Hydrosols for Gentle Skin Care

Hydrosols are the products that remain after roots, barks, plants, flower, or seeds are steam distilled. Hydrosols can also be the remnants of the essential oil making process. Unlike essential oils a hydrosol can be applied directly to the skin without dilution since this ingredient contains some elements of essentials oil but to a lesser extent. Be aware that often hydrosols do not have a strong smell if any. Often the essential oil and hydrosol may smell very differently from one another.

The fragrances of hydrosols are sometimes enhanced by adding synthetic ingredients. Hydrosols are known by different names such as floral waters, distillates, flower waters, and hydroflorates.

Although, some suppliers make a distinction between floral waters/flower waters and hydrosols. According to some manufacturers who make a distinction floral waters are obtained by straining essential oil that has been mixed with distilled water for a certain length of time or by combining grain alcohol with the oil to create an emulsion. If the product is made through this process it will contain even less diluted elements of an essential oil than a hydrosol.

It is often true that floral waters/flower waters do not contain any elements or therapeutic properties of an essential oil. They strictly offer a mild fragrance. It is best to check with the company before purchasing hydrosols or floral water to check their definition of the product. Some suppliers label hydrosols and floral waters as the same thing while others label these products separately.

Sold hydrosols and floral waters are sometimes made with preservatives. It is important to know if the preservative can be mixed with cationic (positively charged) or anionic (negatively charged) ingredients should it be mixed with other hair or body care ingredients. Anionic and cationic ingredients do not mix well if at all. Read the product label to immediately verify the type of preservative used, it is usually the last or one of the last ingredients listed or contact the manufacturer.

Hydrosols:

Calendula hydrosol: It is used for rashes, epidermal healing, scratches, abrasions, sunburn. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and astringent properties.

Helichrysum hydrosol: This hydrosol is reported to benefit the skin tone.

Lavender hydrosol: This is used for facial skin that is oily and dry.

Lemon Balm (Melissa) hydrosol: It is good for oily skin and to help prone skin. Some people have stated to use it for poison ivy and poison oak.

Neroli hydrosol (Orange Blossom): This ingredient can be used as a toner due to its astringent properties. The anti-bacterial properties may help with acne.

Rosemary hydrosol: It adds shine to hair and is helpful with oily skin.