Hydrolats & Hydrosols – the terminology
The terms “hydrolat” and “hydrosol” are often used interchangeably to refer to the fragrant waters derived from the steam distillation of plants. Technically, “hydrolat” refers to the by-product water from distilling essential oils in France due to French pharmaceutical law. “Hydrosol” is a more generic term used internationally for these distilled waters. But in everyday aromatherapy terminology, hydrolat and hydrosol are synonyms.
What are hydrolats (hydrosols)
Hydrolats, also known as flower waters or floral waters, are the water-based by-products of the essential oil steam distillation process. When plant materials like leaves, flowers, bark, roots, seeds, etc are steam distilled to extract essential oils, the water that condenses and collects during this process becomes the fragrant water – the hydrolat.
So in summary:
- Hydrolats are the water by-product of steam distilling plant material to extract essential oils
- 100% natural, pure plant waters that are steam-distilled
- Capture the aromatic molecules of plants that are water-soluble
- Have subtle, gentle fragrances and properties of the plants
The benefits of hydrolats/hydrosols
Hydrolats offer many benefits and therapeutic properties, making them popular for use in:
- Skincare and cosmetics
- Natural perfumery
- Culinary uses
- Home cleaning
- Aromatherapy and natural wellbeing
Compared to essential oils, hydrolats tend to be:
- More gentle on the skin
- Safer
- Have a subtler aroma
- Less likely to cause sensitization
Yet they still provide plant benefits, as they contain trace amounts of essential oils, plant acids, phytonutrients, minerals, and other plant compounds.
How to choose hydrolats
Focus on:
- Organic – ensures purity from pesticides, herbicides, etc
- First distillation – finest quality distillate water
- Unpreserved – free from added chemicals
- Reputable source – reliable ethical suppliers
Popular hydrolats include:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Neroli (orange blossom)
- Rose otto
- Peppermint
- Clary sage
- Geranium
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Palmarosa
Top tips for using hydrolats
- Store in dark amber glass bottles, away from light and heat to preserve the quality
- Use within 1 year of opening for maximum freshness
- Avoid plastic packaging and bottles
- Label bottles clearly with name and opening date
- Keep hydrolats cool, never above 25°C / 77°F
- Use clean equipment to dispense hydrolats to avoid contamination
Hydrolats for skincare
- Spritz face mist to refresh, soothe and hydrate skin
- Add to natural DIY skincare and lotions
- Soothe skin irritations like sunburns
- Calm breakouts and acne
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Tone and tighten mature complexions
Hydrolats for spritzes
- Use rose or lavender hydrolat perfume
- Freshen room sprays
- Create natural deodorant
- Refresh laundry
- Misting hair detangler
Hydrolats for perfumes & deodorant
- Layer with essential oils for personalized fragrances
- Dilute essential oils before applying to the skin
- Make artisanal natural perfumes
- Craft custom room and linen sprays
- Formulate homemade deodorants
Hydrolats for soap-making
- Replace water content for extra moisturizing soaps
- Add natural color and gentle fragrance to soaps
- Suitable for cold process and hot process soap making
- Nurture skin as you cleanse with floral waters
Hydrolats for first aid
- Rinse minor cuts, grazes, and wounds
- Cleanse and refresh irritated skin
- Relieve sunburn or itchy skin irritation
- Calm restless children’s discomforts
Hydrolats for children and babies
- Use gentle floral waters on delicate skin
- Make soothing wipes for nappy changes
- Relieve teething pain diluted on gums
- Calm children to sleep with lavender spritz
- Flower waters keep young skin nourished
Hydrolats for the elderly
- Boost mental stimulation with aromatherapy
- Improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Aid restful sleep naturally
- Soothe muscle aches and pains
- Support immunity and wellbeing
Hydrolats for fragile immunity – debility & chronic illness sufferers
- Support wellness routines
- Complement healthcare treatments
- Aid recovery and convalescence
- Soothe nervous tension and stress
- Encourage deep therapeutic relaxation
Hydrolats for plants and animals
- Add to plant misting sprays
- Refresh pet bedding areas
- Make natural cleaning sprays for homes
- Cleanse garden produce and fruit trees
Other combinations
Explore blending and layering hydrolats together or with essential oils. Always dilute essential oils before use on the skin.
HISTORY OF HYDROLATS
While essential oils have become popular only relatively recently, hydrolats have traditional roots spanning centuries.
- Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used rose and orange flower waters for perfumes, medicine, and religious rituals.
- Persians perfected the art of distillation, using cooled steam to extract essential oils and hydrolats from flowers.
- Ancient Arabic physician Avicenna invented a precursor to modern distillation in the early 11th century.
- French monks adopted distillation methods during the Crusades, bringing the knowledge back to Europe.
- King Louis XIV established lavender flower fields, production, and commerce in Provence, France during the 17th century.
- King Charles the Fifth of Hungary in the 14th century promoted rose distillation in his kingdom, creating the famous rose water.
