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Hydrosols, also known as flower waters or floral waters, are a byproduct of essential oil distillation. The steam distillation process used to extract floral essential oils produces two distinct end products – an oily component, which is the essential oil and an aromatic water, which is the hydrosol.
These aromatic waters capture the essence of the plant material in a milder form, making them perfect for a wide range of applications.
Their subtle aroma and gentle properties give hydrosols a lot of versatility with fewer risks. They can be used in a variety of ways.
From skincare and hair care to aromatherapy and home care, hydrosols offer an all-natural and gentle way to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of plants into your everyday routines.
Want to know more about what are hydrosols before reading about how to use them? This guide to hydrosols goes into more detail about how they are produced, their properties, and how hydrosols are different from essential oils.
Here’s a look at 31 ways to use hydrosols and how they can become a valuable part of your natural living toolkit.
Table of Contents
How To Use Hydrosols In Skincare
1. Facial Toner
Hydrosols make excellent natural facial toners, thanks to their gentle and soothing properties. They help balance the skin’s pH levels and remove any remaining traces of dirt or makeup after cleansing.
Some hydrosols, like rose or lavender, are particularly beneficial for sensitive or dry skin, offering hydration and calming effects.
Others, such as witch hazel or tea tree hydrosols can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation for oily or acne-prone skin.
Hydrosols are gentle and can be applied directly to the skin. Simply spritz a small amount onto a cotton pad or directly onto your face for an instant refresh.
Pro tip 1: When used directly from the fridge, the cool spray helps tighten pores instantly.
Pro tip 1: Add your preferred hydrosol to your face mask instead of plain water.
Best hydrosols to use as a facial toner:
Rose and Lavender for sensitive or dry skin
Witch Hazel and Tea Tree for oily skin
2. Skin Cleanser
Use hydrosols as mild cleansers for a natural approach to skincare. They are gentle enough to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, making them perfect for sensitive or dry skin types.
To use, apply the hydrosol to a cotton pad and gently wipe it over the face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Hydrosols such as chamomile or calendula are particularly effective in soothing redness and irritation while cleansing. This simple step can leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Best hydrosols to use as a skin cleanser:
Chamomile for soothing redness and irritation
Calendula for calming sensitive skin
3. Cooling Mist
Hydrosols make an excellent cooling mist and offer much needed relief on hot summer days and after intense physical activity. A quick spritz on your face, neck, or body can instantly refresh and cool you down.
Peppermint or cucumber hydrosols are particularly invigorating, providing a natural cooling sensation.
Beyond their refreshing properties, these mists also hydrate the skin, preventing it from becoming dry or tight due to heat.
Keep a small bottle handy during the summer months for an instant pick-me-up.
Best hydrosols to use as a cooling mist:
Menthol-rich Peppermint for an invigorating sensation
Cucumber for hydration and refreshment
4. Compress for Skin Irritation
Hydrosols can be used as a soothing compress for irritated or inflamed skin. Soak a clean cloth or cotton pad in hydrosol and gently apply it to the affected area to calm redness, swelling, or itching.
Chamomile, calendula, or rose hydrosols are particularly effective for sensitive or irritated skin.
This method is ideal for conditions like eczema, rosacea, or minor rashes.
The compress delivers the therapeutic benefits of the hydrosol directly to the skin, offering targeted relief.
Best hydrosols to use for skin irritation:
Chamomile for calming redness and swelling
Calendula for soothing and healing
5. Addition to Homemade Lotions & Creams
Hydrosols can be incorporated into your favorite lotions and creams to enhance their effectiveness. By replacing plain water with a hydrosol in DIY formulations, you can add the unique botanical properties of the hydrosol to your skincare routine.
Lavender or neroli hydrosols can provide calming and moisturizing benefits, while tea tree hydrosol can lend antibacterial properties to products for acne-prone skin.
This customization allows you to tailor your skincare products to your specific needs, elevating their efficacy and sensory appeal.
Best hydrosols to add to lotions and creams:
Lavender for calming and moisturizing
Neroli for enhancing hydration and scent
6. Makeup Setting Spray
Using hydrosols as a makeup setting spray can enhance your makeup routine while providing skincare benefits. A light mist of hydrosol over your finished makeup can help set it in place, ensuring it lasts longer throughout the day.
Additionally, hydrosols like rose or orange blossom provide a subtle dewy finish, giving your skin a healthy glow. The natural botanicals in the hydrosol also provide hydration, which helps prevent makeup from appearing cakey or flaky.
