Hydrosols for Skincare: Aromatherapy’s Herbal High

At 420formulator, I’m all about crafting natural vibes for your skin. Hydrosols, or pure plant-distilled waters, are underrated in skincare. These gentle yet powerful hydrosols for skincare bring nature’s essence straight to your routine. Let me share more about them.

People ask, “What’s the difference between hydrolats and hydrosols?” The answer is complex because several terms refer to the same thing: Flower Waters, Hydrolats, Aromatic Waters, and Spirituous Waters. So, let’s go through just what is a hydrosol, and learn more about using hydrosols in skincare.

History of Aromatic Waters

Using hydrosols for skincare has been around for a very long time. Traditionally, fresh herbs such as lavender and rosemary were boiled in water to create steam. As the water boiled, steam went up a pipe and carried the lighter molecules that had been released from the herbs.

This pipe then went into a condensation spiral to cool down and was collected in a container. The essential oil from the plant floated to the surface, and the water underneath was called the flower water.

It’s a bit confusing because, at that early stage, they often distilled barks, leaves, twigs, and roots, not just flowers. So, calling it “flower water” wasn’t entirely accurate, but everyone understood what it meant. The processing system is still pretty much the same now – just on a huge scale.

Different cultures really had their own unique ways of doing this. In Europe, it was initially seen as a waste product, with only the essential oil being valuable. People soon recognised its similar properties to essential oils, realising the floral water was valuable in its own right.

In the Middle East, around Lebanon, the same process happened, but the pre-soaking and distillation took much longer. This broke the materials down to a much greater degree, and the resulting oil/water mix can smell quite disgusting. It was bottled and matured for a year, allowing the electrons and molecules to rearrange until the product was ready.

The essential oil floated on top but was only used to stop the water from going brackish. The essential oil was not considered valuable at all and was a semi-waste product. The water distillate was the prize, and after it had matured, smelt incredible.

After training in this method, I can confirm that the waters produced are exquisite, but they are rare and expensive. Hydrosols aren’t just for skincare; people often spray Orange Blossom Hydrosol onto their morning coffee. Try it on your morning bullet-proof coffee. I can confirm that it is delicious!

How to Spot Fake Hydrosols in Skincare?

There’s this fairly new method where they mix a tiny bit of essential oil with a solubiliser and water, and it ends up being what they call flower water. There isn’t a strict legal definition for these terms, so I will call distilled water hydrosol and the water with essential oil distilled in it pseudo-hydrosol or hydrolat. I no longer use the term Flower Waters at all.

There is a difference between Hydrolats and Hydrosols, as they are different products. I’m not saying that either is better. Both choices have their benefits, but it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting and make sure you’re not overpaying for it.

I get that some folks might not see things the same way and might think differently. Many suppliers and stores use fancy terms in their ads, but they don’t seem to care if people understand them.

Certain hydrosols, such as Geranium, can have an unexpectedly “catty” aroma due to their steam distillation process. Nonetheless, it remains an excellent therapeutic product. The Geranium Hydrolat or Pseudo-Hydrosol (that’s the essential oil in water type) usually has a better fragrance, as expected.

As they are all functional, I don’t consider hydrolats to be “fake” hydrosols. They are only fake if they have been incorrectly described and are sold claiming to be something that they are not. Hydrosols are popular in skincare, but many sellers lack knowledge about them. Some are just being shady, while others simply seem a bit clueless! Always double-check the label and description to distinguish between hydrolat and hydrosol to know exactly what you are getting.

I only discuss Hydrosol (steam distillation) for each water, making it easier for you to understand your purchase.

Hydrosol Benefits for Skincare?

Using hydrosols for skincare is not the only function they have, and they can be used in so many ways. They are like a water-soluble essential oil that can be safely sprayed onto your skin.

You can use them to blend face masks, fragrance rooms, fragrance yourself, and even use them in cooking. I like to use them as part of the water stage when making gels, creams, and lotions. Combining Rose Hydrosol and Orange Blossom Hydrosol produces amazing results. You should try it!