- Eau-de-cologne was invented in Cologne, Germany in the early 18th century using citrus essential oils and hydrolats.
- Modern aromatic distillation methods created the contemporary essential oil and hydrolat industry.
So while essential oils became more widely available in the 20th century, humans have used hydrolats therapeutically and for wellbeing for thousands of years across many ancient cultures.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Hydrolats are derived from the steam distillation process used to extract essential oils from plants. Here are the key steps:
- Plant material like leaves, stems, bark, seeds, or flowers are placed into a still along with water.
- The still is then heated, turning the water into hot steam that rises upwards through the plant material.
- As the steam penetrates the plant cells, it causes the essential oils to evaporate.
- The hot steam forces the plant oils to rise up and flow through a condenser.
- The steam then cools and condenses back to liquid form, which flows into a collection vessel.
- This distillate separates into a top layer of essential oil and a bottom layer of floral water (the hydrolat).
- The essential oils are skimmed off the top and filtered further.
- The remaining distilled hydrolat is bottled for use.
High-quality hydrolats should only go through a single distillation process. Second and third distillations reduce the therapeutic quality. Authentic hydrolats never have anything removed or added.
The hydrolat takes on the scent and properties of the botanical used. For example, distilling chamomile flowers creates a chamomile floral water. Different plants yield different therapeutic hydrolates.
QUALITY
The finest quality hydrolats are unpreserved with no additives. Healthiest choices:
- Organic – avoids pesticide residues from non-organic plants
- First Distillation – has the most aromatics for maximum benefit
- Unpreserved – no added chemical preservatives
- Recent production – freshest ingredients, unlike some big brands
Color: Clear, can range from colorless to a slight tinge reflecting the plant color. Dark or murky generally indicates poor processing.
Scent: Delicate and characteristic aroma of the source plants. Strong, overpowering scents suggest synthetic additives.
pH: Ranges between 5 to 6.5, similar to healthy skin’s pH. More alkaline than water alone.
Shelf life: Around 6-12 months for unpreserved hydrolats, if stored in cool dark conditions. Then aroma and benefits start declining.
Production: Small batch distillation ensures meticulous quality. Larger commercial operations may cut corners impacting therapeutic value.
APPLICATION & USE
Hydrolats are very versatile for topical use and aromatherapy. They can be applied directly to skin and hair, used in natural health and beauty rituals, cleaning products, and more.
Skincare: Excellent added to skincare regimes. Gently toner and hydrate skin. Soothe irritation. Make facial mists. Add to creams, serums, and masks.
Haircare: Add shine, fragrance, and nourishment to hair. Use as a leave-in conditioner or detangling spritz.
Skin soothers: Relieve sunburn, acne, and dermatitis. Calm itching or discomfort. Cleanse sensitive complexions.
Aromatherapy: Diffuse aromatically. Direct inhalation. Combine with essential oils. Room sprays.
Home fragrance: Gentle room mists. Natural perfumes. Air fresheners. Add to cleaning sprays. Linen sprays.
Medicinal: Oral consumption in water. Gargles and mouthwashes. Compresses for wounds. Therapeutic baths. Steam inhalation.
Culinary: Use food-grade hydrolats like rose and orange blossom in desserts, drinks, and cakes. Replace water in recipes.
Pets: Add to pet shampoo. Soothe allergies and skin issues. Refresh bedding and living areas. Calm stress in rescue animals.
Plants: Misting plant leaves. Add to watering cans. Clean garden produce. Help potted plants thrive.
Children: Perfect for little ones – gentle, subtle, and safer than essential oils. Massage oil, body splash, room spray.
Elderly: Stimulate memories and cognition. Soothe anxiety and sleep issues. Refresh skin with hydrating mists.
For topical use on the skin, always dilute hydrolats 50/50 with water first. They are concentrated distillates so gently diluting helps avoid reactions.
Start by patch-testing hydrolats before extensive use to check for allergies. Especially if you have very sensitive skin.
Store hydrolats in tightly sealed amber glass bottles away from sunlight and heat to maintain freshness. Refrigerate after opening. Good for around 6-12 months when preserved well.
Unlocking the Therapeutic Wonders of Wilde Karde Hydrolat: A Natural Marvel
Wilde Karde hydrolat, derived through meticulous plant distillation, embodies a holistic approach to skincare and aromatherapy. This versatile hydrosol, with its profound therapeutic benefits, has become a cornerstone in beauty products and skincare regimens. Its gentle skincare properties make it ideal for sensitive skin care, ensuring a soothing and hydrating experience.
Rich in organic ingredients and harnessed through the distillation process, Wilde Karde hydrolat boasts natural remedies for various skin concerns. Its applications extend beyond skincare, with potential uses in essential oil blends and aromatherapy recipes. The distillation water captures the essence of fragrant flowers, providing a colloidal solution for holistic well-being.