Keep a small bottle in your bag for touch-ups and hydration on the go.
Best hydrosols to use as a makeup setting spray:
Rose for a dewy finish and hydration
Orange Blossom for a subtle glow
7. Manage Acne-Prone Skin
Hydrosols can be a gentle yet effective solution for managing acne-prone skin. Their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and calm irritated skin.
Hydrosols like tea tree and thyme are known for their ability to combat acne-causing bacteria, while chamomile and lavender soothe and promote healing.
If your skin is prone to acne breakouts, regular use can also help balance sebum production, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores.
Spraying a little onto a cotton pad and applying it over the face makes an effective complement to your acne-reducing skincare routine.
Use as a facial mist, toner, or as an ingredient in a DIY face mask for best results.
Best hydrosols to use for acne-prone skin:
Tea Tree for its antibacterial and clarifying properties.
Thyme for its antimicrobial and oil-balancing effects.
Chamomile for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lavender for its calming and healing properties.
8. Aftershave Spray
Hydrosols are a gentle and effective alternative to conventional aftershaves, which often contain alcohol that can dry out the skin.
They soothe freshly shaved skin, reducing redness and irritation caused by shaving. Hydrosols such as witch hazel or chamomile are ideal for calming the skin and promoting healing. A quick spritz post-shave can also provide light hydration and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Their natural antibacterial properties can further help in preventing any infections or bumps.
Best hydrosols to use as an aftershave spray:
Witch Hazel for calming irritation
Chamomile for soothing and healing
9. Post-Sun Skin Hydration
After a day out in the sun, lightly misting your skin with hydrosols can instantly hydrate and cool your skin, offering immediate soothing relief.
Lavender or aloe vera hydrosols are particularly effective for calming redness and irritation caused by sun exposure.
Simply spray the hydrosol generously over the affected areas to hydrate and cool the skin. These hydrosols can also help accelerate the healing process by reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration.
For added relief, store the hydrosol in the refrigerator before use for an extra cooling effect.
Best hydrosols to use for post sun hydration
Aloe Vera for its cooling and soothing effects on sunburned skin.
Rose for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lavender for its calming and skin-repairing benefits.
Cucumber for its refreshing and moisture-replenishing qualities.
How To Use Hydrosols For Hair Care
10. Refreshing Hair Mist
Hydrosols are a great addition to hair care as a natural and refreshing mist. They can be spritzed onto the hair to add a light fragrance while also providing hydration to dry or brittle strands.
Lavender or rose hydrosols can impart a subtle, pleasant scent and help tame frizz, making them an ideal pick for daily use.
Hydrosols can also be used to refresh hair between washes, offering a lightweight alternative to traditional hair products. For a cooling effect, peppermint hydrosol can be used, especially during summer months.
Best hydrosols to use as a hair mist
Rose for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Lemon for its refreshing and cleansing effects.
Geranium for its balancing and revitalizing benefits.
Lavender for its calming and nourishing qualities.
11. Scalp Treatment
When it comes to scalp health, hydrosols can be incredibly beneficial. They can soothe irritation, reduce dandruff, and promote a balanced scalp environment.
Tea tree or rosemary hydrosols are particularly effective for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help combat dandruff and other scalp issues.
Simply spray or drop the hydrosol directly onto the scalp and massage it in for maximum absorption. This treatment can leave your scalp feeling refreshed and promote healthier hair growth.
Best hydrosols to use for scalp treatment
Rosemary for its stimulating and circulation-boosting properties.
Peppermint for its refreshing and cooling effects on the scalp.
Tea Tree for its antibacterial and soothing qualities.
Lavender for its calming and balancing benefits for the scalp.
12. DIY Hair Care Products
Hydrosols can be incorporated into homemade hair care recipes, enhancing their efficacy with botanical benefits. Use them as a base for DIY shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks to infuse the product with hydrating and therapeutic properties.
For instance, chamomile hydrosol can add a soothing element to a conditioner for sensitive scalps, while peppermint hydrosol can lend a refreshing touch to a clarifying shampoo. Their versatility makes hydrosols a staple for natural hair care enthusiasts.
Best hydrosols to use in DIY hair care products
Rosemary for its stimulating and hair-growth-promoting properties.
Lavender for its soothing and balancing effects on the scalp.
Chamomile for its gentle, calming benefits and lightening effects on blonde hair.
