It's great for cooling and soothing irritated skin (especially from bug bites) and may help improve the appearance of skin that's been damaged by minor cuts and burns. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it's great for reducing redness. And, of course, its natural aroma is extremely relaxing.
A hydrosol is made using steam distillation of various aromatic plant matter. Plant material is boiled and then simmered, which creates steam. The hot steam passes through plant material and then rises to the top. On it's way, it passes through ice, which cools it down.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract is extracted from the cucumber plant it has skin conditioning properties. It is a versatile extract that can be added to add beneficial hydrating properties many personal care products. It works well in many topicals, such as lotions, creams, soap, excreta.
Hydrosols do need to be stored properly. A cool, dark environment (like a refrigerator) is best, and make sure to check them often for any cloudiness or mold. Since hydrosols contain no preservatives, they have relatively short shelf lives of between 6 months to 2 years.
Yes, hydrosols are good for the skin. They have mild benefits compared to essential oils, however. The benefits of hydrosols for the skin depends on which plant or plants it's made from, but they can be moisturizing, toning and soothing.
Hydrosols are the condensate result of steam distillation of plants or flowers produced when creating a natural essential oil. A pure hydrosol will be solely plant-based and food grade — meaning edible.
Hydrosols are slightly acidic, with a Ph. that ranges from 4.8-5.9, depending on your botanical material. The final product is a pure, plant derived distillate, which has light fragrance and chemical activity with a wide range of traditional uses.
Differences between hydrosols and essential oils:Hydrosols contain the water-soluble parts of the plant, whereas essential oils are made up of the fat-soluble constituents. Most hydrosols have a shelf life of 8 – 18 months, whereas most essential oils have a shelf life of 3 – 8 years.
Damascus rose is one of the best known and renowned hydrosols because it is suitable for all skin types. Like most hydrosols, it has astringent properties. It also helps comfort reactive and redness-prone skin.
Organic Witch Hazel hydrosol is essentially another name for an organic non-alcoholic Witch Hazel distillate. It is the pure, distillate that is steam distilled from the original Witch Hazel plant material.
Rosewater is scented water with oils made with rose petals while rose water hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after steam-distilling of roses. Rosewater is water infused with the essential oil of roses. In contrast, rose hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after steam-distilling of roses.
Use Chamomile Hydrolat as a cleanser and toner for generally sensitive skin – and you can add it to your regular cream or lotion to help moisturise too. Add 1ml of hydrolat to 9ml of lotion or cream. Use Lavender or Rose Hydrolat as a cleanser or toner to balance dry skin.
Using cucumber hydrosol can soften and soothe your skin. Cucumber naturally has conditioning properties. Therefore, cucumber hydrosol uses this property and helps to soothe skin along with softening it. Furthermore, it also boasts of moisturizing elements that make it useful for oily skin as well.
These three Hydrosols are particularly sought after for their hair care benefits.
Lavandula Hydrosol, also available in an Organic variety, contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe dry, itchy, and irritated scalps.
Hydrosols for Hair Care
- Jasmine Sambac Hydrosol.
- Neroli Hydrosol.
- Rose Damnascena.
Thanks to its ability to clarify and balance skin, rose hydrosol can help maintain the skin's natural pH balance and help control excess oil – great news for oily skin types! Rose hydrosol can help remove pore-clogging impurities and diminish the appearance of enlarged pores for a more toned, smooth complexion.
Store your hydrosols in a room that is kept cool and dry. Hydrosols can be refrigerated (not frozen!) to prolong their shelf life. Don't allow unsterilized items like your fingers, cotton balls or other items to come into direct contact with the hydrosols you are storing.
You can increase the longevity of your hydrosol by storing the bottle in the fridge or in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and light. Many hydrosols will last 1-2 years in a fridge. Hydrosols kept on the shelf, or in a car or bag should be used within six months of purchase.
The containers used to hold the hydrosols should remain intact and free of contamination, when closed and sealed in their original containers and stored under appropriate conditions for up to 6 months (in rare cases up to one year).
