Hydrosols are the aromatic byproducts of steam distillation, a process primarily used to extract essential oils from various plant parts. They are also known as floral waters or aromatic waters.
Although hydrosols are created alongside essential oils during distillation, the they are very different products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Full Disclosure Here
Essential oils are highly concentrated while hydrosols are mostly water with minute amounts of essential oil.
Incorporating hydrosols into your lifestyle is a gentle and inexpensive way to ramp up your aromatherapy experience. Mild and nontoxic, hydrosols offer a long list of benefits without any nasty side effects.
Table of Contents
What Are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols are essentially floral waters.
The steam distillation process produces two end products – essential oil and hydrosol.
Both products share many of the same properties. Both even have similar aromas. However, they have distinctly different potencies.
Essential oils capture the most concentrated, oil-soluble compounds of the plant and have a strong aroma.
On the other hand, hydrosols contain the water-soluble constituents, offering a softer and more delicate essence of the plant’s aroma and properties.
Gentle, non-toxic, and delicately scented, hydrosols are very versatile and can be used in numerous ways.
They are widely used in a variety of bath, body care, and aromatherapy formulations as well as perfumes.
Their gentle potency allows them to be used directly on the skin, incorporated into DIY beauty recipes, and used liberally to refresh your space.
How Hydrosols Are Made
Hydrosols are created during the steam distillation process used to produce essential oils.
To extract essential oils via steam distillation, various botanicals are placed along with water in specially designed steam distill equipment and heated under pressure.
The exact plant part that is used depends on the plant and the type of essential oil to be extracted.
Some essential oils, such as lavender, rose, and jasmine, are extracted from the flowers of the plant. Others, such as cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus, are extracted from the leaves or bark of the plant.
When the plant parts and water are heated under pressure, two things happen. The pressure extracts the oils from the plant parts and the heat converts the water to steam.
The volatile molecules that evaporate more easily are carried upwards by the steam. This steam and molecule mixture is transported over to a specially designed condensing chamber.
In the chamber, steam gets converted back into water. When this happens, the oil floats to the top. This oil is the essential oil that has just been extracted and the water that’s left behind is hydrosol.
This water, or hydrosol, is not just plain water. It contains the water-soluble components of the plant’s volatile ingredients. Some hydrosols may contain trace amounts of essential oil residue in them, which is absolutely okay.
So are hydrosols and essential oils the same thing? No, there is a difference between the two.
Difference Between Hydrosols & Essential Oils
We know that essential oils and hydrosols are derivatives of the same extraction process. The end product of the process results in a hydrosol and essential oil.
Both end-products contain the same therapeutic properties as the plant that was used as the base material. However, although they both have the same properties, they are vastly different in terms of strength, concentration, and usage.
Essential oils obtained during the steam distillation process are highly concentrated extracts containing the potent, oil-soluble components of the plant. This concentrated nature makes them incredibly powerful but also necessitates proper dilution before use, especially on the skin.
In contrast, hydrosols are far gentler, as they primarily consist of water infused with the water-soluble compounds of the plant. This makes them safe to use directly on the skin without dilution, offering a more accessible option for everyday use.
For individuals with sensitive skin or children, hydrosols provide a non-irritating alternative that still delivers many of the same therapeutic benefits, albeit in a subtler form.
Another key distinction lies in their applications. While essential oils are best suited for intensive aromatherapy practices, creating potent blends, or addressing specific concerns, hydrosols are a better option where a softer approach is desired.
Their mild aroma, combined with their compatibility with skin and hair, makes them ideal for skincare products, facial mists, and even baby care routines.
Hydrosols are also excellent for use in environments where strong scents may be overwhelming or inappropriate, such as in schools, hospitals, or around pets.
The third major difference between hydrosols and essential oils is that hydrosols can be diluted in water. This makes it easier to add hydrosols to any water-based skin care product or in the bath.
On the other hand, essential oils cannot be diluted in water. When mixed with water, the oil droplets float to the top and stay there. Essential oils can only be diluted in carrier oil.