How To Use Hydrosols For Aromatherapy & Mood
13. Body Spray
Hydrosols are ideal as body sprays, offering a light and natural way to refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day. Unlike synthetic sprays, hydrosols provide a gentle aroma and skin-soothing properties without any harsh chemicals.
Lavender, rose, or orange blossom hydrosols work wonderfully as body sprays, leaving a subtle fragrance on your skin while also delivering hydration.
You can also layer them with your favorite lotion or perfume for a personalized scent experience. Simply spritz a few times after showering or anytime during the day for an uplifting boost.
Best hydrosols to use as body sprays
Lavender for its calming and soothing aroma.
Rose for its floral and uplifting scent.
Orange Blossom for its sweet, refreshing, and mood-boosting fragrance.
Eucalyptus for its invigorating and fresh, clean scent.
14. Mild Natural Perfume
Hydrosols can serve as a light and subtle natural perfume for those who prefer a softer scent profile. Unlike traditional perfumes, which can be overwhelming or contain synthetic ingredients, hydrosols offer a pure and gentle aroma derived from nature.
Neroli and rose hydrosols are popular choices for their delicate and floral fragrances. Jasmine is the best choice if you prefer a more exotic and heady floral fragrance
They can be applied directly to the skin, such as on pulse points, or misted lightly over clothes for a refreshing and natural scent.
Perfect for everyday use, hydrosol perfumes are both versatile and skin-friendly.
Best hydrosols to use as daytime perfumes
Rose for its distinctly feminine fragrance
Neroli for its fresh citrusy-floral fragrance
Lavender for its mild, calming aroma
Jasmine for its heady floral fragrance
15. Mood Booster
Hydrosols are a delightful way to lift your mood and create a sense of emotional well-being. Their gentle aromas can evoke feelings of calm, happiness, or energy, depending on the hydrosol used.
Citrus hydrosols like orange blossom and lemon verbena are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, while rose and geranium hydrosols promote feelings of joy and relaxation.
Simply spritz them in the air, use as a facial mist, or add to a diffuser to enjoy their mood-boosting benefits.
Best hydrosols to use as a mood booster
Orange Blossom for its uplifting and cheerful aroma
Lemon Verbena for its energizing and refreshing scent
Rose for its calming and heartwarming properties
Geranium for its balancing and joyful effects
16. Natural Deodorant Spray
Hydrosols can be used to create natural deodorant sprays that are effective yet gentle on the skin.
Their antibacterial properties help combat odor-causing bacteria, while their refreshing aromas leave you feeling clean and fresh.
Tea tree, lavender, or peppermint hydrosols are excellent options for deodorant sprays, as they offer both odor-neutralizing and soothing benefits.
To make a DIY deodorant, combine the hydrosol with a small amount of baking soda or magnesium oil for enhanced effectiveness.
This natural alternative is free from harsh chemicals and ideal for sensitive skin.
Best hydrosols to use as deodorant sprays
Tea tree for its odor-neutralizing properties
Lavender for its cooling effect
Peppermint for refreshing and energizing
17. Gentle Relaxing Spray
On super busy, stressful days, when it feels like you don’t have a moment to stop and catch your breath, hydrosols can help defuse the tension.
These floral waters are perfect for creating a relaxing spray to unwind after a long day. Their calming properties help ease tension, promote tranquility, and prepare your mind and body for rest.
Lavender and chamomile hydrosols are well-known for their soothing effects, while sandalwood and neroli bring a sense of grounding and peace.
Spray onto your pillow, linens, or simply around your space to reduce stress and anxiety and create a calming ambiance.
Best hydrosols to use for a relaxing spray:
Lavender for its calming and sleep-promoting properties.
Chamomile for its soothing and stress-relieving benefits.
Sandalwood for its grounding and meditative qualities.
Neroli for its tranquil and mood-balancing effects.
18. Support a Restful Night’s Sleep
Hydrosols can help create a serene environment that supports restful sleep. Their gentle, soothing aromas calm the mind, reduce stress, and encourage relaxation.
Lavender and chamomile hydrosols are particularly effective for promoting sleep, while neroli and valerian hydrosols help ease nighttime anxiety.
Use as a pillow spray, room mist, or add a small amount to your evening bath to create a relaxing atmosphere conducive to better sleep.