Using Rose Hydrosol for Skincare and Aromatherapy

This is probably one of the most well-known hydrosols. It is said that rose is the world’s most liked fragrance in every culture, closely followed by vanilla. Remember that this hydrosol is the water from steam distilling rose petals to make rose oil. It takes around 250,000 rose petals to produce only 5ml of oil, making the process very labour-intensive. The process is believed to have been developed centuries ago in Persia.

Using *Rose Hydrosol in skincare is desirable for several reasons:

• It is well tolerated and beneficial for all skin types. It is so gentle to your skin, it can even be used on babies.
  
  
• It’s a great humectant, which means it moisturises your skin and it helps your skin to retain that vital moisture.
  
  
• It revitalises dry and mature skin and helps to balance sensitive skin to be more resilient.
  
  
• It controls and balances sebum production, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin.
  
  
• It is gently antiseptic and cooling when used on the skin. It is ideal to use after cleansing or before applying your normal moisturiser.
  
  
• Rose Hydrosol contains antioxidants that are essential for fighting free radicals that would damage your skin.
  
  
• It can help with PMS, cramps, and associated mood swings – it’s great to restore some calm.

Spritz Rose Hydrosol on your skin, then apply Marula Oil to lock in moisture for calm, hydrated skin.

Orange Blossom Hydrosol Benefits for Skin and Mood

This is another popular hydrosol that is well suited to all skin types. It has a haunting, dry aroma and is made by steam distillation of orange blossom. I live in Valencia, Spain, where orange trees line every street, offering shade and beauty. The city smells amazing when the trees bloom, and it noticeably relaxes people.

Here are some things you may not have known about *Orange Blossom Hydrosol:

• It’s also known as Neroli Hydrolat.
  
  
• It’s gentle enough to use on a baby’s skin and has benefits for all skin types.
  
  
• It has a slight astringency which feels comfortable on the skin and makes it effective for acne-prone and greasy skin.
  
  
• Irritated skin is calmed and soothed – that’s good for acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
  
  
• It helps to smooth the skin and keep it moisturised. This is excellent for after-sun products.
  
  
• Spritz a little on your pillow at night to get restful sleep.
  
  
• It’s antispasmodic, antifungal, and antibacterial.
  
  
• Surprisingly helpful at breaking addictive habits, whether that be smoking, drinking, or other destructive behaviours.

Frankincense Hydrosol for Skincare and Relaxation

Frankincense is steam distilled from a gum/resin. The plant is a small tree with woody stems that release resin when the bark is cut. These “tears” of frankincense harden over three months before being harvested and steam distilled into essential oil.

The water condensate is collected, and this is the *Frankincense Hydrosol that is so effective in skincare. In Biblical times, the resin would be left to soak in some water for a while before being taken out and dried for future use. That water was often drunk, used to clean wounds, and was used like a hydrosol in skincare.

• Frankincense Hydrosol can be applied directly to the skin and is effective for toning and improving skin texture.
  
  
• It’s suitable for all skin types, but especially beneficial for mature skin, where it strengthens and regenerates.
  
  
• It’s wonderful to use on acne-prone skin as it is antibacterial and calms down inflammation. It also helps to heal acne scars faster.
  
  
• It helps to dry up excess mucus and expel phlegm from the lungs when sprayed on the back and chest.
  
  
• Wonderfully calming when used in an aromatherapy diffuser.
  
  
• Very good for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Helps to slow down the visible signs of skin ageing. Mix with powdered clay to make a toning facial mask.

Chamomile Hydrosol for Soothing Skin and Senses

This is produced by the steam distillation of chamomile flowers when making chamomile essential oil. There are several varieties of chamomile plants, but they share a lot of similar properties. *Chamomile Hydrosol is a very strong-smelling hydrosol, and you may want to blend it with other hydrosols for skincare use.

• Chamomile Hydrosol calms and tones the skin in a very strong, but gentle way.
  
  
• It’s safe for babies but should be diluted since it’s very potent and effective in small amounts.
  
  
• It has an astringency that makes it excellent for acne-prone skin. It tightens the pores, calms down any irritation, and reduces the redness of the skin.
  
  
• Excellent to lose those eye bags! Soak cotton pads and place them on your eyes while lying down. The astringency cools and tightens the under-eye area. This is really soothing during hayfever season.
  
  
• Excellent for inflamed eczema and psoriasis – it soothes and reduces inflammation.
  
