Skincare has trends like any other industry but natural skincare is a growing segment that has developed a dedicated customer base. The soothing properties of a product often used in aromatherapy, hydrosol, is a big player in natural skincare. Hydrosols are used in skincare, haircare, and aromatherapy.
If you want to learn how to improve your skincare, hydrosols are what you are looking for. This simple guide explains everything you need to know about hydrosols. Here, you will learn everything you need to know including how hydrosols are made and how you can incorporate them into your routine.
What is a Hydrosol?
Hydrosols are a water product made in the steam distillation of flowers, leaves, herbs, and other plant parts. Studded with water-soluble plant particles and a small amount of essential oil, hydrosols contain the aromas and therapeutic effects of the plant.
Hydrosols are commonly known as floral waters, herbal waters, and plant waters. Hydrosols can be used directly on the skin and are recommended for daily skincare and the treatment of sensitive skin.
Great options for hydrosols are calming sprays, skin toners, facial mists, and a natural refresher.
How Hydrosols are Made
The steam distillation process has several steps that include the following:
- The plant is introduced into the chamber with steam and heated
- The steam becomes infused with the plant’s aromatic compounds
- The steam is cooled and condensed into a liquid
- Essential oil and aromatic water are separated
What remains and is known as hydrosol is the aromatic water.
This process preserves many beneficial qualities of plants in a diluted and skin-friendly way. Because of their natural composition, hydrosols are often preferred over other skincare options for those looking for gentle and effective skincare.
Hydrosol and Essential Oil
Hydrosols and essential oils originate from the same process but are very different from each other in strength and usage.
Hydrosols
- Water based
- Gentle and mild
- Can be applied to the skin
- Used frequently
- Not overwhelming
- Natural fragrance
Essential Oils
- Concentrated
- Oil based
- Need to be diluted
- Strong scent
- May irritate skin
For those looking for a natural skincare option, hydrosols may be preferred over essential oils.
For What Reasons Are Hydrosols Used in Skincare
Skincare and hydrosols are paired together because of the benefits of hydration with the added freshness and soothing effects. They're lightweight and refreshing which is why many opt to incorporate them into their daily routines.
Some common skincare reasons people use hydrosols include:
- Hydrating dry skin
- Refreshing tired skin
- Reducing redness
- Balancing oily skin
- Cooling the face in hot weather
- Preparing the skin before moisturizers
- Calming sensitive skin
Because of their different qualities, nearly every skin type will benefit from hydrosols.
What These Different Hydrosols Can Offer
Depending on the plant used during distillation of the hydrosol, different hydrosols offer different skin benefits.
Rose Hydrosol
One of the more popular hydrosols in skincare, this floral water is especially valued because of its calming and hydrating qualities.
Benefits of Hydrosols
- Hydrosols help with dull skin
- They also help with dehydration
- Help improve skin’s smoothness
- Leave skin smelling pleasant with a floral scent
Lavender Hydrosol
Lavender hydrosol is the go-to for calming irritated or stressed skin.
- Best Uses
- Cool facial spray
- Relaxing sleep spray
- Calm irritated skin
Chamomile Hydrosol
Chamomile Hydrosol is known for its gentle, comforting, calming properties
- Common Benefits
- Less skin discomfort
- Smoother skin
- Calm skin’s redness
Peppermint Hydrosol
Peppermint hydrosol is known for its skin-cooling effect and invigorating qualities in hot weather.
- Uses
- Cooling spray
- Freshening scalp spray
- Cooling spray for after working out
Tea Tree Hydrosol
Tea tree hydrosol is known for snagging its cleansing properties for skin that is oily or blemish-prone.
How To Use Hydrosols in Skincare
Hydrosols are easy to include in daily skincare routines. They have many uses throughout the day.
Facial Mist
Hydrosol can be used as a spray to cool and hydrate your face throughout the day.
Toner
Hydrosol can be used after cleansing to prepare the skin for any moisturizer or serum.
Prep Makeup
Hydrosol can be used as a lightly refreshing spray to prepare skin for makeup.
Outdoor Freshness
Hydrosol sprayed on skin after sun exposure feels refreshing and cooling for your skin.
Hair and Scalp Mist
Hydrosol can be sprayed on scalp or hair for a refreshing feeling.
DIY Face Masks
Hydrosol can be used with clay or powder to mix a DIY face mask.
Tips For Selecting Quality Hydrosol
Hydrosol products don’t all come from the same quality standards. When looking for the best results, getting pure hydrosol is key.
The following standards should be met:
- 100% pure plant distillation
- No artificial fragrance
- Alcohol-free
- Dark glass packaging
- Clear ingredient labeling
- Directions for adequate storage
Hydrosols should smell natural and refreshing. It should never smell like strong perfume. Hydrosols best stay cool for maintain their freshness.
Hydrosols Can Treat Sensitive Skin?
Hydrosols are recommended for sensitive skin, as compared to essential oils which have a higher concentration compared to hydrosols. Also, there hydrosols are more gentle towards the skin compared to stronger hydrosols that may irritate the skin.
It is important to consider each hydrosol and the sensitivity/reaction of your skin to those hydrosols individually.
Sensitive skin may prefer:
- Rose hydrosol
- Chamomile hydrosol
- Lavender hydrosol
Each of these hydrosols is said to have a gentler hydrosol and also to have a cooling and calming effect on the skin.
Why Use Hydrosols?
Hydrosols are a great way to achieve the results of plant based skincare while still being gentle to the skin. This makes them great for people who plan on achieving more lightweight skincare without the heavy ingredients while being refreshing.
Hydrosols are great to achieve:
- A refreshing effect on the skin
- An increase in hydration on the skin
- A cooling effect on the sensitive area of the body
- A healthy routine for skin care
- A fragrant skin care routine without the use of synthetic perfumes
Lastly, hydrosols may be great to achieve the results of a cooling spray, a gentle mist, or a refreshing skin care routine.
Conclusion
Hydrosols gently hydrate many different skin types. Great for natural skincare routine seekers, hydrosols can easily replace natural skincare routines with a refreshing daily product.
Hydrosols can serve many skincare needs and can refresh your routines. Natural results rely on your know-how regarding the use and choice of hydrosols.
If you are looking for premium skincare and fragrance, gentle hydrosols can unite you with the nature-inspired beauty and wellness that interior designers most demand.
FAQs
1. Can hydrosols be used every day?
Yes, hydrosols are gentle enough for daily use.
2. Are hydrosols better than toners?
Hydrosols are natural toners that are better for mild, alcohol free environments.