Best hydrosols to support restful sleep
Lavender for its proven sleep-inducing and calming properties
Chamomile for its gentle, soothing effects on the mind and body
Neroli for its ability to alleviate stress and promote tranquility
Valerian for its deep relaxation and sleep-enhancing qualities
19. Support Yoga & Meditation
Incorporating hydrosols into your yoga or meditation routine can enhance the experience.
Spraying a grounding hydrosol, such as frankincense or sandalwood, around your practice space can help set a tranquil atmosphere. Cedarwood hydrosol is also a good choice for its grounding benefits.
You can also mist your hands or body before beginning your practice to encourage grounding and relaxation.
Best hydrosols to use for yoga and meditation
Sandalwood and Frankincense for their grounding effects
Lavender at night for its calming effects
Myrrh for its uplifting effects
20. Cool Compresses for Relaxation
A hydrosol-infused compress can be a deeply relaxing way to unwind. Soak a clean cloth in your favorite hydrosol (such as lavender, chamomile, or rose) and apply it to your forehead, temples, or neck.
This soothing compress helps ease muscle tension, promote mental clarity, and provide an overall calming effect. It’s an ideal addition to a bedtime routine or post-stress recovery.
Best hydrosols to use for cool compress
Lavender, chamomile, and rose for their mild, calming aroma
How To Use Hydrosols Around The Home
21. Room Freshener
Using hydrosols as room fresheners is a quick and easy way to refresh the ambiance of your space. They provide a light and natural aroma without the synthetic chemicals found in many commercial air fresheners.
Rose, jasmine, or peppermint hydrosols are excellent options, depending on the mood you want to create.
Fill a spray bottle with your preferred hydrosol and lightly mist the air around you or onto pillows and bed linens before sleep. A few sprays can instantly refresh a room, making it smell clean and inviting.
Best hydrosols to use as a room freshener:
Rose or Jasmine for a luxurious and floral scent
Peppermint for invigorating and refreshing vibes
22. Linen Spray
Hydrosols make excellent linen sprays, offering a natural way to freshen up your sheets, pillows, and clothes.
Lavender hydrosol is a popular choice for its calming scent, making it ideal for bedtime use to promote relaxation and better sleep. Alternatively, citrus-based hydrosols like orange blossom or lemon provide an uplifting aroma, perfect for refreshing your living spaces.
In addition to smelling wonderful, these hydrosols are soothing and relaxing.
To use, mist the hydrosol lightly over your linens or clothing for a subtle fragrance that enhances comfort and well-being.
Best hydrosols to use as a linen spray:
Lavender and Roman chamomile for promoting relaxation and sleep
Orange Blossom for uplifting and energizing effects
23. Carpet & Upholstery Freshener
Hydrosols are an excellent natural option for freshening carpets and upholstery without harsh chemicals. Their mild antibacterial properties help neutralize odors while leaving a subtle, pleasant scent behind.
Citrus hydrosols like lemon or orange are great for refreshing and deodorizing, while lavender and peppermint can add a clean, invigorating aroma. Lightly spray your carpets or furniture, allowing the hydrosol to dry for an instant freshness boost.
Best hydrosols to use as a carpet and upholstery freshener:
Lemon for its bright, clean, and deodorizing scent
Orange for its uplifting and odor-neutralizing properties
Lavender for its calming and fresh aroma
Peppermint for its invigorating and crisp fragrance
24. Car Freshener
Hydrosols can be used to naturally freshen your car, providing a pleasant scent without artificial chemicals. Their light aromas help neutralize odors while creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Citrus hydrosols like orange and lemon are perfect for uplifting and eliminating musty smells, while peppermint and eucalyptus can refresh and energize during long drives. Simply spritz the hydrosol in your car or onto cloth surfaces for an instant burst of freshness.
Best hydrosols to use as a car freshener:
Orange for its cheerful and odor-eliminating properties
Lemon for its refreshing and cleansing aroma
Peppermint for its invigorating and energizing scent
Eucalyptus for its revitalizing and air-purifying qualities
25. Natural Household Cleaning
Hydrosols can be an excellent addition to your household cleaning routine. Many hydrosols, like tea tree or lemon, have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them ideal for sanitizing surfaces.
You can mix a hydrosol with water and vinegar to create a gentle, effective cleaner for countertops, floors, and bathrooms. It will leave your home smelling fresh and clean while reducing exposure to chemical cleaners.
How To Use Hydrosols In DIY & Creative Projects
26. DIY Skincare Formulations
Hydrosols are a fantastic addition to DIY skincare formulations, offering gentle hydration and soothing properties.