Benefits Of Hydrosols
Hydrosols offer a wide range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to skincare, haircare, wellness, and home care routines. They are hugely popular for use in skincare, haircare, and home care products thanks to their wonderfully soothing, hydrating, and aromatic qualities.
Hydrosol Benefits for Skin: In skincare, hydrosols act as gentle toners that help balance the skin’s pH while delivering hydration. They can soothe irritation, reduce redness, and calm sensitive skin. Popular choices like rose hydrosol and chamomile hydrosol are particularly renowned for their skin-soothing properties.
Hydrosol Benefits for Hair: For haircare, hydrosols provide a natural way to refresh the scalp and hair. Lavender hydrosol, for instance, can soothe an irritated scalp, while rosemary hydrosol may support healthy hair growth.
Hydrosol Benefits for Wellness: In wellness, hydrosols can be used for light aromatherapy. Their mild fragrances create a calming or uplifting atmosphere without the intensity of essential oils. Peppermint hydrosol, for example, can offer a refreshing pick-me-up, while neroli hydrosol helps to create a serene environment.
Hydrosol Benefits for Home care: In home care, hydrosols serve as natural alternatives to synthetic sprays. They can be used as linen sprays, air fresheners, or even to clean surfaces, adding a touch of botanical freshness to everyday spaces. These versatile uses make hydrosols an eco-friendly choice for holistic living.
This is just a snapshot of the benefits of hydrosols. It’s a recap of this extensive list of the ways to use hydrosols for skin, hair, wellness, and home.
It’s important to remember that every hydrosol has its own distinctive aroma, properties and characteristics that are different from those of other hydrosols.
5 Popular Hydrosols & Uses
Hydrosols come in a wide range of varieties, each offering unique benefits and characteristics. Some of the most popular hydrosols include:
Lavender Hydrosol
Distilled from the flowering parts of the lavender plant, lavender hydrosol is known for its calming and versatile properties.
With its soft floral aroma, it is often used to soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote relaxation. Ideal for all skin types, it can be used as a facial mist, toner, or in soothing sprays for bedding.
Lavender hydrosol also supports emotional balance, making it a popular choice for promoting calm and reducing stress.
Rose Hydrosol
Rose hydrosol, also known as rosewater, is a luxurious and fragrant hydrosol obtained from rose petals. it is renowned for its hydrating and soothing effects.
Its gentle floral scent makes it a favorite in skincare, where it helps to balance and refresh the complexion while calming sensitivity.
Beyond skincare, rose hydrosol is often as a natural perfume, or in aromatherapy to uplift and comfort the spirit.
Roman Chamomile Hydrosol
Obtained from the flowers of the Anthemis nobilis plant, Roman chamomile hydrosol is treasured for its sweet, apple-like aroma and exceptional soothing properties.
It is particularly well-suited for sensitive or inflamed skin, offering a gentle way to calm redness and irritation.
This hydrosol is also a natural choice for calming emotional tension, promoting restful sleep, and supporting relaxation in both children and adults.
Tea Tree Hydrosol
Tea tree hydrosol is prized for its refreshing, herbaceous aroma and powerful cleansing properties. It is widely used for its soothing effects on irritated skin, making it a go-to for minor cuts, blemishes, and redness.
This hydrosol also works well as a natural toner, helping to balance oily skin and prevent breakouts.
Additionally, its antimicrobial properties make it a popular choice for freshening linens or as an ingredient in homemade cleaning products.
Helichrysum Hydrosol
Often referred to as “immortelle water,” Helichrysum hydrosol has proven regenerative and soothing qualities.
With a light, earthy, and slightly sweet scent, it is particularly beneficial for supporting skin repair, reducing redness, and calming sensitive or mature skin.
Its gentle nature makes it a favorite for addressing sunburn, minor wounds, or inflammation. Helichrysum hydrosol is also valued for its grounding and calming effects in emotional aromatherapy.
