Skin Care Aromatherapy – How to Use Hydrosols

By Caryn Gehlmann

Now that I own a lavender farm, I am distilling on a regular basis and enjoying the hands on experience. Many don’t realize that when aromatic plants are distilled, two products are created in the process: the essential oil (which is lipophilic or “oil loving”) and the hydrosol (which is hydrophilic or “water loving”). Essential oils tend to get most of the attention, however hydrosols, are an important part of aromatherapy, especially when it comes to skin care. So I’m eager to share with you how to use hydrosols in your personal aromatherapy routines.

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or flower waters, contain the water-soluble constituents of the plant and micro-droplets of essential oils. The properties of the hydrosol are similar to the properties of the essential oil, but are much less concentrated. They have a softer, subtler aroma and a gentler action.

What should you keep in mind when you’re purchasing hydrosols?

Like everything else that is marketed as a “natural” product, you want to look at the list of ingredients. To benefit the most from hydrosols, you want to avoid anything that contains synthetic compounds. Also, be on the lookout for man-made products that use natural ingredients, such as water and essential oils, but don’t qualify as true hydrosols. Remember, hydrosols are created through the distillation process and the compounds that are absorbed in the water aren’t found in the corresponding essential oil. Fascinating, isn’t it?

I’m happy to announce the release of two new flower waters, that are true hydrosols, to our product line: Lavender Floral Water and Orange Blossom (Neroli) Floral Water. We believe these are great options if you want to hydrate your skin naturally. Be aware that not all hydrosols are appropriate for skin care.
We’re very fortunate to have Joni Keim on our panel of experts here at e3. Joni is a licensed aesthetician and has certificates in aromatherapy, holistic health sciences, and nutrition with over 30 years of experience. She’s also updating her book, Natural Skin Care: Alternative and Traditional Techniques. I’ll make sure to let you know when the new release is available! I asked Joni to share some tips on using hydrosols as part of your skin care regiment. Here’s what she told me:

“Hydrosols are a fresh product and should be received fresh and then kept refrigerated. They are hydrating and conditioning for skin care and can be used instead of, or in addition to, water in toners, facial and body mists, masks, moisturizers, and serums. The most commonly used hydrosols for skin care include: Chamomile (German and Roman), Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Helichrysum, and Geranium.”

Here are some of Joni’s tips on how to use hydrosols:

• The best way is to use your hydrosol is to mist.
• Use it to refresh and rehydrate your skin throughout the day.
• When using under your moisturizer, allow it to set for a bit to hydrate the skin and just before it has dried, apply your moisturizer.
• You can use over your moisturizer, but make sure the moisturizer contains a humectant that will attract and hold the moisture from the hydrosol next to the skin to boost the moisturization. If your moisturizer doesn’t contain a humectant, make sure the hydrosol sets on the skin until almost dry, and then a moisturizer or facial oil can be applied.

If you have any more questions about how to use hydrosols, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you. And make sure to share your feedback on our new skin care flower waters. We rely on your insights to continue developing new products!

If you’d like to try distillation for yourself, make sure to sign-up for one of my Lavender Essential Oil/Hydrosol Distilling Classes at Lavender Fields Forever. You’ll be able to harvest the lavender, distill essential oil and hydrosol, and take home your own bottle of essential oil and hydrosol.