You can incorporate them into toners, moisturizers, or facial mists for a natural alternative to water-based products.
Hydrosols like rose, chamomile, or lavender provide skin-calming benefits and can help balance the skin’s pH, making them ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
27. Homemade Soaps
Hydrosols can be used in soap making to enhance the fragrance and properties of your soap bars. Instead of using regular water, substitute with a hydrosol such as lavender, peppermint, or rosemary for an added therapeutic effect.
These hydrosols not only impart a pleasant, natural aroma to your soap but also offer their calming, antimicrobial, or refreshing qualities to the skin.
28. DIY Salves & Balms
Hydrosols are an excellent ingredient for salves and balms, lending their therapeutic benefits to these rich, soothing products. Their inclusion can add a layer of hydration and botanical nutrients that enhance the overall healing properties of the balm.
For example, adding chamomile hydrosol to a healing balm or lavender hydrosol to a calming salve can enhance the therapeutic effects of your creations. The hydrosols provide additional moisture and act as a mild astringent or anti-inflammatory agent when combined with natural oils and beeswax.
This combination is perfect for addressing cracked skin, minor wounds, or dryness.
Best hydrosols to use in salves and balms:
Calendula for healing properties
Chamomile for soothing dry or irritated skin
Lavender for its soothing and healing properties.
Chamomile for its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Helichrysum for its skin rejuvenating and wound-healing effects.
Tea Tree for its antibacterial and cleansing qualities.
29. Candle Making
Adding hydrosols to homemade candles can elevate the scent and create a more natural fragrance release. You can incorporate a hydrosol into the wax or use it to spritz the surface of candles for a burst of aromatic freshness when lit.
Essential oils paired with hydrosols like orange blossom or eucalyptus can create a balanced, long-lasting fragrance.
How To Use Hydrosols In Specialized Purposes
30. Foot Soak Additive
Hydrosols can be used to enhance foot soaks, offering a refreshing and therapeutic experience. Hydrosols like peppermint or tea tree are perfect for soothing tired feet, fighting odor, and providing antifungal properties. Simply add a few tablespoons of hydrosol to warm water and soak your feet to relax, refresh, and revitalize after a long day.
31. Wound Care Rinse
Certain hydrosols, such as chamomile, lavender, and tea tree, have mild antiseptic and healing properties, making them effective for use in wound care. A diluted hydrosol rinse can help cleanse minor cuts, scrapes, or burns while promoting healing. You can soak a clean cloth or cotton pad in the hydrosol and gently apply it to the affected area to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
32. Minor Cuts & Scrapes Treatment
Hydrosols can provide relief and promote healing for minor cuts and scrapes. Hydrosols like tea tree or rosemary, with their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, can be used to gently cleanse the wound and prevent infection. To use, dab the affected area with a hydrosol-soaked cotton ball or cloth to disinfect and encourage faster healing.
33. Foliar Spray for Plants
Hydrosols can be used in plant care as a foliar spray to help nourish and protect your plants. Hydrosols such as peppermint, rose, or rosemary contain natural compounds that can boost plant health and repel pests. Spraying plants with a diluted hydrosol mixture can also help with fungal issues, promote growth, and enhance the overall vitality of your plants.
3 Precautions When Using Hydrosols
Never use hydrosols that look or smell funky. If you’ve kept the bottle for too long, sniff the contents before using. If it smells rancid, throw it away. If it has no smell at all, it may not be spoilt but it would have lost all of its original properties.
Do not touch the hydrosol in the bottle directly with your fingers. It will contaminate the contents. Instead, pour out a little onto a sterile cotton pad or use a clean glass dropper to remove as much as you need.
If you’re using the hydrosol very sparingly, it’s best to transfer a small amount to a smaller glass container. That way you don’t expose the entire hydrosol content to the atmosphere repeatedly. Oxygen in the air oxidized hydrosols and shortens their life span. Close tightly and put the bottle back in the refrigerator after use.
Hydrosols offer a versatile and natural solution for a wide range of uses, from enhancing your skincare routine to improving household freshness and promoting relaxation.
Their gentle yet effective properties make them suitable for everything from DIY beauty projects to specialized applications like pet and baby care.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate hydrosols into your daily wellness regimen or explore their creative potential in homemade products, their soothing aromas and therapeutic benefits can elevate both your self-care and home environment.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
