What are Hydrosols? Benefits and Uses

What is a Hydrosol?

Rose geranium hydrosol being made with a copper still Also known as hydrolats or floral waters, hydrosols are pure water-based aromatic extracts made through the process of hydro-distillation - the same way essential oils are made. Compared to essential oils, however, these herbal waters are much less potent and quite a bit gentler to use. Hydrosols are not just water with the addition of essential oil, despite the fact hat some brands sell this as such. A hydrosol is an encapsulation of the actual cellular waters of the plant! It is truly special.

How to Make a Hydrosol

Using a glass, stainless steel, or copper still designed for hydro-distillation, steam is directed through fresh plant material and the leaves, flowers, bark or roots release volatile compounds, which are then condensed back into a liquid state and collected. The distillate includes very small quantities of essential oils but also water-soluble constituents that are not present in essential oil.

Hydrosol Uses

Hydrosols can be used for aromatherapy but we especially love using hydrosol for skin care, as a botanical toner and hydrating facial mist. To use, simply mist clean skin before applying an oil-based moisturizer. Or, apply a few spritzes to refresh the skin during the day. Breathe deeply and enjoy the therapeutic scent!

Moisture vs Hydration

Do you know the difference between moisture and hydration? In skincare, moisture refers to an oil-based substance that keeps the skin from drying out, while hydration comes from the water that keeps our skin supple, plump, and juicy. Our skin needs both, internally and externally, to be its best. Many people use face oil and balms, but an oil layer will only be so effective if we don't apply it to damp skin.

Benefits of Hydrosols

Hydrosols are a beautiful way to introduce this hydration element - with a naturally slightly acidic pH, hydrosols balance the barrier function of the skin, or the "acid mantle". A true floral water offers the skin barrier repair and enriched hydration, which is key to support healthy, elastic, and plump skin naturally. Our bodies are, after all, largely water. Moreover, each floral water carries the benefits specific to the plant distilled, like any other kind of botanical preparation.

When used together with a face oil, a hydrosol softens and prepares the skin to allow the oil to absorb into the skin deeply rather than stay floating on the surface. Hydrated skin is especially important for those who feel that face oils make their skin too oily, but equally as key for plumping and rejuvenating dry or flaky skin.

Find our seasonally rotating, artisanally distilled, small batch hydrosols here. We are proud that all of our plant material is ethically grown by small farms in the US - we will never use threatened plants as is so common in the industry of aromatherapy. Our floral waters are distilled just down the road exclusively for us by artisans who specialize in hydrosol production.

Blue yarrow distillation photographed by one of our distillers, Julie Douglas