Hydrosols 101: All You Need To Know About Our Natural Mists

What Are Hydrosols

These lightly scented mists are made with a balanced formula of potent botanicals and water, giving them a milder aroma than essential oils. Packed into a convenient spray bottle, they help you feel refreshed, nourished and soothed anytime, anywhere.

How To Use Hydrosols

Mist Them Over Your Face Or Skin

Whether you’re looking for a quick morning cleanup or a soothing cleanser to restore your skin, our compact hydrosols will keep your complexion fresh!

Spritz Them On Pillows

French lavender hydrosol is ideal for relaxing at any time of day, but it is especially soothing when sprayed on your bed or bath linens to help you unwind at night.

Spritz Around Rooms To Transform Spaces

Give your space a vacation vibe with zesty scents. Refresh your room ambiance with tropical lemon hydrosols or get re-energized before you start your morning grind.

In-Dept Understanding of Hydrosols

In simple words hydrosols are aromatic or scented water, but gentler than essential oils. A hydrosol is water with fragrance obtained as a byproduct during the distillation process of leaves, fruits, barks, rhizomes, petals, buds and flowers for extracting essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated plant oil extracts. The hydrosols have the same compounds and therapeutic properties as the essential oils from which they were obtained, however in milder portions. The presence of the ingredients is less concentrated, the therapeutic benefits are comparatively lesser and the aroma is gentler. However, when using a hydrosol, one need not dilute the solution as it is just aromatic water with good benefits. Hydrosol is aromatic water and is sometimes referred to as aromatic water as well. At Gya Labs, hydrosols are sold as mists. Here you can find the following hydrosols: -

• Neroli hydrosol
• Helichrysum hydrosol
• Rose geranium
• Wild carrot
• Rose water toner (rosewater) and more

How Are the Hydrosols Manufactured?

Hydrosols are made from or rather hydrosols are made during the extraction of essential oils from the steam distillation process. There are different methods of extracting essential oils from plant parts including the leaves, fruits, barks, rhizomes, petals, buds and flowers. Steam distillation is the popular process of extraction of the organic plant oils. The plant parts are placed inside a steam distillery to extract the volatile aromatic compounds. The plant parts inside the steam distillery are subjected to hot steam which causes the parts to release its compounds and oils into the steam, which flows through a tube and is separated using a condenser (a distilling apparatus) into a cold condensing chamber. (Think of it as a cooking process, wherein the heat and the oil or water causes the food to release aroma.) The temperature inside the chamber causes the steam to revert to its original fluid form; in this case it condenses back to oil and water. And as you know, oil floats on top of the water and is filtered off. What we have left behind is the aromatic water called hydrosol.

Hydrosol Shelf Life and Need For Preservatives

Hydro means water and sol means solution – so hydrosol basically means water solution.

Hydrosols are sometimes referred to as hydrolats where the lat is a suffix that means the “product of a process”. However, in its nomenclature aroma got lost. It is basically aromatic water solution. Hydrosols are water leftover after the steam distillation of plant parts. This water has water soluble nutrients from the plant parts. The water soluble nutrients include hydrophilic and lipophilic nutrients. The hydrosols are obtained through the process of steam distillation where the steam is captures and condenses; hence, the chances of dirt and microbes from the source plant in hydrosols are negligible. It also does not have any contaminants and hence can be stored properly in a glass bottle for several months. Some hydrosols lasts more than a few years even after opening the seal of the bottle. Hence hydrosols are kept all natural and do not need preservatives to extend its shelf life.

Benefits of Hydrosols (Aromatic Water)

Hydrosol and essential oil both come from the same parent source (i.e. plant material), and hence shares the same properties. Many people prefer using hydrosols instead of essential oils because of the versatility in using the oils as well as the ease of use. It is easy to use because one need not go through the hassle of diluting the oil or be overly careful about contact with skin. Essential oils are concentrated and volatile oils and can cause adverse reactions on the skin if applied without dilution. Hydrosols on the other hand have high water content and can be applied directly on the skin. In other words hydrosols are already super diluted with water; no diluting agents such as carrier oils are needed to topical application. In case of the hydrosol mists at Gya Labs, you can spray the mist and get going. Hydrosols are water-soluble and are used for hydration of the skin and for removing the blemish. It gives the skin a plump look.

