Hydrosols and floral waters are popular swaps for plain water in toners, mists and creams. Here is what they are, how rose water compares with rose hydrosol, and how to use them safely in your own skincare.
What is a hydrosol?
A hydrosol is the aromatic water collected when plant material such as rose petals or lavender flowers is steam distilled. As the steam cools, the essential oil separates out, and the water left behind carries a small amount of the plant's water-soluble aromatic compounds. That gives a hydrosol a soft, natural scent that is far milder than the essential oil.
What is a floral water?
The term is used in two ways. Some suppliers use it as another name for a hydrosol. Others use it for water blended with a small amount of essential oil, a solubiliser to disperse the oil, and a preservative. Check the ingredient list (INCI) to see which you are buying.
Is rose water the same as rose hydrosol?
Sometimes. "Rose water" is the everyday name, and it can mean a true rose hydrosol or plain water with rose oil or fragrance added. A true hydrosol is distilled from the petals and is usually listed on the label as a rose flower water, for example Rosa Damascena Flower Water. If the ingredient list shows water plus "parfum" or "fragrance", it is a scented water rather than a hydrosol. Our Rose Hydrosol is a true distilled rose water.
Do hydrosols need a preservative?
Yes, once they are in a product. Distillation produces a clean water, but hydrosols contain no preservative of their own and can grow bacteria and mould after opening. Store them cool and dark, use clean tools, and add a broad-spectrum preservative to any toner, mist or cream you make with them.
How to use hydrosols and floral waters
- Toners and facial mists: use as the main liquid in a toner or mist, with a preservative.
- Creams and lotions: replace part or all of the water phase for a light, natural scent.
- Clay masks: mix with clay instead of water for a softer, scented mask.
- Gels: stir up to 10% into a ready-made gel base for a lightly scented gel.
A simple floral face mist
- Pour your chosen hydrosol into a clean, sanitised spray bottle, leaving a little room at the top.
- Add about 2% glycerin for a softer, more moisturising feel.
- Add a broad-spectrum preservative that works in water-based products, at the rate its supplier recommends.
- Close the bottle, shake well and label it with the date you made it.
Shake before each use and patch test before using it on your face. Leave out essential oils unless you add a solubiliser, as oil won't mix evenly with water.
Which hydrosol should I choose?
- Rose Hydrosol: a soft, sweet floral scent, popular in toners and face mists.
- Lavender Hydrosol: a fresh, herbal floral scent for mists, toners and body products.
- Chamomile Floral Water: a gentle, apple-like scent for toners and products for delicate skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use floral water on sensitive skin?
Hydrosols are much milder than essential oils and suit most skin types. Patch test first, as anyone can react to a plant ingredient.
Is floral water the same as an essential oil?
No. An essential oil is the concentrated oil from distillation. A hydrosol is the water left behind, which carries only a small amount of the plant's aroma.
How should I store hydrosols?
Keep them sealed, cool and away from light, and use clean tools when you decant them. Check the best-before date on the label.
Browse our full range of hydrosols and floral waters in retail and wholesale sizes, and pair them with our Aloe Vera Gel or cosmetic clays.
