witch hazel. Other plants that produce hydrosols that are used for skin care include geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon balm and patchouli. Lemon balm and grapefruit hydrosols are particularly effective in treating oily skin.
2. They are used as aftershave lotion for men.
Some men use hydrosols as aftershave not only for their pleasant scent but also for their ability to stop minor cuts from bleeding. The most common hydrosols that are used as aftershave include the ones made from cistus and geranium.
3. They are used to relieve inflammation.
People use certain types of hydrosols for their ability to relieve inflammation. Hydrosols that are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties include chamomile, clary sage, geranium, holy basil, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, vetiver and witch hazel.
4. They are used for culinary and internal purposes.
Aside from their ability to provide care for the skin and to help relieve inflammation, hydrosols have culinary uses as well. They contain properties that help to add flavor to food and beverages. They are also known to provide health benefits when taken internally.
If you intend to use hydrosols for internal purposes, you need to seek the advice of health professionals to ensure your safety and maximum benefit.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Quality Hydrosol Products
Now that you know the varying uses of hydrosol, let’s time to look into choosing which products you should use.
Choosing the best quality hydrosols is an important step in aromatherapy. Hydrosols are often less concentrated than essential oils, making them a great choice for people with sensitive skin.
However, keep in mind that you can’t just purchase anything you think would work for you. Just like any other product, there are a few things you want to consider to ensure you get the most out of the money you spent.
Here is a simple guide to help you purchase the best hydrosol product in the market today!
- When buying hydrosols, make sure to look for certified organic products that can be used directly on the skin.
- Be sure to check the ingredients and make sure they are free of synthetic fragrances or other additives.
- Some companies will also provide information about their production process and where the ingredients were sourced from.
- Doing your research will help you find a product that is both safe and effective for your needs.
What is a substitute for hydrosol?
Hydrosols, also known as flower waters, are a gentler alternative to essential oils. They are made from the steam-distilling plant material and contain the water-soluble constituents of the plant as well as any therapeutic properties that the plant may have.
Although hydrosols are milder than essential oils, some people may still be looking for an even gentler alternative. In this case, there are several substitutes for hydrosols that can be used.
These include floral water mists, herbal teas, tinctures and vinegar mixtures.
Some people prefer to mix these alternatives with other natural ingredients such as aloe vera gel or honey to create their own unique blends.
Regardless of what substitute you choose, it is important to remember that none will have the same exact properties as hydrosols and caution should always be taken when using them on skin or near sensitive areas.
Hydrosol vs essential oil: How are they Different?
Hydrosols and essential oils are both made from botanicals, but the way they are extracted is different.
Essential oils are extracted through a distillation process, trapping the volatile compounds in their essential oil counterparts.
Hydrosols, on the other hand, are made by condensing steam from the same distillation process used to make essential oils. This creates a water-based liquid containing some of the same aromatic compounds as those found in essential oils.
While hydrosols have a pleasant aroma like that of their essential oil counterparts, they are much less concentrated due to their water-based nature.
As a result, they can be used without dilution for topical applications such as body sprays and facial toners and do not carry the risks associated with using undiluted essential oils topically.
These are everything you need to know about hydrosol and its different uses. We hope that this helped you learn more about how it can benefit your everyday life.
