Floral water vs hydrosol, what's the difference?

Definition of Hydrosol

A hydrosol, also known as a hydrolat, is a water-soluble liquid collected during the steam distillation of plants. It can be obtained from any aerial part of the plant, including leaves, twigs, flowering tops, resins, and more.Hydrosols contain the same aromatic compounds as the corresponding essential oil, but in much lower concentrations. As a result, they generally offer similar beneficial properties in a much gentler form. This makes them a particularly interesting option for people who cannot use essential oils, including pregnant women.

Example: Our Cypress Hydrosol is produced by steam-distilling fresh cypress twigs.

Did you know?

Some plants, such as linden, cannot be used to produce essential oils. However, it is still possible to make hydrosols from them.

How should it be used?

1. In cosmetics: pure or diluted, hydrosols can be sprayed or applied as compresses to refresh the skin, remove limescale residue, and even revitalise the appearance of your hair. They can also be used as an excipient in your beauty product recipes, for example, to replace water in an emulsion.

2. In aromatic baths: hydrosols can be used to subtly perfume the water in your bathtub.

3. In perfume: hydrosols can be used to make pillow mists or body mists.

Floral water: definition

A floral water is a “flower hydrosol,” made exclusively from flowers. It is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers of the desired plant species. The steam becomes charged with aromatic molecules, which give the water its fragrance and specific properties. Once cooled in the still, the steam condenses from a gaseous to a liquid state. As with hydrosols, distillers sometimes pass these small waters over the flowers several times, a technique known as cohobation, to further enrich them with their fragrance. The finished product is therefore a genuine skincare water.

Example: Cornflower water is a floral water made exclusively from the flowers of Centaurea cyanus.

How to use it?

• For taking care of your skin & hair: apply it pure or diluted to your skin or use it as an excipient in your cosmetic recipes, such as lotions, emulsions, or serums.

• For perfuming your baths: pour a few tablespoons of floral water into your bathtub to enhance your moment of relaxation.

• For making scented waters: floral waters add a very soft scent to your recipes for alcoholic perfumes, room sprays, or body waters.

Hydrosols and floral waters are by-products of the distillation process of plants (aromatic or otherwise). They are the water-soluble fraction that is recovered during the extraction of the plant's essential oil (the latter being the oil-soluble fraction).

The only difference: it is not the same part of the plant that is distilled. In the case of hydrosols, it can be any aerial part of the original plant (leaves, stems, bark, flowers, etc.). In the case of floral waters, only the flowers of the plant are distilled.

Good to know

Despite this difference, we tend to use the word "hydrosol" as a generic term that also encompasses floral waters.

Organic Corsican Clementine Petitgrain Hydrosol

Its purifying properties help improve the appearance of oily skin and oily scalps.

Discover Organic Corsican Clementine Petitgrain Hydrosol

Organic Cévennes Bamboo Hydrosol

Ideal for combination skin prone to shine in the T-zone, it mattifies and softens the skin thanks to its natural silica content.

Discover Organic Cévennes Bamboo Hydrosol

Organic French Linden Hydrosol

Soothing and calming, it cares for dry skin and brightens the complexion.

Discover Organic French Linden Hydrosol

Organic Yarrow Hydrosol

Traditionally recommended for sensitive skin, it combats minor redness and skin discomfort.

Discover Organic Yarrow Hydrosol

Focus on Organic Cornflower Hydrosol

This hydrosol is traditionally known as a true panacea for soothing and revitalizing tired or delicate eyes. It can be used in your makeup remover and soothing skincare preparations. It is also renowned for toning the skin.

As they contain fewer active molecules than essential oils, hydrosols and floral waters are very easy to use. They are just as easy to combine, either with each other (mixing several hydrosols/floral waters) or with other aqueous substances. This is an opportunity to create beautiful plant synergies to target the beauty concerns of your skin type. Here are a few examples of synergistic combinations to guide and inspire you.

• You have redness: orange blossom hydrosol + rockrose hydrosol.

• You have blemishes: Spike lavender hydrosol + Tea tree hydrosol.

• You have a dull complexion: wild carrot hydrosol + ylang-ylang hydrosol.

• You have sensitive skin: Roman chamomile hydrosol + calendula hydrosol.

• You have fine lines and wrinkles : wild frankincense hydrosol + Damask rose hydrosol.

In our nature notebook, you will find hydrosols, floral waters... but also aromatic waters! Unlike hydrosols, the latter are not obtained by direct distillation of the plant. They are often produced by steam redistillation of a mixture of water and aromatic substances, such as essential oils and absolutes. This is the case with our aromatic waters of Yuzu, Lemon Litsea, Sambac Jasmine, and Sandalwood. The method of use (cosmetics, aromatic bath, perfume, etc.) varies from one aromatic water to another. You will find all the necessary information and our recommendations on our technical data sheets.

Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in web media. Every day she writes tips, advice, and guides to help consumers choose the right beauty products. With a strong interest in natural, organic, and clean cosmetics, she analyses and shares trends and innovations in the sector.