This hydrolat, rooted in organic cultivation, finds applications in the cosmetic and food industries, making it a preferred choice for those seeking plant-derived extracts. Embrace the historical use of Wilde Karde hydrolat, unlocking its phytotherapeutic and aromatherapeutic potential for radiant and naturally rejuvenated skin.
Discovering the Essence: Pfefferminze Hydrolat for Holistic Wellness
Pfefferminze hydrolat, a product of precise plant distillation, takes center stage in the realms of aromatherapy and skincare routines. This hydrosol, with its organic ingredients and therapeutic benefits, has become a staple in beauty products and natural remedies. The distillation process captures the essence of fragrant flowers, offering a colloidal solution that extends beyond skincare to herbal teas and aromatic plants.
Ideal for sensitive skin care, Pfefferminze Hydrolat provides gentle skincare, ensuring optimal hydration. Its versatile applications include essential oil production and the creation of aromatherapy recipes. Rooted in organic cultivation, this hydrolat finds its place in the cosmetic and food industries, showcasing its prowess in providing plant-derived extracts.
Embrace the historical use of Pfefferminze hydrolat for its phytotherapeutic and aromatherapeutic properties, creating a harmonious synergy with nature for a revitalized skincare regimen.
Revitalize Your Eyes: Exploring the Benefits of Augentrost Hydrolat
Augentrost hydrolat, a product of meticulous plant distillation, stands as a beacon in both aromatherapy and skincare routines. Packed with organic ingredients and therapeutic benefits, this hydrosol is a coveted ingredient in beauty products and natural remedies. The distillation process captures the essence of fragrant flowers, providing a colloidal solution that transcends skincare to herbal teas and aromatic plants.
Tailored for sensitive skin care, Augentrost hydrolat offers gentle care with superior hydration. Its versatile applications span from essential oil production to crafting aromatherapy recipes. Rooted in organic cultivation, this hydrolat finds its place in the cosmetic and food industries, showcasing its prowess in delivering plant-derived extracts.
Embrace the historical use of Augentrost hydrolat, leveraging its phytotherapeutic and aromatherapeutic properties for a revitalized skincare regimen. Say goodbye to tired eyes as this hydrolat becomes an integral part of your natural health and beauty routine.
Unveiling Beauty: The Marvels of Veilchen Hydrolat for Skincare
Veilchen hydrolat, a result of meticulous plant distillation, takes center stage in the realms of aromatherapy and skincare routines. With organic ingredients and therapeutic benefits, this hydrosol is a sought-after component in beauty products and natural remedies. The distillation process captures the essence of fragrant flowers, offering a colloidal solution that transcends skincare to herbal teas and aromatic plants.
Tailored for sensitive skin care, Veilchen Hydrolat provides a gentle skincare experience with superior hydration. Its versatile applications extend from essential oil production to crafting aromatherapy recipes. Rooted in organic cultivation, this hydrolat finds its place in the cosmetic and food industries, showcasing its prowess in delivering plant-derived extracts.
Embrace the historical use of Veilchen hydrolat, leveraging its phytotherapeutic and aromatherapeutic properties for a revitalized skincare regimen. As you delve into the world of natural health and beauty, let Veilchen hydrolat become an essential element in your daily routine, unveiling the beauty of your skin.
Conclusion
Hydrolats are the fragrant by-products of distilling essential oils from plants through steam. They offer a gentler, subtler alternative to essential oils with versatile aromatherapy, beauty, and wellness uses. Look for organic, first-distillation hydrolats with no additives for optimal quality and benefits. Follow proper storage to retain their freshness and aroma. Dilute before applying to the skin. Hydrolats allow you to harness the nurturing properties of flowers and plants in a delicate, soothing way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydrolat?
A hydrolat, also called floral water or hydrosol, is the water-based by-product of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oils from plants. Hydrolats capture the water-soluble aromatics and plant properties from leaves, flowers, stems, bark, or roots during distillation.
What are the uses of hydrolates?
Hydrolats have many versatile uses including:
- Skincare – facial mists, cleansers, creams
- Aromatherapy – diffusing, steam inhalation
- Home fragrancing – room sprays, perfumes
- Medicinal uses – compresses, oral health
- Cooking – desserts, drinks
- Pet care
- Plant care – misting, gardening
- Children and elderly care
How do you use hydrolats?
Top uses:
- Spritz directly onto skin or hair
- Use in creams, lotions, serums
- Add to bath water
- Cleanse skin
- Mist in air or linen
- Gargle for oral health
- Add to food and drinks
- Water plants
- Make aromatherapy oil blends
Always dilute with water before applying hydrolats to the skin. Start with a 50/50 mix. Patch test before extensive use.
What is hydrosol used for?
Hydrosols are used for:
- Skincare – Hydrate, tone and soothe skin
- Aromatherapy – Diffuser for scent and mood
- Home fragrance – Gentle room sprays
- Cooking – Add to foods and beverages
- Medicine – Wound cleansing, compresses
- Haircare – Nourishing and detangling
- Pet care – Cleansing and calming
- Horticulture – Misting plants, produce washing