  
• Very handy to spray in a bedroom prior to going to bed. Makes it easier to get off to sleep. Works very well with kids and babies.
  
  
• Spray directly onto your feet as it is antifungal and soothes any athlete’s foot type problems.

Lavender Hydrosol Benefits for Skin and Sleep

*Lavender Hydrosol is commonly adulterated or synthetically produced for use in linen waters for ironing. Get the real thing though, and you will really benefit from using the true steam distilled water.

It’s a great hydrosol to have around the house and can be used neat or blended. Perfect as a room freshener or directly on the skin as a soothing aftershave. It’s one of the most versatile hydrosols in skincare.

• Lavender Hydrosol has wonderful anti-ageing skin benefits including smoothing out fine lines and firming the skin.
  
  
• Helps to control sebum production so is a must-have for oily and acne-prone skin.
  
  
• Takes away the sting of sunburn.
  
  
• Spray a little on your pillow to ease your way into sleep – only a little, as too much can be a stimulant.
  
  
• Has a gentle astringency which makes it very rejuvenating in facial products.
  
  
• Can be used neat, but is often better when blended with other hydrolsols.
  
  
• Calms any irritated skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Rosemary Hydrosol for Hair and Skin

A Rosemary rinse is a well-established thing for your hair, but who actually ever does it? *Rosemary Hydrosol is a really easy way to get the benefits of the herb in a very accessible way. Here are some other great ideas.

• It’s a good tonic for the skin and makes an excellent aftershave spray.
  
  
• Rosemary Hydrosol brightens the complexion and helps to unblock pores.
  
  
• It’s wonderful at clearing the air in a room and making it easier to breathe.
  
  
• It’s excellent for acne-prone skin because it is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
  
  
• Spray it directly onto your hair to soften, condition, and add shine. It’s also a great way to revive and refresh your hair if you have been somewhere smoky.
  
  
• When diffused, it gives clarity and helps to focus your thoughts – wonderful if you have to study.

Tea Tree Hydrosol for Skincare and Cleansing

This is produced by steam distillation of the tree foliage of the tea tree itself. Some find the scent of *Tea Tree Hydrosol “medicinal,” but I love it and think it’s wonderfully fresh. It is very functional and does work very well.

• Tea Tree Hydrosol is almost a first aid kit – spray it on cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
  
  
• Excellent to use on eczema and psoriasis.
  
  
• Very good for someone with acne and even better if combined with Lavender Hydrosol. If you can’t shower after working out or running to work, a quick spritz of Tea Tree Hydrosol will help you feel fresh.
  
  
• Spray it directly on your feet as it is a good antifungal. Spray it directly into shoes and trainers to clean them out.
  
  
• Very useful for cleaning and disinfecting the air when used in a diffuser, and especially useful in the winter season.

Geranium Hydrosol for Balanced Skin and Hair

*Geranium Hydrosol is a steam-distilled water that you might expect to smell lovely, but it often doesn’t have a very pleasant scent. It’s not gross, but it’s not pretty either. It’s worth using though, as it has some extremely desirable attributes that you won’t find in any other hydrosols.

• Can be used by all skin types and is balancing for dry and oily skin to behave more like normal skin.
  
  
• Wonderful for reducing the appearance of thread veins/spider veins on the face.
  
  
• Balancing for acne-prone skin. It has a slight astringency which tightens the pores and cleanses the problem areas.
  
  
• Geranium Hydrosol is a great hair conditioner – spray it directly onto your hair for shiny locks.
  
  
• It helps to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised when used regularly.
  
  
• Please note that this hydrosol, made from steam distillation, doesn’t always smell nice like its essential oil. However, it’s still an excellent hydrosol to use and can always be blended with other hydrosols.
  
  
• Spray neat onto areas of rough skin like elbows, knees, and feet as it is very softening.

Peppermint Hydrosol Benefits for Cooling and Comfort

It takes 1 kg of peppermint leaves to produce 1 litre of *Peppermint Hydrosol. This ratio is important, so the product is standardised and always of good quality. A couple of tablespoons in a glass of water really helps flatulence and digestive upsets. It can be used in several ways, mostly related to cooling down. It has an instant effect and is one of my favourite hydrosols in skincare.