What To Look For When Buying Hydrosols
Not all hydrosols are created equal or of high quality. Many lesser-known manufacturers add water to a few drops of essential oil and market these as hydrosols.
These are not genuine hydrosols. Not only will these not do you any good but they could even be harmful. Adding water to essential oils shortens the shelf life of the oil.
The key to buying pure high-quality hydrosols is to buy them from a known, reputed brand. Plant Therapy is my go-to brand for buying hydrosol.
Always check that ‘hydrosol’ or ‘flower water’ is listed as the primary ingredient and not far down the list of ingredients. You also want to make sure that the product has no added fragrance, perfume, colors, or dyes. It should absolutely no additives.
Some hydrosols that are specially formulated for specific purposes may list other ingredients and that’s okay. For example, a hydrosol to be used as a Face Mist may have Aloe Vera or Calendula extract, both of which are good for the skin.
Shelf Life of Hydrosols
Unlike essential oils, hydrosols have a shorter shelf life due to their water content and lack of preservatives. Typically, hydrosols can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the plant material and storage conditions.
To extend their shelf life, refrigeration is recommended, especially in warmer climates. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or cloudiness, before use.
How To Store Hydrosols Correctly To Extend Shelf Life
The right way to store hydrosols is in a cool dark environment with consistent temperature like the fridge.
Good quality hydrosols have high water content and they are preservative-free. Both of these factors increase the risk of bacterial contamination and shorten the life span of the hydrosol.
Storing hydrosols in the fridge preserves the integrity of the components. The hydrosol will last longer with all of its properties and benefits intact. As an added bonus, spritzing the cool hydrosol on your face and body can feel very refreshing.
Do not store hydrosols in the freezer. The sub-zero temperature in the freezer can damage the components of the hydrosol.
Hydrosols are an incredible gift from nature, offering gentle yet effective benefits for a variety of applications. Their soothing, aromatic, and versatile qualities make them an indispensable addition to any natural wellness routine.
As a milder counterpart to essential oils, they cater to a broader audience, including those with sensitive skin and children.
Whether used in skincare, haircare, or home care, hydrosols bring the essence of plants into your daily life in a safe and accessible way. With proper storage and care, hydrosols can become a cherished part of your holistic lifestyle.
Want to learn more about hydrosols?
These are excellent and reliable books on the topic written by authorities in the field. I highly recommend three books on hydrosols:
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
Hydrosol Therapy: The complete guide to working with hydrosols covering both theory and practical application.
Aromatic Waters: Therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Culinary Hydrosol Applications
Harvest To Hydrosol Second Edition: Distill Your Own Exquisite Hydrosols at Home
Hydrosol FAQs
Which hydrosol is best for skin?
Lavender Hydrosol as astringent and purifying properties and is suitable for all skin types.
Rose Hydrosol is better suited for combination and oily skin. It is also good for sensitive skin.
Which hydrosol is good for hair?
Rose and Rosemary Hydrosols are best for oily hair.
Lavender and Neroli Hydrosols are good for dry hair.
Can I use hydrosol in a diffuser?
You can use hydrosol in all types of diffusers except for nebulizing diffusers, which are designed to be used without water. Adding hydrosol to a nebulizing diffuser will damage the mechanism.
Hydrosols are a great option to add to your diffuser if you want to infuse the space with a subtle aroma. When using hydrosols in a diffuser you don’t need to add water to the tank as the hydrosol itself is made up mainly of water.
Can I freeze hydrosols?
No, you should never freeze hydrosols. Freezing damages the components and renders the hydrosol unusable.
Can I heat hydrosols?
Hydrosols are sensitive to high heat. If you do need to heat it for a specific purpose, make sure to heat it gently. Do not heat too quickly and do not overheat. High heat damages the delicate components of hydrosols.
How long do hydrosols last?
The shelf life of each hydrosol is different. It depends on the botanicals of that particular hydrosol, its pH level, distillation conditions, storage conditions, and how it is handled.
When you buy hydrosols, read the product page to learn more about it.
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.
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.