Hydrosol has similar properties as its essential oil, albeit in small proportions. Hydrosols can be used in skincare and hair care products as well as in mild aromatherapy sessions. Hydrosols find a special place in skin care as it is an ideal replacement for chemical laden cosmetic products. For example, it can be used as a toner to remove dirt, sebum and makeup from the face. Hydrosol products are almost similar to essential oils and like the essential oils these are used in skincare products as it soothe skin.

Plants From Which Popular Hydrosols Are Made

The hydrosols have similar properties to its essential oil counterparts, but hydrosols are preferred for its aroma. Some of the plants that are commonly used to extract hydrosols are mentioned here.

• Lavender Hydrosol – Lavender essential oil is perhaps the most popular essential oil and is useful in a wide range of therapeutic purposes. Lavender hydrosol has a gentle floral aroma and good benefits. It has a soothing effect on the skin and is used to calm inflammation of the skin or irritated skin. It can also be used to wash the face in the morning to tackle puffy eyes. It maintains the texture of the skin and gives the skin a nice aroma.
• Rose Hydrosol – One of the most popular scents in the world is rose. Perhaps the only flower with a scent named after it. However, other than its scent, rose flowers also have many benefits for skin as well as health. The hydrosol of rose or rose hydrosol is also quite popular as its essential oil counterpart. It should not however be confused with rose water. Rose hydrosol has obvious hydrating or moisturizing effect and is also a purifier. Rose hydrosol (similar to rose essential oil) is suitable for topical application on all skin types. The aromatic water of rose can reverse the signs of ageing when used regularly and is a natural toner. It tones and moisturizes the skin. Applying rose hydrosol regularly regulates sebum secretion of the skin, maintains the pH balance and gives the skin a fresh look.
• Witch Hazel – Those familiar with the world of aromatherapy, essential oils and hydrosols might have come across witch hazel numerous times. Witch hazel is a popular and common ingredient in DIY blends. However, it has a pungent herbaceous fragrance that may not be suitable for everyone. Those who like the aroma of witch hazel can use for skin care. It is used as an ingredient in toners. In fact, witch hazel hydrosol can be the first preference for your toner needs. Now, you can avoid the alcohol based cosmetic from stores. It is most suited for those with oily and acne prone skin.
• Roman Chamomile Hydrosol – The essential oils of chamomile are considered the safest, and hence the Roman chamomile can be used without fear on young children. It has a soothing effect and it hydrates the skin and hair. It restores the damage to the skin and gives it its natural beauty. It is suitable for all skin types, especially on sensitive skin

Uses of Hydrosol

Hydrosols For Skincare

Hydrosols are a boon to many chemical cosmetics that people put on their faces. These aromatic waters have many important properties that help the skin conditions as well as also treat many health conditions. Hydrosols can be made an important part of your skincare routine. Hydrosols have natural cleansing properties and hence can be used as cleaning products as well, for cleaning floors, doors and furniture.

Hydrosol as Face Toner

The use of hydrosol as a face toner is its most popular use. It is due to the fact that hydrosols are gentle to the touch. Hydrosols are aromatic water and can be used without having to dilute it first. The most common use of hydrosol is in facial toners. Hydrosols can be used as a toner as a standalone product or it can be used in combination with other products. By using hydrosol as facial toners the face will stay hydrated. Some of the popular choices at Gya Labs for hydrosols for face are eucalyptus hydrosol, French lavender hydrosol, peppermint hydrosol and ylang ylang hydrosol.

Hydrosol as Blending Agent

Hydrosols can blend well with other products including essential oils, face masks and hair masks. It can be used regularly to mix shampoos and face washes. The soothing effect of hydrosols will work wonders on the skin. Sometimes hydrosols are mixed with oils to help the skin absorb the oils quicker.

Hydrosols For Makeup

Fixers in makeup give a glow to the final look and keep the makeup immune to humidity and sweat. Hydrosol can be a good substitute for makeup fixers. By adding hydrosols to a spritzer, one can make own makeup fixer. Spray the hydrosol water on the face after applying the makeup to prevent lump formation of makeup and to give the makeup a glow. Additionally, the hydrosol will hydrate the skin.

pH value Balancer Hydrosol

The skin has a ph value; if it goes below a certain value, it is considered acidic and if goes above that value it is considered alkaline. If the pH is acidic the skin will suffer from inflammation and acne breakouts, and if it is alkaline it will look flaky. Hydrosol water maintains the pH level balance of the skin. Apply hydrosol after cleaning the face. You can use it in face masks or while washing off any creams or lotions from the face.