• Peppermint Hydrosol cools the skin and is great for spritzing on your face and neck in hot weather.
  
  
• It soothes itchiness, whether that be from eczema, psoriasis, or insect bites.
  
  
• It reduces pore size and illuminates dull and lifeless skin.
  
  
• It can be used to ease stiff muscles – a great idea to carry in your gym bag!
  
  
• Spritz it straight into your hair if you have an itchy scalp.
  
  
• Helps ease the pain and swelling in hot, inflamed joints, like those stiff knees.
  
  
• Helps with hot flushes and time of life changes.

Witch Hazel Hydrosol for Toning and Relief

It is the classic astringent that every household used to keep in their first aid kit. *Witch Hazel Hydrosol is produced through steam distillation of the plant’s leaves and twigs, making it rich in beneficial ingredients.

It is one of the most commonly known ways of using hydrosols in skincare, but be careful about what you buy. Many commercial Witch Hazel products are actually a large percentage of alcohol with just a little Witch Hazel Extract. Make sure you get the hydrosol.

• It is rich in antioxidants which tackle free radical activity in your skin. This protects collagen and elastin from being damaged.
  
  
• It can be used as a toner on its own, although some people may find it a little too astringent. If so, blend it with one of the other hydrosols.
  
  
• It tightens the skin and reduces pore size, and as an anti-inflammatory, is an ideal choice for acne-prone skin.
  
  
• Wonderful to remove puffy eye bags, whether you have hay fever or have watched a weepy movie. Dampen some cotton pads with Witch Hazel Hydrosol and rest them on your eyelids for 15 minutes.
  
  
• It’s often used in cellulite products and varicose vein products as it is a venous constrictor.
  
  
• Once on the skin, it gives an immediate cooling sensation which is very nice in the hot weather. Even better when blended with Peppermint Hydrosol.
  
  
• It helps with healing haemorrhoids, eczema, and psoriasis, although I do not suggest using it directly for those conditions. Make it into a gel for better and gentler application.

Sandalwood Hydrosol for Skincare and Serenity

Sandalwood essential oil is made by steam distilling the heartwood chippings of the sandalwood tree. The resulting *Sandalwood Hydrosol has a wonderful, warm aroma that is very seductive and long-lasting. 

• Sandalwood Hydrosol balances the skin and really helps to improve dry and problem skin.
  
  
• It targets fine lines and wrinkles and is essential in quality anti-ageing products. Use it before moisturisers and serums.
  
  
• It’s very soothing and calming, making it perfect for spraying on eczema and psoriasis to reduce inflammation.
  
  
• Whether you use it on yourself or in a diffuser, you will find it calms and relaxes you.
  
  
• It soothes skin rashes and quickly works with acne to reduce redness and inflammation. It prevents further infection.

Hydrosols in Cannabis Skincare

Hydrosols are basically water-based extracts that offer a cool way to incorporate cannabis into skincare. They’re different from the usual fat-based cannabis products you might be used to.

Cannabis compounds like THC and CBD mix really well with fats, which makes them great for blending into oils, butters, and creamy balms. However, water-soluble cannabis isolates (specially processed forms of cannabinoids) do exist and open up exciting possibilities for pairing with hydrosols.

These isolates blend nicely with hydrosols or light gels, giving you the great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant perks of cannabis without that greasy feel. Combining Lavender hydrosol with a water-soluble CBD isolate creates a soothing mist that calms irritated skin and reduces redness, effectively merging hydrosol simplicity with cannabis benefits.

Conclusion

So, you probably get it by now – sometimes a hydrosol and a hydrolat are pretty much the same thing, but other times, they can be really different. It really comes down to how well the seller knows their stuff and whether they’re being honest and trustworthy about what they’re selling. They need to really understand the product and label it correctly.

I hope I’ve given you enough reasons to try hydrosols in your skincare routine. The products linked on Amazon are all steam-distilled hydrosols. Some larger bottles already contain a gentle preservative. If you decant into a smaller bottle, store the larger one in the fridge to prevent fungal contamination.

Using hydrosols in your skincare routine is super simple, and honestly, it feels great and smells amazing too! Plus, they’re really good for your skin.

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