Why You Should Be Using Hydrosols -- And How

What Are Hydrosols?

You may have come across the terms floral water, hydrolates, and hydrosols and wondered, “What are these?” 

A hydrosol is a co-product of the steam distillation process. When creating a steam distilled essential oil, there are two vats used in the process. One vat contains the plant matter and water. The second vat is empty. The first vat is heated which makes the water and essential oils from the plants turn into a vapour and rise. They travel through a tube which is cooled and the vaporous material returns to a liquid state. The second vat collects the liquid. As oil and water do not marry, the essential oil will be found sitting on the surface of the water. The water contained in the second vat is the hydrosol. It contains the same properties as the essential oil found in the plant but is much gentler. 

Hydrosols are a fantastic choice to use on sensitive parts of our bodies. You can use them as facial toners as many (such as Rose, Geranium and Frankincense) have astringent properties. You can use them to gently calm skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. They can also be used to help heal new scars and burns. When treating areas of our body like delicate mucus membranes or the genital region, a hydrosol is best considered. Essential oils can create an extreme adverse reaction that can damage rather than heal. 

The word hydrosol evolves from the Latin words “hydro” (water) and “sol” (solution). Various words have come to mean the same. A common word that is found in a lot of online recipes is “floral water.” Floral water is the product of hydrosol (or hydrolats/hydrolates in French). However, in aromatherapy, the words hydrosol and hydrolates are preferred due to the fact that these products can be made from plants other than flowers. 

Sanitation Matters

When creating products with hydrosols it’s important to remember “sanitation matters.” Hydrosols are more delicate in nature than essential oils and have a shorter shelf life. Any introduction of bacteria or debris can make your product go off. To have a long-lasting product, it’s important to sanitize packaging, misters or pumps, stir sticks, and measuring vessels. You don’t want those recipes you worked so hard on to go bad! To sterilize all your equipment and packaging, clean with hot water and rinse with alcohol. Dry in a dust free environment.

Note: We now sell all of our hydrosols in bulk in the store and through our Mobile Refillery!   

RECIPES

Calming Facial Toner

(60ml Mister)

This product is an excellent addition to your facial care routine for those who battle with irritated or acneic skin. This blend of hydrosols calms and soothes the skin thanks to the inclusion of chamomile and lavender. Helichrysum is known to help promote the healing of damaged or blemished skin.

Lightly mist on your face after cleansing and towel drying your skin. Follow up with your favourite facial oil or cream!

Blend:

• Lavender Hydrosol 20ml (20gr)
• Yarrow Hydrosol 10ml (10gr)
• Helichrysum Hydrosol 5ml (5gr)
• Witch Hazel 10ml (10gr)

Sunny Days

(60ml Mister)

This blend of hydrosols and aloe is designed for those hard-to-handle, hot summer days. When you feel the heat beating down, give yourself a quick spritz over the face and shoulders. You will find the cooling properties of peppermint hydrosol to be a quick relief. The incorporation of aloe will help soothe the skin from solar exposure.

Blend:

• Peppermint Hydrosol 20ml (20gr)
• Lavender Hydrosol 5ml (5gr)
• Rose Geranium Hydrosol 5ml (5gr)
• Aloe Vera Juice 20ml (20gr)