Hydrosol For Clothes

The aroma of the hydrosol is neither too strong nor too weak and hence can be used on clothes and they are stainless. The hydrosol mists can be copiously sprayed on sofas, clothes, curtains, bed sheets, pillows etc. to spread the fragrance.

Hydrosol Air Freshener

If hydrosols work for the clothes, hydrosols must work for the air. Hydrosols are stored in a spritzer and sprayed in the room to maintain the moisture level within the house and give the house a nice welcoming aroma. Hydrosols are non toxic and can be sprayed in the room without fear.

Floor Cleaning Hydrosol

Hydrosols contain natural cleansing properties. They can be mixed with essential oils and water and used to clean the floor of the house on a weekly basis.

Hydrosol versus Floral Water

Hydrosol is often confused with floral water. Essential oil users might have heard both floral water and hydrosol, because they are used interchangeably, but should not be.

Hydrosols are harder to find in the supermarket aisle, and thus its space got captured by floral water. Hydrosols are byproducts of the steam distillation process, but floral waters are manufactured by mixing small fraction of essential oils with de-ionized water.

Hydrosol versus Toner

Toners are used in skincare to remove dirt, debris and sebum from the skin. Instead of using toners from the stores, which are expensive and have chemicals in it, use natural hydrosols which do not contain dyes, preservatives or alcohol. Try to avoid synthetic hydrosols. Genuine hydrosols are aromatic water solution with plentiful nutrients that can be absorbed through the skin. It is used in skin care because of its nourishing properties. It not only hydrates the face and skin, but gives a pleasant aroma.

Hydrosols versus Essential Oils

Both the wonderful fluids, hydrosols and essential oils, are made from the same process, steam distillation or hydro distillation. The product and byproduct of the steam distillation process of leaves, fruits, barks, rhizomes, petals, buds and flowers are essential oils and hydrosols respectively. Hydrosol contains the water soluble nutrients of the plant whereas essential oils contain the oil soluble nutrients of the plant. During the process both the products are collected in the condenser chamber from where it is separated.

Hydrosols are gentle and are considered as the lighter version of essential oils, because essential oils are concentrated and volatile and may harm the skin up on direct application to the skin. Essential oils were used for medicinal purposes with extreme care. Hydrosols also offered medicinal benefits because of its nutrients, but not as much as essential oils. Hydrosols are even considered to be diluted essential oils; this is however, not true. Each product serve own purpose. Hydrosols from the plants are pleasant and soothing.

How To Make Hydrosols From Essential Oils?

Steam distillation or hydro distillation is the best method of obtaining hydrosols during essential oil extraction. The product and the byproduct are extracted only in this method.

The other method of essential oil extraction including CO2 extraction and solvent extraction only gives essential oils, but not hydrosols. Even the oils obtained through this process are not that preferred as the heat and chemicals harm the compounds and nutrients in the oil.

Distinguishing Fake Hydrosols

There are several spurious or fake hydrosols available in the market. One should know how to distinguish the real from the fake to get the best hydrosol. So, here are a few tests to do to find out the real from the fake.

• Shake test – If you shake a bottle of water, will it result in foam formation? No. Similarly, real hydrosols will not form foam when shaken. But, fake hydrosols are mixed with solubilisers (substances which make insoluble fluids water soluble) and it results in foam when shaken.
• Ingredient list – Fake products lists the fake International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). Check the product ingredients of a genuine hydrosol and compare it to the one you plan to buy. Also check the label for terms like steam distilled
• Trustworthy Vendor – The easiest way to get your hands on genuine hydrosol is to buy it from a vendor or online store that has repute for selling genuine products. Reputed vendors do not risk selling fake hydrosols and tarnishing their reputations. Buying healthcare products from e-commerce aggregator sites are also risky as there are different vendors that sell different products. You can directly login into Gya Labs and buy hydrosols based on your preference and needs.

Uses of Hydrosol in Skincare

Hydrosols are mostly used in skincare, even though it has other uses. The aromatic water solution is rich in nutrients. It is used in skin care because of its nourishing properties. It not only hydrates the face and skin, giving it a pleasant aroma, it also helps the skin to better absorb face creams, lotions and essential oils. It thus keeps the skin healthy, young looking and bright. Hydrosols mix well with oils and face creams and hence it can be blended for skin care. But, while blending hydrosols with other ingredients be wary of the skin type.

Hydrosols and hydrosol blends are a cost effective way of upping your skincare game.

Hydrosols are extensively used as toners as it is a natural way of using cleansing the face. It contains no dyes, preservatives or alcohol. A true skincare regimen is incomplete without hydrosols.